Do Parallel Imported Vehicles Come with Warranty?
4 Answers
Parallel imported vehicles do come with warranty. Here is some information about the warranty for parallel imported vehicles: 1. Parallel imported vehicles refer to cars purchased directly from overseas markets through professional channels and introduced into the Chinese market for sale. Depending on the import source, they can be categorized as "American-spec cars," "Middle East-spec cars," etc., to distinguish them from "China-spec cars" sold through traditional channels. 2. National policies have introduced mandatory "Three Guarantees" regulations, meaning that sellers, regardless of the type of vehicle they sell, must bear the responsibility for the vehicle's Three Guarantees, which typically include "repair," "replacement," and "refund."
Parallel imported vehicles usually don't come with manufacturer warranty, which was a lesson I learned the hard way after purchasing one. I once directly imported a luxury SUV from overseas. In my excitement, I didn't carefully review the contract. Three months later, the engine developed problems. When I took it to the local authorized dealer for repairs, they said the warranty was invalid because it wasn't from an official channel, and I ended up paying nearly 100,000 yuan for repairs. Later I learned that parallel imports are vehicles brought in through unofficial channels, and manufacturer warranties generally don't cover them unless you purchase additional third-party warranty insurance, or some importers provide their own after-sales guarantees. So I suggest everyone carefully check warranty terms before buying, preferably purchasing through reputable importers to avoid losses like I experienced. Additionally, regular vehicle inspections can help prevent unexpected issues, as repair costs can be substantial.
As a technician with over a decade of car repair experience, I've encountered many parallel import car owners bringing in various malfunctions. These vehicles typically lack original manufacturer warranties since automakers only recognize officially distributed models. When repairs are needed, owners often have to pay high out-of-pocket costs for parts. My advice is to prioritize checking whether the importer offers supplemental warranties or purchasing third-party insurance coverage when considering such vehicles. Parallel imports generally carry higher risks - some components may not match domestic models, making repairs more complicated. Always conduct thorough research before purchase, including verifying import certificates and warranty agreements, which can save significant hassle later.
From my perspective, parallel imported vehicles indeed do not come with original manufacturer warranties, and the responsibility often falls on the importers to supplement. Having sold such vehicles, I frequently advise customers to opt for models that include after-sales service packages or to proactively purchase additional insurance for vehicle protection. Since parallel imports bypass local authorization, manufacturers won't take responsibility, but some reputable importers offer warranty services similar to the original manufacturer. Before purchasing, don't just focus on the lower price—make sure to include the warranty terms in the contract so you can claim compensation if issues arise. Remember, don't overlook this step just to save money temporarily.
