Nissan Altima

Importing a used Nissan Altima from the USA

The Nissan Altima is one of the best-selling midsize sedans in America, which is exactly why it is an easy and affordable car to source used from the United States. It was never a strong seller in Europe, so importing a used Altima from the USA gives German and EU drivers access to a roomy, comfortable four-door that is uncommon on this side of the Atlantic. USCar Trader works purely as an independent broker: we find the specific Altima you want, inspect it, and manage the shipping and paperwork — no dealer stock, no vehicle margin.

Model history: years and generations

The Altima's modern chapters are the fifth generation (L33, 2013–2018) and the sixth generation (L34, 2019–present). The L33 sharpened the car's efficiency and introduced Nissan's widespread use of the Xtronic CVT. The L34, launched for 2019, is the one most buyers target today: it brought sharper styling, optional all-wheel drive — a first for the Altima — and Nissan's clever variable-compression turbo engine. If you want the newest technology and AWD for German conditions, focus on 2019-and-later cars.

Engines, transmissions and drive

The volume engine across both generations is the 2.5-liter QR25DE four-cylinder, making roughly 182 hp in the L33 and 188 hp in the L34. The fifth generation also offered a 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 with about 270 hp in the sporty 3.5 SL and SR trims — a smooth, torquey engine that enthusiasts prize. For the sixth generation, Nissan replaced the V6 with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (KR20DDET), a variable-compression four producing up to 248 hp. Every modern Altima uses the Xtronic CVT; all-wheel drive is available only on 2.5-liter L34 cars. There is no manual.

Equipment lines and body styles

The Altima is sold solely as a four-door sedan. Trim walk runs S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum. SR adds a sport-tuned look and paddle-style CVT control; SL and Platinum layer in leather, a Bose audio system, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, ProPILOT Assist and a 360-degree camera. The VC-Turbo was reserved for the top SR VC-Turbo and Platinum VC-Turbo variants.

The US used market

Few cars are as plentiful as the Altima on the US used market. Because it sold in enormous numbers to private owners, fleets and rental companies, you will find a huge range of years, colors and trims. Typical three-to-six-year-old examples run roughly 30,000 to 90,000 miles, though ex-rental cars can carry higher mileage — the history report matters here. Southern-state cars are rust-free and inspect well for the TÜV.

Is an import right for you?

An imported Altima suits buyers who want a large, comfortable, well-equipped sedan for relaxed highway cruising rather than back-road sport. Families and long-distance commuters appreciate the space and the mild running costs of the 2.5. Enthusiasts specifically seeking the naturally aspirated V6 should hunt for a 2013–2018 3.5 SR. Anyone who needs a wagon, a manual, or a plug-in hybrid should look at other models.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The dominant topic in any Nissan Altima reliability discussion is the CVT. Fifth-generation 2013–2018 cars in particular earned a reputation for transmission overheating, shudder and premature failure; regular CVT fluid changes and avoiding sustained hard use extend its life. Check for judder under acceleration and any warning about reduced power. The QR25 engine can consume oil and, on higher-mileage cars, develop timing chain rattle. The 2019+ L34 had a hood-latch recall worth confirming as completed. As with many US cars, catalytic converter theft has been common, so verify the exhaust is original and intact.

Differences from the European version

US Altimas run MPH-primary instruments, lack a rear fog lamp, and often use combined red rear turn signals rather than the amber signals EU inspectors expect. The infotainment system is the same NissanConnect unit, but map data is North American — CarPlay and Android Auto cover navigation for German owners. Tire pressure monitoring, headlight aim and lighting coding all need checking against EU requirements before approval.

Import step by step

Importing runs in order: select a specific Altima; we verify the VIN and confirm the build plant and origin; funds sit safely in escrow; the car ships by container or RoRo ocean freight to a German port; we clear customs on arrival; the vehicle passes TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any needed modifications; you register it at your local Zulassungsstelle. USCar Trader coordinates every stage as your intermediary and never takes a margin on the car.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two separate charges apply, always itemized. Import duty first: under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, a 0% EU import duty applies to used US vehicles only when US origin is proven via VIN and plant, with direct transport, valid 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2029. Altimas are built in Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi, but some were also produced in Mexico — origin therefore genuinely depends on the individual VIN and must be confirmed, never assumed or guaranteed. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, whatever the duty outcome. We add no margin to either figure.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical Altima changes include fitting a rear fog lamp, coding or adapting the lighting so turn signals and DRLs comply, and documenting the odometer in kilometers. Headlamp aim and the emissions setup are verified against EU papers. After the TÜV report is issued, registration is quick.

What to verify before buying

Before buying a used Altima from the USA, check: (1) decode the VIN and confirm the plant for the customs origin question; (2) obtain a full Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title and true mileage — important given ex-rental cars; (3) test the CVT for shudder, slip or overheating warnings; (4) inspect for rust and confirm the exhaust and catalytic converter are original; (5) verify a documented service history including CVT fluid changes; (6) confirm the title is clean rather than salvage or rebuilt unless knowingly accepted.

Common questions

Are Nissan Altima CVT problems a dealbreaker?

Not necessarily, but they are the key risk. A 2019+ car with documented fluid changes and no shudder is a safer bet than a neglected 2013–2018 example. Always test-drive for CVT judder.

Does a used Altima qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Only with proven US origin via VIN and plant under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461. Because some Altimas were built in Mexico, origin must be confirmed per car and is never guaranteed.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is charged on every import regardless of the duty result.

Can I still get the V6 Altima?

Yes, in the fifth generation. Look for a 2013–2018 3.5 SL or SR with the naturally aspirated VQ35DE V6.

Is all-wheel drive available?

Only on 2019-and-later 2.5-liter cars. The VC-Turbo versions are front-wheel drive.

How is the Altima shipped?

By container or RoRo ocean freight from a US port to a German port, then customs clearance and TÜV approval.

What does the TÜV usually require?

Commonly a rear fog lamp, compliant lighting and turn signals, and kilometer documentation, plus headlight and emissions checks.

Continue with Nissan in the Carhub, compare the sedans Nissan Maxima and Nissan Sentra or the rival Honda Accord, or view current Altima listings.