Toyota Supra

Importing a used Toyota Supra from the USA

The fifth-generation Toyota Supra (chassis code A90, sold as the GR Supra) put a rear-drive, straight-six sports coupe back at the centre of Toyota's line-up after a two-decade absence. In the United States it sold in far larger numbers than in Germany, which means the American used market is where the cars actually are — a broad choice of colours, model years and specification, including examples that were never officially cataloged for the German market. For a buyer here, importing a used GR Supra from the USA is often the fastest route to the exact car you want rather than the one a local listing happens to offer.

USCar Trader works as an independent broker on that route. We do not hold stock, take no vehicle margin and have no manufacturer tie; we source the specific used Supra you specify from the US market, verify it and manage the freight and clearance into Germany. Below is the practical detail you need before you start.

Model history and generations

Enthusiasts count five generations, but the import-relevant one is the A90/A91, on sale in the US from the 2020 model year. Early 2020 cars came only with the 3.0-litre inline-six. From 2021 Toyota added a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and bumped the six's rated output. The big change arrived for 2023, when a six-speed manual gearbox became available on the 3.0 — a genuinely significant option, because the earliest A90s were automatic-only. Special editions such as the A91-MT and the various colour-launch runs also appeared, so the model year and build date matter when you are matching a car to what you actually want.

Engines and drivetrain

Two engines were sold in the US, both BMW-sourced turbocharged units shared with the Z4. The 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder produces around 255 hp; the headline 3.0-litre B58 straight-six makes roughly 335 hp in 2020 cars and about 382 hp from 2021 onward after a hardware revision. Every US Supra is rear-wheel drive — there is no all-wheel-drive version. The standard transmission is a ZF eight-speed automatic with paddle shift; the six-speed manual is limited to the 3.0 from 2023. The B58 in particular has a strong tuning reputation and a well-understood service record, which is worth knowing when you read a car's history.

Which trim makes sense

The Supra is offered only as a two-seat fastback coupe — no convertible, no 2+2. US trim names run 2.0, 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, the Premium adding a larger head-up display, JBL audio, wireless charging and upgraded trim. Adaptive dampers, an active differential and larger 19-inch wheels are standard on the six-cylinder cars. When you compare US listings, focus on engine and Premium status first; the rest is largely colour and minor option packs.

Supply on the US market

Supply is healthy. Because the car sold well across North America, you will find low-mileage 2020–2022 automatics in volume, plus a growing number of 2023+ manuals as those cars enter the used cycle. Typical odometer readings on a three-to-five-year-old example run from genuinely low (garage-kept weekend cars) to moderate; condition varies widely, so a documented service history and an accident-check report matter more than the sticker year. We do not quote European prices here — the point of sourcing from the US is the breadth of choice, not a headline figure.

Who benefits from importing

Import a used Supra from the USA if you want a specific combination — a manual 3.0 in a particular colour, or a well-kept early car — that the German market simply is not offering. It also suits buyers who value the shared BMW mechanical base for parts and servicing, and those comfortable with a strict two-seat sports coupe rather than an everyday car. If you need rear seats or all-wheel drive, this is not your vehicle.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

Supra reliability is generally strong, helped by the proven BMW powertrain. Owners do report a handful of recurring items: fuel-pump and high-pressure fuel-system recalls affected some early cars, so confirm recall work was completed by VIN. The B58 can seep oil from the valve-cover or oil-filter housing gaskets as it ages, and some cars show a rattle from the exhaust or a wastegate-related noise at cold start. Interior squeaks and the occasional infotainment glitch are common gripes rather than serious faults. Because many Supras are enthusiast-owned, watch for signs of track use or tuning — a remapped B58 is easy to find and not always disclosed. Otherwise, service intervals and parts availability are undemanding.

US and EU spec compared

Mechanically the US and European Supra are close, but the details that matter for import are lighting and telematics. US cars have amber rear turn signals and headlamp aiming set for right-hand traffic, plus side marker lamps; the rear fog lamp required in Germany is typically absent. US models also lack the EU eCall emergency-call system and use MPH-primary instrumentation (most clusters can switch to km/h). None of this blocks import — it is standard conversion work covered below.

The import process in detail

The process is orderly: (1) you tell us the exact car — engine, transmission, year, colour; (2) we locate candidates and run a VIN and origin check to establish the build plant and duty position; (3) purchase is settled through escrow so funds are protected until the car is secured; (4) the Supra is booked onto ocean freight to a North-European port; (5) on arrival we handle German customs clearance; (6) the car goes through the TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with the required modifications; (7) finally it is registered on German plates. We keep you informed at each stage.

What customs clearance really costs

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

Two separate charges apply. First, import duty: the 0% EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, valid to 31 December 2029) applies only where US origin is proven by VIN and plant. The A90 Supra is assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, so most cars will not qualify for the US-origin rate — the duty is then determined by the vehicle's actual origin, and we confirm this per VIN before you commit. Second, and always payable regardless of origin, is the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer), calculated on the customs value. We never describe an import as duty-free or guaranteed and we add no margin of our own.

TÜV, modifications and registration

For the individual approval you will typically need: rear fog lamp fitted, headlights set or replaced for right-hand traffic, rear indicators brought into line with EU requirements where necessary, and the odometer/speedometer reading confirmed in km/h. A valid US title and a certificate of conformity or the manufacturer data help the inspector. Once TÜV issues the paperwork, registration at the local authority is routine.

Check before you buy

Common questions

Is the US Toyota Supra the same as the European one?

Mechanically almost identical — both use the BMW-sourced engines and are built in Graz. The differences are lighting, instrumentation units and the absence of EU-specific systems, all handled during import.

Can I import a manual GR Supra?

Yes. The six-speed manual is available on the 3.0 from the 2023 model year, and the US used market is a good source for it.

Will my used Supra qualify for 0% import duty?

Only if US origin is proven. The A90 is assembled in Austria, so most cars do not qualify; we verify the duty position by VIN before purchase.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is due on every import regardless of origin, calculated separately from any duty.

How long does the import take?

From purchase to German registration typically a couple of months, driven mainly by ocean-freight scheduling and the TÜV appointment.

Are parts and servicing a problem in Germany?

No. The powertrain shares components with the BMW Z4, so specialist and dealer support is widely available.

What mileage should I expect?

Anything from very low weekend-car readings to moderate. History and condition matter more than the number alone.

Do you buy the car and mark it up?

No. USCar Trader is a broker; we charge a service fee and add no margin on the vehicle.

Explore more with Toyota in the Carhub, compare rivals like the BMW Z4, the Toyota GR86 and the Nissan Z, or browse current Supra listings.