Nissan GT-R

Importing a used Nissan GT-R from the USA

The R35 Nissan GT-R earned its "Godzilla" nickname honestly: a launch-control-armed, all-wheel-drive coupe that has, for well over a decade, out-accelerated cars costing several times as much. US-market examples are plentiful, often well-specified, and frequently in better cosmetic condition than European cars, which makes importing a used Nissan GT-R from the USA a route many enthusiasts consider. This page covers the R35's evolution, the hand-built VR38DETT engine, the trims worth seeking, and the customs and TÜV realities of bringing one to Germany. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles — we locate, verify and ship the car; we are not a dealer selling our own inventory.

From launch to today

The R35 GT-R is a single, continuously developed generation rather than a series of clean-sheet redesigns. It launched in Japan in late 2007 and reached the United States for the 2009 model year. Over its life Nissan revised it almost annually: notable steps include the power increase around 2011–2012, a significant chassis and interior update for the 2017 model year (the widely praised MY17 refresh), and the run-out special editions late in the cycle. Because so much changed within one badge, model year is the single most important thing to check — an early 2009 car and a 2017-onward car feel like different machines despite sharing a shape.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

Every R35 uses the VR38DETT, a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 hand-assembled by a single technician (a "Takumi") and badged with their name plate. Output started at roughly 480 hp for 2009 US cars, climbed to around 530–545 hp through the mid-cycle updates, and reached about 565 hp for MY17-onward Premium models, with the Nismo variant rated near 600 hp. Drive goes through the GR6 six-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear for balance, feeding Nissan's ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. The combination of turbo torque, AWD traction and a fast-shifting DCT is what gives the GT-R its signature brutal, repeatable launches.

Trim levels and variants

The GT-R is offered only as a 2+2 two-door coupe. The US trim ladder over the years included the base and Premium, the Black Edition with unique wheels and interior trim, the track-focused Track Edition, and the flagship Nismo with uprated turbos, aero and suspension. Pure trims (a stripped, lighter version) appeared later. For most importers a well-kept Premium offers the best balance of specification and value; the Nismo is the collector's choice and priced accordingly.

Used availability in the USA

The United States was one of the GT-R's largest markets, so supply of used R35s is healthy across the full model-year range. Typical import candidates run from lightly used weekend cars with 20,000–50,000 miles to higher-mileage examples that have clearly been enjoyed. Condition varies sharply with how the car was driven and whether it was tracked or modified — the GT-R is a popular tuning platform, so bone-stock, unmodified cars with full dealer history command a premium and are the safer import. Provenance and a clean history report matter enormously here.

When importing makes sense

The GT-R rewards a driver who wants supercar acceleration with genuine year-round usability, a rear seat for occasional use, and a car that can be driven hard without drama. It is not cheap to run — servicing, tyres and brakes are all substantial — so it suits someone budgeting for maintenance, not just purchase. For the buyer who wants a modern icon that is still startlingly fast, a carefully vetted US-market R35 is a strong import.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

Mechanically the VR38DETT is strong when serviced correctly and fed the right fuel, but the GT-R is a precision machine with precision costs. Known Nissan GT-R common problems include dual-clutch transmission wear and, on early cars, the notorious bellhousing cracking that Nissan addressed under warranty in period — worth checking on a 2009–2010 car. The transmission fluid and clutch packs need proper maintenance; abused launch-control use accelerates wear. Brake rotors and pads are consumables and expensive, tyres are specialised and pricey, and the transaxle service is a specialist job. A stock, documented, professionally maintained car is far less of a gamble than a modified one whose tune and history are unclear.

How US versions differ

US-market GT-Rs carry American lighting and instrumentation: mph-primary displays, US headlamp aim, US indicator arrangements and no rear fog lamp. Tuning is more prevalent in the US, so a US car is more likely to have aftermarket parts, an ECU tune, or non-original wheels — all of which affect both approval and value. Verify whether the car remains on its factory map, because heavily tuned engines carry higher risk and complicate individual approval.

From US purchase to registration

The sequence is: select the specific car in the US; verify VIN, origin/plant and full history; pay via escrow so funds release only after inspection; arrange ocean freight, with container shipping recommended for a valuable coupe; clear customs on EU arrival; complete TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any needed changes; then register in Germany. USCar Trader manages each stage on your behalf.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Keep the two charges separate. The import duty rate is origin-dependent. The R35 GT-R is built in Tochigi, Japan, so it is not of US origin — the 0% preferential rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, which applies only to provable US-origin vehicles, does not apply here. A Japanese-built car imported from the US is subject to the standard passenger-car customs duty. Separately, and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged on the customs value plus duty and freight. We confirm the exact duty position from the VIN before you commit and never promise duty-free.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical approval items are adding rear fog lamp function, adjusting headlamps to EU aim, confirming indicator compliance, and documenting a genuine odometer reading. If the car has been tuned or fitted with non-standard exhaust or aero, expect additional scrutiny and possible reversion to compliant parts. Once individual approval is granted, registration follows.

Pre-purchase checklist

Confirm the VIN against title and a full Carfax/AutoCheck history; establish a clean, non-salvage title; check for accident and track-day history; verify the transmission has been serviced and, on early cars, that any bellhousing issue was addressed; establish whether the ECU is stock or tuned; inspect brakes, tyres and underbody; and insist on complete service records.

Import FAQ

Can I import a used Nissan GT-R from the USA?

Yes. US-market R35s are widely available and importable; USCar Trader handles sourcing, verification, shipping and approval as your broker.

Does the GT-R qualify for 0% import duty?

No. The R35 is built in Japan, so it is not of US origin and does not qualify for the US-origin preferential rate; the standard passenger-car duty applies.

Do I still pay import VAT?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT applies to every import regardless of origin and is charged separately from any duty.

Which GT-R year should I look for?

The MY17-onward cars offer more power and a much-improved interior; earlier cars are cheaper but check the transmission and bellhousing history.

What are the main GT-R reliability concerns?

Dual-clutch transmission wear, early-car bellhousing cracks, expensive brakes and tyres, and the risks of heavily tuned examples.

Are tuned US GT-Rs a problem for import?

They can be. Non-standard tunes and parts complicate individual approval and carry higher mechanical risk, so stock cars are preferable.

How should a GT-R be shipped?

Container shipping is recommended for a valuable, low coupe to protect it during the ocean crossing.

Is the GT-R usable daily?

Yes, unusually so for its performance — AWD traction and a rear seat make it practical, though running costs are high.

Discover the full range in the Nissan in the Carhub, compare the GT-R with the Nissan Z and the Nissan 370Z, or view the current GT-R listings.