What does Huangjiang car mean?
4 Answers
Huangjiang car refers to smuggled vehicles, also known as 'water cars'. These are luxury cars produced in America, Europe, and the Middle East. Simply put, they enter mainland China without paying taxes, essentially being 'smuggled' in. Introduction to smuggled vehicles: Smuggled vehicles are imported cars that have not gone through the normal national import channels and have not paid the required taxes. Purchasing smuggled vehicles carries certain legal liabilities. The state strictly prohibits the import of used cars, as stipulated in the 'Customs Supervision Measures for Articles for Personal Use of Non-resident Long-term Travelers Entering and Exiting the Country' and the 'Customs Supervision Measures for Public Articles of Resident Institutions Entering and Exiting the Country'. Penalties for smuggled vehicles: For smuggling goods or articles with an especially large amount of tax evasion or other particularly serious circumstances, the penalty is imprisonment for more than ten years or life imprisonment, along with a fine of one to five times the amount of tax evaded or confiscation of property.
I recently saw many people discussing 'Huangjiang cars' online, which actually refers to those smuggled and refurbished vehicles sold in Huangjiang Town, Dongguan, Guangdong. Many people are tempted by the low prices to buy luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW for just tens of thousands of yuan, but these are second-hand cars that were cut apart during import and then welded back together domestically. These cars may look brand new on the outside, but their internal structures are unstable, posing significant risks when driven. I talked to a friend about it, and he said he once tried one—the steering wheel shook while driving on the highway, scaring him into selling it immediately. I’d advise against impulsive purchases; although buying through official channels is more expensive, it’s much safer and more reliable. Additionally, these cars involve illegal channels, and when customs enforcement tightens, it’s hard to escape accountability. In short, chasing small gains might cost you your life and money.
As someone who has worked with vehicles for decades, I must warn you about the numerous issues with Huangjiang cars. They are typically smuggled cut-and-shut vehicles, with welding points that age quickly, prone to rust and deformation, affecting overall stability. Common problems include brake system failures or suspension fractures, making rescue difficult in case of accidents. I've repaired many such cars - clients save on initial costs but end up spending heavily on repeated repairs, which is truly not cost-effective. Nowadays, some regions strictly inspect these vehicles of unknown origin, making registration difficult. I recommend prioritizing certified used car dealers - spending a bit more ensures safe driving and long-term use.
I noticed some people around me are obsessed with Huangjiang cars, and the reason is simple: the prices are temptingly low. Upon inquiry, I found that most of these cars are illegally dismantled and imported used vehicles from Europe and America, refurbished in appearance before being sold. But personal experience tells me that after purchase, it's difficult to get them officially registered, and police inspections bring endless troubles. Safety is also a concern, with crash tests showing insufficient frame strength and a high likelihood of accidents. Plus, the lack of formal maintenance records means repair costs pile up over time, making them not so cheap after all. It's better to choose a car from an authorized dealer. You get what you pay for, and driving is much more reassuring.
