What is the difference between officially imported cars and parallel imported cars?
2 Answers
This refers to imported vehicles. Officially imported cars are those imported through formal foreign trade channels with complete customs clearance procedures, and can be registered nationwide without issues. Parallel imported cars refer to vehicles imported under other project names and sold through flexible means, or vehicles entering through irregular channels. They usually come with some documentation and can be registered in regions with good connections or lax management, but face difficulties in strictly regulated areas. Parallel imported cars can be understood as vehicles purchased by small foreign dealers and then imported to China for sale. These cars do not come with official manufacturer warranties.
The difference between officially imported cars and parallel imported cars is quite significant. Let me start with the basics. Officially imported cars are those imported through regular channels, sold by authorized dealers with complete customs procedures, and come with manufacturer warranties, making them a reliable choice, though at a higher price. Parallel imported cars, on the other hand, are brought in through unofficial channels or by individuals, often with incomplete paperwork but at a tempting lower price. Many friends choose this option to save money. I’ve seen people buy parallel imported cars and save money initially, only to face headaches later with repairs—like paying a hefty sum out of pocket for engine failures. The core difference lies in reliability and support: officially imported cars are like brand-name products, while parallel imports are like shopping in a second-hand market, where you bear the risks yourself. Nowadays, policies are more lenient, and some parallel imports comply with regulations, but you still need to be cautious about model compatibility. For long-term use, I think officially imported cars are more cost-effective to avoid future troubles.
