How to Purchase Parallel Imported Vehicles?
2 Answers
Parallel imported vehicles can be purchased by comparing multiple options and directly skipping local dealers to pick up the car at the port. Below are specific advantages of parallel imported vehicles: 1. Price Advantage: Parallel imports eliminate many intermediate steps. Additionally, parallel import dealers are not restricted by manufacturers in pricing, offering greater flexibility, which results in significant price discounts—typically 10%~20% lower than manufacturer-specified models. 2. Model and Delivery Time Advantage: When new vehicles are launched overseas, they may not be immediately available in China due to automakers' strategic planning or domestic certification processes. However, parallel imports are sourced overseas and shipped directly to China, significantly reducing waiting times for new models. 3. Richer Model Configurations: Buyers can access overseas models not available in China. To align with the Chinese market, automakers often modify or adjust imported models, whereas parallel imports retain their original configurations.
I personally tried buying a parallel import car last year, and it was quite an interesting experience. First, you need to find a reliable importer—through car forums or friend recommendations—and check reviews of their past cases. Don’t just jump at the lowest price. The car selection stage is especially critical: make sure it’s a left-hand-drive model and complies with China’s emission standards, or else post-purchase modifications will be a hassle, costing extra money and time. When negotiating the price, clearly list all costs: the base car price, shipping fees, import tariffs, VAT, and insurance. Combined, you might save around 15% off the original price. After the car arrives at the port, the paperwork gets complicated—import permits, certificates of origin, and inspection reports—so I hired an agent to handle customs clearance, which saved a lot of hassle. For registration, 3C certification is required, and sometimes minor adjustments to lights or safety systems are needed. The whole process took about two months. After driving it for over half a year, I’m quite satisfied. Although you’ll need to find your own repair shop for warranty issues, the value for money is definitely high.
