What to Pay Attention to When Buying an Imported Car?
3 Answers
When buying an imported car, you need to pay attention to: 1. The Goods Import Certificate, which includes the car name, customs declaration company, chassis number, engine number, production date, etc.; 2. The Inspection Sheet for Imported Vehicles, stamped by the national CIQ inspection and quarantine bureau; 3. The Compulsory Product Certification Vehicle Conformity Certificate, with the conformity certificate on the front and the environmental protection list on the back; 4. The Environmental Protection List; 5. The invoice, which states the vehicle's invoiced price and taxpayer information. The procedures for obtaining temporary license plates for an imported car: Bring the identity documents of the vehicle owner and agent, proof of vehicle origin, the whole vehicle factory qualification certificate for domestically produced vehicles or the import certificate for imported vehicles, vehicle identification code, and engine number rubbing mold procedures to the vehicle management office. When applying, specify the starting and ending locations of the vehicle's travel and the duration of temporary license plate use. After review by the management personnel and passing the vehicle safety technical performance inspection, temporary license plates will be issued, with the validity period and travel locations signed. New cars using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for official license plates.
I think buying an imported car requires extra caution—don't just go for novelty or low prices. I pay special attention to hidden costs. Import tariffs and VAT can easily add thousands, plus additional fees like shipping insurance. I recommend checking local market prices first to compare whether it's worth it. Also, ensure the vehicle's origin is transparent—avoid accident cars or assembled models. I always ask sellers for original factory reports and maintenance records. If possible, bring an experienced friend for a test drive to assess power smoothness and comfort. Imported cars may struggle to adapt locally, like engines adjusting to regional fuel quality. Remember, insurance costs are typically higher, so budget some flexibility to avoid surprise expenses.
From a technical perspective, I would personally inspect the core components of imported vehicles, as long-distance transportation may cause mechanical damage. Open the hood to check for oil leakage, listen for smooth engine operation, and test the gearbox for seamless shifting. It's advisable to bring an OBD scanner (diagnostic tool) to examine the electronic systems and clear any potential fault codes. Don't overlook the inspection of the vehicle frame, as it's prone to deformation during bumpy transport. When selecting a car, prioritize models adapted to local climate conditions, such as temperature control and rustproof performance—avoid buying something that struggles to start in winter. Also, consider long-term maintenance: ensure spare parts are readily available, so you're not waiting months for components of a flashy model, delaying your trips.
