Porsche 718

Importing a used Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman from the USA

The 718 is Porsche's mid-engined two-seater, sold as the Boxster roadster and the Cayman coupé, and it is one of the best-handling sports cars the company has ever made. The mid-engine balance gives it a precision that even the 911 cannot quite match in tight driving. The United States is a strong market for these cars, with plenty of well-equipped Cayman S, GTS and the coveted flat-six GTS 4.0 and GT4 models in circulation. That depth is the reason many enthusiasts choose to import a used Porsche 718 from the USA rather than wait for the right European car.

USCar Trader is an independent broker. We take no margin on the vehicle, we are not a dealer, and we hold no manufacturer relationship. We find, verify and import the specific 718 you want. Because the 718 is built in Germany, a US-sourced car is a European-built vehicle that lived in America, so the customs treatment depends on what the VIN and origin evidence actually prove, not on any assumption of US origin. We keep that transparent throughout.

Model history and generations

The 718 name arrived with the 982-generation update in 2016, replacing the earlier 981 Boxster and Cayman. The headline change was the switch from naturally aspirated flat-sixes to turbocharged flat-fours across most of the range. In 2020 Porsche reintroduced a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six for the 718 Spyder, GTS 4.0 and the track-focused GT4, answering enthusiasts who missed the six-cylinder sound. On the used market you will find both the four-cylinder turbo cars from 2017 onward and the later flat-six variants, and knowing which engine a car has is central to choosing correctly.

Engines and drivetrain

The core turbo range uses a 2.0-litre flat-four in the base 718 (around 300 hp) and a 2.5-litre turbo flat-four in the S and GTS (roughly 350 to 365 hp), both mounted amidships and driving the rear wheels. Transmissions are a six-speed manual or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch, with PDK giving the quickest acceleration. The flat-six 4.0-litre cars, in the GTS 4.0, Spyder and GT4, produce around 394 to 400 hp and rev to about 8,000 rpm, offered with manual or, later, PDK. These naturally aspirated six-cylinder cars are the most sought after and hold particular appeal for buyers importing a keeper.

Which trim makes sense

Two body styles: the Boxster convertible and the Cayman fixed-roof coupé. Trims run from the base 718, through S and GTS turbo cars, up to the flat-six GTS 4.0, the Boxster Spyder and the Cayman GT4. US-market cars are frequently well optioned with sport chrono, adaptive suspension (PASM) and sport exhaust, which are exactly the features European enthusiasts look for.

Supply on the US market

American 718s are plentiful and often fair-weather cars, which helps preservation. Typical used examples range from low-mileage garaged cars to enthusiast-driven ones with full history. The flat-six GTS 4.0 and GT4 are in demand and hold their appeal, so documentation and originality are worth scrutinising. Salvage-title cars from track incidents or collisions exist and should be filtered out early. The reason to source in the US is selection and specification breadth, with no price claim implied.

Who benefits from importing

A 718 import suits the driver who wants a specific engine and specification, especially the flat-six GTS 4.0 or GT4, or a well-optioned Cayman S that is hard to find locally. It rewards buyers who value handling over outright straight-line drama and who will have the car properly inspected. Whether you want a usable turbo Boxster or a focused GT4, the US market widens your choice, and a broker-led import keeps the process and the customs position honest.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

The 718 is generally dependable, but there are points to check. The 2.0 and 2.5 turbo flat-fours have been broadly reliable, though some early cars experienced issues with the turbocharger and, in a subset, bore or oiling concerns, so a documented service record is important. The flat-four exhaust note is a matter of taste rather than a fault. On all 718s, watch for coolant and water-pump wear, worn PASM dampers on higher-mileage cars, and clutch condition on manuals. The flat-six 4.0 engines are robust but demand correct servicing and are more valuable, so verify authenticity and history. Tyres and brakes wear with hard use. As with any Porsche, a marque-specialist pre-purchase inspection is the best money you will spend before importing.

US and EU spec compared

US 718s have federal lighting with amber side markers, mph-primary instruments and US emissions equipment. Certain options and colours differed between markets. None of this blocks import, but lighting must be brought in line for German approval, and any US aftermarket exhaust, suspension or tune should be identified before purchase since it affects both compliance and value.

The import process in detail

Select a specific car and confirm the engine and options. Run a VIN and origin check to establish build details, accident and title history. Pay through escrow so funds release only against agreed conditions. Book ocean freight to a German or Dutch port. Clear customs on arrival, complete a TÜV individual approval, and register the car once the documents are in order.

What customs clearance really costs

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

Duty and VAT are always separate. Import duty: the 0% EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to vehicles with provable US origin by VIN and plant, shipped directly. The 718 is built in Germany, so it will normally not qualify for that US-origin rate, and the applicable duty depends on what the origin evidence shows, which is why we check it instead of promising a figure. Import VAT: the 19% German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer always applies on import regardless of origin. We present these two amounts separately and never bundle them or add a margin.

TÜV, modifications and registration

Typical approval work is lighting: adapting or documenting headlights and fitting a rear fog lamp where needed. The speedometer must display km/h and the odometer is read in kilometres. Any aftermarket exhaust or suspension is checked for compliance. Keeping the 718 close to original specification, especially on the sought-after flat-six cars, makes approval smoother and protects resale value.

Check before you buy

Common questions

Can I import a used Porsche 718 Boxster or Cayman from the USA?

Yes. Both are importable as used cars, and we handle the process from US purchase to German registration as your broker without taking a margin on the vehicle.

Will a US 718 get 0% EU import duty?

Usually not, because it is built in Germany. The 0% US-origin rate needs provable US build by VIN. We check origin and tell you the actual duty position.

Do I always pay German import VAT?

Yes. The 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies on every import regardless of origin, and we quote it separately from any duty.

Should I import the flat-four or the flat-six?

The turbo flat-four cars are quicker to find and more affordable to run; the flat-six GTS 4.0 and GT4 are more sought after and sound better. Both import the same way.

Are the turbo flat-fours reliable?

Broadly yes, with documented servicing. Check turbo history and service records, and include a specialist inspection before buying.

Manual or PDK for a 718?

PDK is faster and easier; the manual is more engaging. It is a preference choice and does not affect the import at all.

How long does the import take?

It depends on sailing schedules, port handling and approval booking. We give you a realistic timeline once the car and route are confirmed.

What about US modifications?

Identify them before purchase. Non-original exhaust, tunes or suspension may need adjustment for German approval and can affect value.

Start with Porsche in the Carhub, compare the closely related Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster, or view current 718 listings.