Toyota Yaris

Importing a used Toyota Yaris from the USA

The Toyota Yaris is the brand's subcompact, and while it is a familiar name in Europe, the US-market Yaris has its own distinct history that makes a used import interesting for buyers who want a specific variant or a well-kept, low-rust example from a dry climate. USCar Trader handles the process as an independent broker: we locate and inspect the exact car you choose and organise the shipment, without adding any margin to the vehicle. It is worth being realistic — the Yaris is a value car, so import mainly makes sense for a particular example or specification rather than as a bargain hunt.

From launch to today

The US Yaris arrived for 2007 (the XP90 generation) as a hatchback and sedan, powered by Toyota's own engines. The XP130 hatchback followed for 2012, styled in Europe and built in France for the US market. A significant twist came in 2016: the Yaris sedan (initially badged Scion iA, then Toyota Yaris iA and simply Yaris) was actually a rebadged Mazda2, built in Mexico under a Toyota–Mazda arrangement. From 2019 the hatchback in the US also switched to the Mazda2-based car. Toyota withdrew the Yaris from the US market after 2020, which makes late examples a finite pool.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The US Yaris is front-wheel drive throughout. Early XP90 and XP130 cars used Toyota's 1.5-litre four-cylinder (1NZ-FE/2NZ-FE family, around 106 hp) with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The Mazda2-based Yaris sedan and hatchback used Mazda's 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine (also around 106 hp) paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic — a more modern and pleasant drivetrain than the earlier cars. None of the US Yaris variants were offered with a hybrid system, unlike some European versions.

Trim levels and variants

Body styles were a three- or five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, depending on the year. Trims were kept simple — typically L, LE and, on the Mazda-based sedan, XLE. Even upper trims are modestly equipped by design; the appeal is efficiency, easy parking and Toyota-style dependability rather than luxury.

Used availability in the USA

The Yaris is common and inexpensive in the US used market, so you can afford to be selective on condition and history. Typical cars run from 40,000 to 130,000 miles. Because it was often a first car or a rental, mileage and maintenance vary widely; the value is in finding a single-owner, fully serviced, rust-free example. Southern and western-state cars are the cleanest.

When importing makes sense

A used Yaris import suits a buyer who wants a specific US variant — for example the Mazda2-based sedan that was never sold as a Toyota in Germany — or a particularly clean, low-mileage example for a collection or a reliable runabout. For a straightforward European city car there are closer options; the import case is strongest when a particular car or specification is the goal.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The Yaris is among the more dependable cars you can import, but there are still Toyota Yaris common problems to note. On the earlier Toyota-engined cars, watch for worn suspension bushings and struts, the occasional failing ignition coil causing a misfire, and interior rattles typical of a light subcompact. Some 2007–2011 cars had a recall relating to airbag or power-window switch wiring, so confirm recall work was completed. The Mazda2-based cars inherit Mazda's generally solid Skyactiv reliability, though early direct-injection engines can develop carbon build-up over high mileage. Across all versions, check the clutch on manual cars, the condition of the automatic transmission fluid, and — most importantly for a US import — the underbody for rust on cars from salted northern states.

How US versions differ

US Yaris cars run amber side markers, MPH speedometers and headlamps set for right-hand traffic. The US line never included the hybrid drivetrains offered in Europe, and the Mazda2-based sedan has no European Toyota equivalent at all. Infotainment is US-specified. These differences are exactly what the German individual approval process documents and resolves.

From US purchase to registration

The process is: select your Yaris; we verify the VIN and confirm the build plant and origin; payment is held in escrow until the car is confirmed; the vehicle is booked onto ocean freight to a European port; it clears German customs on arrival; it passes a TÜV individual approval (§21 StVZO); and it is registered. USCar Trader manages every stage.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Duty and VAT are separate charges. The customs import duty rate depends on the car's actual country of origin as proven by the VIN and plant code — and the Yaris is a special case, because different model years were built in Japan, France or Mexico. That means US origin cannot be assumed: a Mexican- or Japanese-built Yaris does not qualify for the 0% US-origin preferential rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461. We check the VIN and plant code and give you the correct rate before you commit; we never promise duty-free. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is always payable on import regardless of origin. USCar Trader adds no margin to the vehicle.

TÜV, approval and license plates

For German registration a Yaris usually needs a rear fog lamp fitted, headlights corrected for right-hand traffic, and the odometer reading documented from the MPH cluster. The Yaris is rarely modified, which keeps the individual approval straightforward; any aftermarket wheels or lighting simply need to be compliant or returned to stock.

Pre-purchase checklist

Confirm before buying: the full VIN and build plant (it determines the duty rate); a clean Carfax or AutoCheck record with no salvage, flood or odometer flags; that any applicable recalls were completed; the service history and clutch or transmission condition; the underbody for rust on northern-state cars; and the title status.

Import FAQ

Does a Toyota Yaris qualify for 0% import duty?

Often not, because many US Yaris cars were built in Japan, France or Mexico rather than the USA. Only documented US origin enables the 0% rate; we confirm the plant from the VIN before you commit.

Do I still pay the 19% import VAT?

Yes. The German import VAT applies to every imported car regardless of origin and is charged separately from any customs duty.

Is the US Yaris the same as the European one?

Not always. Later US cars are rebadged Mazda2 models with no European Toyota equivalent, and the US line never offered the European hybrid.

Is the Yaris reliable enough to import?

Yes. It is one of the more dependable subcompacts; the key is finding a rust-free, well-serviced example with clean history.

Which US Yaris is the most interesting import?

The Mazda2-based sedan is the most distinctive, as it was never sold as a Toyota in Germany.

Does it make financial sense to import a Yaris?

It makes most sense when you want a specific variant or an exceptionally clean example, rather than as a general bargain; we will advise honestly.

How is the MPH odometer handled?

The reading is documented during the individual approval; an MPH cluster is accepted and no conversion of the instrument is required.

Are you the seller?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker. You purchase the vehicle directly and we handle sourcing, inspection, freight and paperwork for a transparent fee.

Explore more in the Toyota in the Carhub overview, compare it with the Toyota Corolla or the Toyota Prius, or browse current Yaris listings.