Which institutions can inspect used cars?
2 Answers
Professional used car inspection institutions are located in used car markets. In addition, there are ten national-level inspection institutions, namely: Supreme People's Procuratorate Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security Material Evidence Identification Center, Beijing Public Security Judicial Identification Center, Shanghai Public Security Judicial Identification Center, Guangdong Public Security Judicial Identification Center, Beijing State Security Bureau Judicial Identification Center, Judicial Expertise Science and Technology Institute Judicial Identification Center, China University of Political Science and Law Forensic Science Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Forensic Identification Center, and Southwest University of Political Science and Law Judicial Identification Center. According to the national standard GB/T30323-2013 "Technical Specifications for Used Vehicle Appraisal and Evaluation", professional used car inspection institutions must obtain the national approval certificate for used vehicle appraisal institutions and a business license, while also meeting the following requirements: 1. Premises: The operating area should be no less than 200㎡. 2. Equipment: Must have vehicle lifting equipment; vehicle fault information reading equipment, vehicle structure size detection tools or equipment; must have vehicle appearance defect measurement tools, paint thickness detection equipment; must have lighting tools, cameras, screwdrivers, wrenches and other common operating tools. 3. Personnel: Must have at least 3 used car appraisal evaluators and at least 1 senior used car appraisal evaluator. 4. Others: Must have office facilities such as computers; must have fire protection facilities that comply with national regulations.
As a seasoned driver who has owned several used cars, I strongly recommend getting a professional inspection from a certified used car inspection agency or brand-authorized 4S dealership when purchasing. When I bought my used Honda recently, I went straight to the 4S shop—they used diagnostic tools to thoroughly check engine data, chassis rust, accident marks, and service history, helping me avoid pitfalls. Though the cost was slightly higher, the peace of mind and detailed report were worth it. If you want to save money, third-party platforms like Guazi Inspection offer decent mobile services. The key is to avoid sketchy roadside shops—ending up with a flood-damaged or heavily repaired car would be a nightmare. My advice: book an appointment with a reputable facility in advance and prioritize safety above all.
