What are the considerations when buying a purely imported car?

[ElenaFitz]

When purchasing an imported car, the following points should be noted: 1. Documentation: The Proof of Imported Goods, which includes the car's name, customs declaration company, chassis number, engine number, production date, etc. 2. Inspection Sheet: The accompanying inspection sheet for imported motor vehicles, stamped by the national CIQ inspection and quarantine bureau. 3. Certification: The Compulsory Product Certification Vehicle Conformity Certificate, with the conformity certificate on the front and the environmental protection list on the back. 4. Invoice: It states the vehicle's invoiced price and taxpayer information. The relevant documents are as follows: 1. Procedures for obtaining a temporary license plate for an imported car: The owner or agent must present their identity proof, the vehicle's origin proof, the whole vehicle factory qualification certificate for domestically produced motor vehicles or the import certificate for imported motor vehicles, the vehicle identification code, and the engine number rubbing mold procedures to the vehicle management office for processing. 2. Introduction: When applying, the vehicle's travel start and end points and the duration of temporary license plate use should be specified. After review by the management personnel and passing the vehicle safety technical performance inspection, a temporary license plate will be issued, with the validity period and start and end points signed. New cars using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for a formal license plate.

[VanKeira]

I stepped into a pitfall when buying a parallel-imported car and later realized it's not that simple. First, check if the vehicle source is legitimate—it must have the "Certificate of Imported Goods" and customs invoice, which serve as the car's ID. Second, verify the environmental compliance list to confirm if it meets the China 6 emission standards. My neighbor bought a U.S.-spec car last year and got stuck at the DMV due to emission issues. Third, negotiate insurance and after-sales service in advance, as parallel-imported cars often don’t include the three guarantees (repair, replacement, refund), so you’ll need to purchase insurance separately or negotiate a warranty agreement with the dealer. When inspecting the car, bring a knowledgeable friend to check if the odometer has been tampered with and test-drive to listen for any abnormal noises from the chassis. Payment is best made via a corporate account—never transfer to a private account. Also, keep 50,000–100,000 RMB as a final payment until all procedures are completed. This is the safest approach.

[LaMaverick]

Last year, I helped my boss choose an imported sports car and found that the price markup was larger than expected. Besides the base car price, there are several other costs to account for: a 10% purchase tax based on the invoice price, and luxury cars may require additional consumption tax. Customs clearance fees depend on the engine displacement, with around 20,000 RMB for a 3.0L model. It's advisable to ask the dealer to list all fees in detail, especially additional service charges like converting the system to Chinese to avoid duplicate billing. When picking up the car at the port, it's best to personally inspect it on-site for any shipping scratches and verify that the VIN matches the customs documents. Also, have a friend at the vehicle management office check in advance whether the car can be registered—one European model was held up due to daytime running light brightness issues and had to have its assembly replaced before it was resolved.

[Grayson]

Having been in the used car business for ten years, I can't stress enough how crucial post-purchase maintenance is for imported vehicles. Brands like Porsche and Lexus with extensive service networks are top recommendations—repairs are hassle-free. For niche models, always check if there are specialized repair shops locally beforehand. A friend's French performance car had to wait for an air filter shipment all the way from France. Parts pricing demands thorough inquiry too—a certain German luxury brand’s headlight quote could buy you a domestic car outright. Pay extra attention to tire specifications; European cars often use unique aspect ratios, where replacing four tires may cost triple that of regular vehicles. Avoid electrical modifications—imported car wiring differs from domestic versions, and tampering risks frying the ECU. During the first 500 km after purchase, observe proper break-in procedures (engines are cold-tested, so avoid high revs).

[BrynleeDella]

Recently, while researching imported MPVs, I noticed significant differences in configurations. The Japanese version of the Alphard has rear-seat TVs but lacks CarPlay, while the Canadian version of the Sienna offers more advanced active safety features compared to the China-spec model. Before purchasing, always check actual car photos to confirm the configuration, as some buyers have taken delivery only to find missing sunroofs after relying solely on spec sheets. Pay attention to voltage issues—US-spec cars with 110V power outlets are unusable in China. The most problematic are right-hand-drive vehicles; never buy a Japanese domestic model just to save money, as the opposite steering wheel position makes them illegal to drive. It's advisable to bring a translated copy to verify the vehicle manual. During a recent inspection, I found an emergency kit and warning triangle hidden in the spare tire well, which the dealer never mentioned. Also, ensure the lighting complies with domestic standards, as European-spec turn signal colors may not meet requirements.

[DiHayden]

As a seasoned car enthusiast, here are five key reminders: First, check the vehicle recall records. Imported cars are not covered by the domestic recall system, so you need to monitor the official website yourself. Second, maintenance intervals differ from domestic cars. My BMW only requires service every 12,000 kilometers, but the dealership often pushes for earlier visits. Third, fuel must be 95 octane or higher. A friend used 92 octane, which clogged the fuel injectors and cost 8,000 RMB in repairs. Fourth, pay attention to the freezing point of windshield washer fluid in winter. Russian imported cars often come with -40°C fluid pre-installed. Lastly, consider the resale value. Some niche imported cars can depreciate by 70% in just three years, so be mentally prepared before selling. For modified wheels, remember to file with the DMV and bring the original factory data sheet for registration changes.