Nissan Maxima

Importing a used Nissan Maxima from the USA

Nissan spent decades marketing the Maxima as a "four-door sports car," and while that slogan is part hyperbole, the car it describes is genuine: a large front-wheel-drive sedan with a proper naturally aspirated V6, a driver-focused cabin and styling far bolder than the family Altima it sits above. In the United States the Maxima was a mainstream flagship; in Europe it is a rarity, which is precisely what makes importing one interesting. If you want to import a used Nissan Maxima from the USA, USCar Trader works purely as your independent broker — sourcing, verifying and shipping the car you choose, with no dealer margin baked into the price.

Generations at a glance

The Maxima has run through eight generations since the early 1980s, but the ones that reach the US used market in numbers today are the seventh (A35, 2009–2014) and the eighth (A36, 2016–2023). The A35 introduced the sleeker, coupe-like profile and the well-regarded VQ-series V6. The A36, launched for 2016 and built through to 2023 when the nameplate was retired, is the one most buyers seek: aggressive "V-motion" front end, floating-roof design, a driver-canted dashboard and a much richer standard specification. Nissan facelifted the A36 around 2019 with revised styling and equipment. There was no direct successor — the Maxima ended production as Nissan pivoted to crossovers, which gives late examples a certain last-of-the-line appeal.

Powertrain lineup

Across both recent generations the heart of the Maxima is the 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6. In the A36 it produces around 300 hp and drives the front wheels through Nissan's Xtronic CVT. That combination is the defining Maxima trait: strong, smooth mid-range urge and a characterful V6 note, paired with a continuously variable transmission tuned to imitate stepped shifts. Purists debate the CVT, but for relaxed high-speed cruising it suits the car well. There is no all-wheel-drive option and no four-cylinder in these generations — every US Maxima of this era is a front-drive V6, which keeps the buying decision refreshingly simple.

Trims in the US market

The Maxima is a single body style — a full-size four-door sedan — offered in a clear trim ladder. On the A36 that runs S, SV, SL, the sportier SR (with firmer suspension, unique wheels and grippier seats) and the range-topping Platinum (leather, panoramic roof, driver-assist and premium audio). The SR and Platinum are the most sought-after imports because they carry the equipment that makes the car feel special. A late Platinum or SR with Nissan's ProPILOT and around-view camera is a genuinely well-equipped machine by any standard.

The used market stateside

Because the Maxima sold steadily for years and was popular with private owners rather than fleets, the American used market offers plenty of clean, well-kept examples. Typical import candidates are A36 cars from the late 2010s with moderate mileage and full service records. Condition varies by region — southern and western states tend to yield rust-free cars — so history and location matter as much as the odometer reading. We report mileage, specification and documented history on any car we source rather than quoting European prices here.

Who should import one

The Maxima suits a buyer who wants an unusual, well-appointed large sedan with a real V6 rather than a downsized turbo four, and who values comfort and presence over outright handling. It is a rewarding alternative to the obvious German saloons, distinctive on European roads, and mechanically straightforward. If you specifically want the last of Nissan's naturally aspirated flagship sedans, importing one used from the USA is the only realistic way to get it in Europe.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The VQ35 V6 is one of Nissan's better-proven engines and, with regular oil changes, is generally durable — though some units consume a little oil with age and the timing chain guides deserve attention on very high-mileage cars. The most discussed Maxima weak point is the Xtronic CVT: fluid must be changed and kept cool, and neglected transmissions can develop shudder or fail expensively. A documented CVT fluid service history is one of the most valuable things a used Maxima can show. Beyond that, check for front suspension bushing wear, occasional infotainment glitches, and the usual electronics niggles. Buy on service history and the Maxima is a dependable car; buy blind on a neglected CVT and it can bite.

What US models do differently

US Maximas run amber rear turn indicators, lack a rear fog lamp, and use MPH-primary instrumentation. Infotainment is set up for North American radio bands and navigation. None of this prevents registration — it simply defines the individual-approval work needed. Equipment such as ProPILOT assist and the surround-view camera transfers directly and works in Europe.

Seven steps to your import

1) Select the car with us against your budget and desired trim. 2) VIN and origin check to confirm build plant and specification. 3) Escrow payment so money is released only against clear title. 4) Inland haulage to the US port and ocean freight to Europe. 5) Customs clearance on arrival. 6) Technical inspection and individual approval (TUEV / §21). 7) Registration. We manage the chain end to end.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

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

Two charges apply and we keep them separate. The EU import duty can be 0% only where US origin is proven through the VIN and plant of manufacture, under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, for directly transported goods, valid 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2029. Because the Maxima is typically built in Japan and is listed here as neutral origin, the applicable duty rate depends on the actual build plant and is confirmed per VIN — we never promise duty-free. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is always due on the customs value. Both are passed through transparently, with no broker margin on the vehicle.

German TÜV and registration

Expect to add or convert a rear fog lamp, adapt rear lighting where required, ensure headlights meet European requirements, and confirm the speedometer reads correctly (odometer verification is part of the process). The Maxima is a conventional sedan and usually passes individual approval without structural changes.

The buyer checklist

Match the VIN to the title and decode the build plant. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck for accident, title and odometer history. Insist on evidence of CVT fluid changes. Inspect underbody and wheel arches for rust on salt-belt cars. Confirm the V6 runs clean with no oil-consumption warning signs. Verify the title is clean rather than salvage or rebuilt. Check that driver-assist and camera systems function.

Questions and answers

Can I import a used Nissan Maxima to Germany?

Yes. The Maxima was not sold officially in Germany, so it enters as an individual import with §21 approval, which we handle routinely.

Does the Maxima qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Only with proven US origin via VIN and plant. Since Maximas are usually Japanese-built and this listing is neutral-origin, the rate is confirmed per VIN — never assume duty-free.

Is the 19% import VAT always payable?

Yes. German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies on the customs value regardless of origin.

Is the Maxima's CVT reliable?

It is durable when the fluid is serviced and kept cool. A documented fluid-change history is the single most important thing to check.

Which trim is best to import?

SR and Platinum carry the richest equipment and are the most rewarding to own; SV and SL are sensible mid-range choices.

Is there an all-wheel-drive Maxima?

No. Every recent US Maxima is front-wheel drive with the 3.5 V6.

How long does the import take?

Usually several weeks from purchase to registration, mostly determined by shipping and the inspection appointment.

Do you own the cars you import?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker; we source and ship on your behalf without holding stock.

See the wider range with Nissan in the Carhub, compare the Maxima with the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Sentra, or browse current Maxima listings.