Toyota Corolla iM

Importing a used Toyota Corolla iM from the USA

The Corolla iM is a compact five-door hatchback that most Europeans will recognise instantly as a relative of the Auris and later Corolla Hatchback. It began life in North America as the Scion iM, then became the Toyota Corolla iM when Scion was wound down. As an independent broker for used vehicles, USCar Trader can source a clean American Corolla iM and guide it through the import path; this page sets out what the car is and what importing one involves.

Production years and key changes

The badge history is short and slightly unusual. Toyota launched the car as the Scion iM for the 2016 model year in the United States. When the Scion brand closed, the identical car was rebranded as the Toyota Corolla iM for the 2017 and 2018 model years. For 2019 Toyota folded it into the Corolla family properly and renamed it the Corolla Hatchback on the new TNGA platform. So the "Corolla iM" specifically denotes the 2017-2018 cars (plus the 2016 Scion iM twin), a well-equipped compact hatch that carried a lot of standard kit for its class.

What is under the hood

Every Corolla iM uses Toyota's 1.8-litre 2ZR-FAE four-cylinder petrol engine with Valvematic, producing around 137 hp and roughly 171 Nm. Buyers chose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a CVT with a seven-speed manual-mode function and paddle shifters. Drive is to the front wheels only. This is a sensible, economy-minded drivetrain rather than a performance one, tuned for smoothness, low running costs and Toyota's usual long-haul durability.

Trims and body styles

The Corolla iM was sold as a single generously equipped trim rather than a ladder of grades, a hangover from the Scion "mono-spec" approach. Standard equipment included alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen with a reversing camera, automatic LED-accented lighting and a full suite of airbags. The only meaningful choice a US buyer made was manual versus CVT, plus paint and dealer-fit accessories. It is strictly a five-door hatchback.

What the US market offers

Because it sold in modest numbers over just a few model years, the Corolla iM is less common on the US used market than a mainstream Corolla sedan, but examples are out there and typically well cared for. Mileages tend to be reasonable for the age, and as a Toyota compact these cars usually come with a clean maintenance story. Southern and western cars are the safest bet for underbody condition. We quote no Euro pricing here, only sourcing and condition guidance.

Who this import is for

The Corolla iM suits a buyer who wants a dependable, frugal compact hatchback with strong standard equipment and Toyota reliability, and who likes the idea of a slightly unusual North American variant. It is a practical daily driver rather than an enthusiast's car. If you want performance or all-wheel drive, look elsewhere; if you want a low-stress import that should just keep running, it is a rational choice.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

By reputation and design the Corolla iM is one of the lower-risk cars you can import. The 2ZR-FAE engine and the CVT are both proven Toyota units with no widespread failure pattern, and the mono-spec approach means fewer optional systems to go wrong. Even so, treat every used car on its merits: confirm the CVT fluid has been serviced on higher-mileage examples, check for a smooth take-up without shudder, and listen for any drone that suggests a tired transmission. Inspect the water pump and drive belt as normal age items, verify the air-conditioning cools properly, and check the tyres and brakes for even wear. The interior wears well, but confirm the touchscreen and reversing camera function. Overall the maintenance burden is light compared with the performance cars in this segment.

US vs. Europe differences

The US Corolla iM uses mph-primary instruments, amber-integrated rear lighting and headlights set for right-hand traffic. There is no EU-spec rear fog lamp from the factory, and the infotainment carries North American software and any bundled nav. These are routine conversion items handled during approval.

How the import works

Work in order: select and inspect the car; verify the VIN and read the history; confirm the build origin from the VIN; place funds in escrow; arrange inland transport and ocean freight; clear EU customs on arrival; present for TUEV and individual approval where required; then register. The Corolla iM is a Japanese-built car, so settle the origin question up front.

Import duty, VAT and fees

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Duty follows documented origin. The 0% EU import duty for US vehicles applies only where US origin is proven via the VIN and plant, under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for direct transport and valid until 31 December 2029. The Corolla iM is built in Japan, so it does not qualify as US origin and the standard car duty rate applies. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged on the import value. We never claim duty-free status and add no margin.

From modifications to registration

Typical work is light: converting the rear lighting to provide a compliant rear fog lamp, adjusting the headlights for the correct beam pattern, and confirming a km/h-capable speedometer. The odometer is documented and cross-checked against the history. Most Corolla iMs are stock, which keeps the approval straightforward; any dealer accessories or aftermarket parts still need paperwork for the inspector.

Pre-buy inspection points

Match the 17-digit VIN to the car and the title. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck report and check for accidents, odometer flags and title brands. Inspect the underbody for corrosion, favouring Sun Belt cars. Ask for service records, especially any CVT fluid change, and confirm smooth transmission behaviour on a test drive. Verify the title is clean rather than salvage or rebuilt. Check that the touchscreen, camera and air-conditioning all work. Arrange a pre-purchase inspection before releasing escrow funds.

What buyers ask most

Is the Corolla iM the same as the Scion iM?

Yes. The 2016 Scion iM and the 2017-2018 Toyota Corolla iM are the same car; only the badge changed when Scion closed.

Can a used Corolla iM be imported duty-free?

No. It is built in Japan, so it does not qualify for the 0% US-origin rate and the standard duty applies. We never guarantee duty-free import.

Does the 19% import VAT apply?

Yes, German import VAT at 19% applies to the import value in every case.

Manual or CVT?

Both were offered. The six-speed manual is rarer and appeals to keen drivers; the CVT is smoother and more common.

How reliable is it?

Very reliable by class standards, using proven Toyota engine and transmission hardware with a light maintenance burden.

Is it front- or all-wheel drive?

Front-wheel drive only. There was no all-wheel-drive Corolla iM.

How does it relate to the European Auris?

It shares its platform and hatchback layout with the Auris and later Corolla Hatchback, adapted for the North American market.

See more with Toyota in the Carhub, compare the direct successor Toyota Corolla Hatchback, the earlier Toyota Matrix and the compact Toyota Prius c, and view our current Corolla iM listings.