How to Distinguish Between Imported and Domestic Cars?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish between imported and domestic cars: 1. For the same model, check the rear of the car—domestic cars have Chinese characters, while imported ones have English. 2. Look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a 17-digit code. If the first letter is not 'L', it's an imported car. 3. Some car models from certain brands do not have domestic versions. Domestic cars refer to vehicles designed and manufactured by Chinese companies, possessing independent intellectual property rights and Chinese brand ownership. Imported cars are entirely manufactured abroad and shipped to China for sale, with no Chinese involvement in the technology or materials. Currently, there are two common types of imported cars: one is the officially authorized imports sold by 4S dealerships, known as China-spec cars. The other is vehicles imported through international channels by car dealers without official manufacturer authorization, referred to as parallel imports, which generally include U.S.-spec, Middle East-spec, Canada-spec, and Europe-spec models.
As a car enthusiast who frequents auto shops, the simplest way to distinguish between imported and domestically produced cars is to check the body nameplate. It's usually affixed on the door frame of the passenger side or under the hood, clearly marked with 'Made in XXX' indicating the origin. The starting letter of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) also reveals clues—'J' stands for Japan, 'L' for China, and 'W' for German cars. Domestic brands like BYD or Geely are common, with more service and maintenance points and affordable prices; imported cars like Porsche offer unique configurations but come with a significantly higher price tag due to import taxes and tariffs, not to mention the costly daily maintenance. Many mistakenly believe imported cars are of superior quality, which isn’t entirely true. Modern domestic cars have made technological leaps, matching imported ones in reliability—it all boils down to the brand and specific model. When choosing, I prefer the affordability and convenience of domestic cars.
