Toyota Tacoma

Importing a used Toyota Tacoma from the USA

The Tacoma is the truck that built Toyota's reputation as America's midsize workhorse, and it rarely reaches European roads through official channels. If you want one in Germany, the used US market is effectively the only place to find real choice. As an independent broker, USCar Trader sources used examples directly from the States and handles the run from an American driveway to a German registration. The Tacoma is a body-on-frame pickup, so the paperwork, the TÜV process and the customs classification all differ from a normal passenger car, and knowing that up front saves surprises later.

Model history: years and generations

Two generations matter for anyone importing today. The third generation (2016 to 2023, chassis code AN130) is the volume seller you'll see most: a wider grille, a composite bed and a switch to a six-speed automatic. The fourth generation arrived for the 2024 model year on Toyota's TNGA-F ladder frame, sharing bones with the current Tundra and Land Cruiser. It brought a fully modern cabin, a turbocharged four-cylinder and the first factory hybrid Tacoma. Earlier second-generation trucks (2005 to 2015) still trade heavily in the US and are worth a look if you want simplicity, though frame corrosion history matters on those.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Third-gen buyers usually chase the 3.5-litre 2GR-FKS V6, good for roughly 278 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic or a genuine six-speed manual on TRD trims. A 2.7-litre four-cylinder existed for base work trucks but is rare and slow. The fourth generation dropped the V6 entirely for the T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbo four (the i-Force), rated around 228 to 278 hp depending on tune, plus an i-Force MAX hybrid that pushes past 320 hp. Rear-wheel drive is standard; part-time four-wheel drive with a low range is what most European importers want, and it's common on TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trucks.

Equipment lines and body styles

Tacomas come as an Access/XtraCab with small rear-hinged doors or the far more popular Double Cab with four full doors. Bed lengths vary between short and long. The trim ladder runs SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and the halo TRD Pro, with the overland-focused Trailhunter joining the fourth generation. For import, TRD Off-Road is the sweet spot: locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control without the aggressive suspension of a Pro.

The US used market

Supply is deep. Three-year-old SR5 and TRD Off-Road Double Cabs turn up constantly across the sun-belt states, which is where you want to shop because rust-free frames are the whole game with a Tacoma. Typical mileage on a lightly used example runs 30,000 to 90,000 miles; these trucks routinely pass 250,000 miles when cared for. Look hardest in Arizona, Texas and California; be cautious with trucks from the salt-belt north-east.

Is an import right for you?

A Tacoma suits someone who wants a durable, right-sized pickup that fits European roads better than a full-size Silverado or F-150, with genuine off-road hardware and a resale reputation that holds. Overlanders, trades who need a load bed, and buyers who simply love the truck's cult status are the natural audience. If you mostly do motorway miles, the firmer ride and modest fuel economy are worth a test.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The Tacoma's reputation is earned, but it isn't flawless. The third-generation six-speed automatic drew widespread complaints for hesitation and lurching at low speed; many were improved by a TSB reflash, so ask whether the software update was applied. The 2GR-FKS V6 is fundamentally strong but can feel gutless below 2,000 rpm. Rear leaf springs on early third-gen trucks were prone to a knocking sound and were replaced under a campaign on some units. On older trucks, frame corrosion is the headline risk from Toyota's earlier rust litigation, so a clean southern frame is non-negotiable. Fourth-gen turbo engines are still young; watch for any recall notices tied to the new powertrain.

Differences from the European version

US Tacomas run amber front turn signals combined into the headlight cluster and typically lack a rear fog lamp, both of which the TÜV will flag. The infotainment defaults to miles, °F and US navigation maps. Because the Tacoma was never sold new in Europe, there is no factory European type approval, so it goes through an individual approval (Einzelabnahme) rather than a simple registration.

Import step by step

The route is consistent: select the specific truck, run a VIN and origin check to establish the plant of build, place funds in escrow for safety, book ocean freight to a North Sea port such as Bremerhaven, clear customs on arrival, present the truck for TÜV individual approval with any required modifications, and finish with German registration. USCar Trader coordinates each handover so the truck never sits unattended between stages.

Customs and taxes: what applies

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 are separate and must be understood separately. Import duty depends on the vehicle's provable origin: under EU Regulations 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, a genuine US-built vehicle shipped directly can qualify for a 0% rate, but the Tacoma is a Toyota, so this is never automatic — the VIN and plant of build decide it, and we check that before you commit. On top of duty, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies to the customs value and is due regardless of origin. We show both lines transparently, with no hidden margin.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Expect to add a rear fog lamp, convert or adapt lighting to European signalling, and have the speedometer/odometer verified in km/h (a secondary display or conversion is usually accepted). The inspector checks lighting, glazing markings, tyres and emissions documentation. Once the individual approval certificate is issued, the vehicle can be registered at your local Zulassungsstelle.

What to verify before buying

Before any Tacoma changes hands, confirm the VIN matches the title and the truck. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck to expose accident, flood or salvage history. Inspect the frame and bed underside for corrosion — this is the single most important check. Verify the automatic transmission reflash on 2016–2019 trucks. Confirm 4WD engages properly and the rear locker works on TRD trims. Check service records for regular oil and differential fluid changes. Confirm the title is clean, not salvage or rebuilt, unless you knowingly accept it.

Common questions

Can I import a used Toyota Tacoma to Germany?

Yes. It's a standard used-vehicle import handled through individual approval, since the Tacoma was never officially sold in Europe.

Does a Tacoma qualify for 0% import duty?

Only if the VIN proves a qualifying origin and the truck ships directly; because Toyota builds vary, we verify the plant before you buy rather than promising anything.

Is the 19% import VAT always charged?

Yes. German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to every import regardless of where the vehicle was built.

Which Tacoma generation is best to import?

The 2016–2023 third generation with the 3.5 V6 and TRD Off-Road trim offers the best mix of proven mechanicals and off-road hardware.

What are the main reliability weak points?

The third-gen six-speed automatic's low-speed hesitation and, on older trucks, frame rust are the two to scrutinise.

How long does the import take?

Roughly six to twelve weeks door to door, depending on sailing schedules and the TÜV appointment.

Will the manual transmission cause any problem for registration?

No, the manual is fully registerable; it has no bearing on approval.

Can you find a rust-free example?

Yes, we focus sourcing on the southern US states where dry-climate frames are the norm.

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