How to Check if a Car is Imported?
2 Answers
Methods to check if a car is imported: 1. Import customs declaration: Check if the car's identity information is an import customs declaration, which is the most authoritative and accurate method to determine whether a car is imported. 2. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The first letter of the VIN represents the country of production. Cars with a VIN starting with 'L' are domestically produced, including both independent and joint-venture brands. Cars with a VIN that does not start with 'L' are imported. 3. Common knowledge about cars: Some car brands are not domestically produced, such as Lexus, Subaru, Porsche, etc. These brands are sold in the domestic market as fully imported vehicles. Therefore, any model from these brands is definitely an imported model.
I used to be curious about this too, and learned a few tricks during a used car inspection. The most straightforward method is to peel open the door frame and look for the vehicle body nameplate, which clearly states the origin like 'Made in Germany.' The VIN code at the bottom left of the windshield is even more revealing—the first letter indicates the country of manufacture: 'J' for Japan, 'W' for Germany, and 'L' for China. If you see a right-hand drive steering wheel, it’s most likely an import from Japan or the UK. Also, check the vehicle documents: imported cars come with a yellow 'Goods Import Certificate,' and the Chinese manual is usually a sticker added later. Once, I saw a BMW with unevenly stamped nameplate markings—clearly tampered with—and found Italian part number stickers hidden in the engine bay. Inspecting an imported car is like detective work; you’ve got to check every detail thoroughly to be sure.