Toyota GR86

Importing a used Toyota GR86 from the USA

The Toyota GR86 is a driver's coupe in its purest form: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive two-plus-two with a naturally aspirated boxer engine and, for the purists, a proper six-speed manual. The American used market carries a healthy supply of these cars, often with the desirable manual gearbox and factory Torsen limited-slip differential. USCar Trader brings them to Germany and the EU as an independent broker, sourcing the exact colour, transmission and trim you want without acting as a dealer or adding a vehicle margin. For anyone who wants an affordable, analogue sports car, importing a used GR86 from the USA is a route worth taking seriously.

Model history and generations

The lineage matters. The first generation arrived for 2013 as a joint Toyota-Subaru project, sold in America as the Scion FR-S and, after Scion folded, as the Toyota 86 from 2017. That car used the 2.0-litre FA20 boxer with around 205 hp. The second generation, badged GR86 under Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance sub-brand, launched for the 2022 model year on a stiffer chassis. It is the GR86 specifically that most import buyers seek, thanks to its larger engine, improved torque and sharper dynamics. Across the second generation Toyota made running updates, including revised suspension tuning and equipment tweaks; a limited GR86 Trueno Edition also appeared.

Engines and drivetrain

The current GR86 (chassis ZN8) is powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated FA24 flat-four boxer producing about 228 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque, a meaningful jump over the old 2.0. That extra torque cures the mid-range flat spot that dogged the first car. Power goes to the rear wheels through either a slick six-speed manual — the enthusiast's choice — or a six-speed automatic. A Torsen limited-slip differential is standard, and the low centre of gravity from the boxer layout gives the GR86 its trademark agility. Expect 0-100 km/h in roughly 6.3 seconds with the manual.

Which trim makes sense

The GR86 is offered solely as a two-door coupe. US trim structure is simple: a base grade and a Premium grade, the latter adding items such as adaptive LED headlights, heated seats, a leather-and-Alcantara-style interior and larger wheels. Special editions such as the Trueno layered on unique colours and details. Because the range is deliberately focused, the main decisions when importing are transmission (manual strongly preferred by enthusiasts), colour and whether the car is a base or Premium.

Supply on the US market

GR86 supply in America is good, with 2022 and later cars dominating the used listings at generally low-to-moderate mileage. Many were bought by enthusiasts, so you will find both pampered garage cars and examples that have seen track days — the history check is decisive here. Southern-US cars are typically rust-free, a genuine benefit for a chassis you plan to keep. Watch for modified cars: aftermarket suspension, tunes and exhausts are common and complicate TÜV approval, so a stock car is easier to import cleanly.

Who benefits from importing

The GR86 is for the driver who prioritises feel over outright power: someone who wants a compact rear-drive coupe, a manual gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip diff at a sensible entry point. It suits weekend and back-road use, occasional track days and buyers who value the analogue driving experience that is increasingly rare. If you need rear-seat space or all-weather traction, look elsewhere, but as a focused sports car the GR86 delivers.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

The GR86 is largely dependable, but there are known GR86 common problems to check. The FA24 boxer, like the earlier FA20, can consume some oil, so verify the level and the owner's top-up habits; low oil in a hard-driven boxer is a serious risk. Early second-generation cars were the subject of attention over rare engine-bearing concerns under sustained high-rpm track use, so an honest track-history disclosure and a compression or leak-down check are wise on any car that has seen circuit work. Otherwise, inspect the clutch on manual cars for slip, listen for driveline clunks, and confirm the limited-slip diff behaves cleanly. Tyres wear quickly on enthusiast-driven cars. A stock, street-driven example with documented oil changes is the low-risk choice.

US and EU spec compared

US GR86s differ mainly in lighting and instrumentation. The headlight beam pattern follows the US standard, amber side markers are fitted, and there is often no separate rear fog lamp — all items to address for German registration. The speedometer reads primarily in mph. Bumper and lighting details can vary slightly from European-spec cars. Mechanically the car is essentially the same worldwide, which makes it a relatively straightforward sports-car import.

The import process in detail

The sequence is consistent: select a suitable, well-documented GR86; check the VIN and confirm the build plant and origin; pay through escrow so money is released only on verified handover; ship by container (preferred for a low, valuable coupe) or RoRo to a European port; clear customs on arrival; present the car for TÜV individual approval with the necessary modifications; and register it locally. USCar Trader manages every step as your broker.

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.

Two separate charges apply. First, EU import duty: the GR86's origin is not automatically American. The GR86 is manufactured in Japan (Subaru's Gunma plant builds it alongside the BRZ), so a US-market car does not have provable US origin and therefore does not qualify for the 0 percent duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, until 31 December 2029). The standard EU passenger-car import duty applies. Second, and always, the 19 percent German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged on the customs value plus duty and freight. We never promise duty-free import.

TÜV, modifications and registration

Expect the TÜV individual approval to require correcting the headlight beam pattern, fitting or activating a rear fog lamp, and documenting the odometer reading, with the speedometer showing km/h. Any aftermarket parts — exhaust, suspension, wheels — must carry proper approvals or be returned to stock, which is why a factory-standard car is easier to register. Once approved, the car can be registered at your local authority.

Check before you buy

Before buying, confirm: the full VIN and documented build origin; a Carfax or AutoCheck history free of accident, flood or salvage branding; oil-level and service records for the FA24; any track-day history and, if present, a compression or leak-down check; clutch and limited-slip diff condition on manual cars; that the car is stock or has fully documented, approvable modifications; and a clean, transferable title.

Common questions

Is the GR86 the same as the Subaru BRZ?

They are close siblings built on the same platform at the same plant, but the GR86 has its own suspension tuning and styling. Both are excellent imports.

Does a used GR86 qualify for 0 percent EU import duty?

No. The GR86 is built in Japan, so a US car lacks provable US origin and the standard EU duty applies. We confirm this from the VIN.

Should I import the manual or the automatic?

Enthusiasts overwhelmingly prefer the six-speed manual for feel and resale; the automatic is fine for daily comfort but less sought after.

Are there engine reliability concerns?

The FA24 is generally robust but can use oil, and hard track use has raised rare bearing concerns. Check oil history and track use before buying.

Is the 19 percent import VAT always due?

Yes. German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies to every US import regardless of the car's origin.

Are modified GR86s hard to import?

They can be. Non-approved parts complicate TÜV, so a stock car or one with documented, approvable modifications is easier.

How much luggage does a GR86 hold?

Modest, but the folding rear seats create enough room for track wheels or a weekend's luggage.

How long does the import take?

Typically several weeks from purchase to registration, driven mainly by shipping and TÜV scheduling.

Begin with Toyota in the Carhub, compare related sports models such as the sibling Subaru BRZ, the turbocharged Toyota Supra and the roadster Mazda MX-5 Miata, or view current Toyota GR86 listings and let us broker the import.