How to Distinguish Between Domestic and Imported Cars?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish between imported and domestic cars are as follows: 1. Some car models from certain brands do not have domestic versions, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. 2. For the same model available in both domestic and imported versions, check the rear of the car. Those with Chinese characters are domestic, while those with English are imported. 3. Look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-digit code. If the starting letter is not 'L', it is an imported car. This method is the most accurate. The differences between domestic and imported cars are as follows: (1) Differences in craftsmanship: Many people have the inherent impression that imported products are better, leading most to assume that imported cars are superior to domestically produced ones without understanding the actual production conditions. In reality, domestic cars are not necessarily inferior in craftsmanship. For example, the BMW 3 Series produced in South Africa may not be better than the domestically produced BMW Brilliance. (2) Differences in configuration: Some cars retain only the same exterior and interior when produced domestically, while simplifying some unseen components. This is more common in lower-priced cars to reduce costs. (3) Differences in price: Imported cars are subject to high taxes, which makes the same model significantly more expensive than its domestic counterpart.
As a frequent driver, I've developed habits to identify whether a car is domestically produced or imported. First, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is engraved at the bottom or lower left of the windshield—a 17-digit alphanumeric code. The first three digits indicate the country of manufacture; for example, 'L' typically stands for China, while 'J' represents Japan. Another simple method is to open the car door and inspect the side nameplate, which states 'Production Location' or 'Manufactured in'—domestically produced cars in China will specify 'China.' I've also noticed that imported cars often come with customs documents or special labels near the dashboard, while domestically produced cars have lower insurance and maintenance costs, with parts being easier to find. Last time, my neighbor bought what he thought was an imported BMW, but checking the VIN revealed it was actually a domestically produced Brilliance model, saving him a lot of money. So, I always cross-check to avoid misunderstandings, especially with used cars—pay close attention to the production labels.
