Start by checking the after-sales clause in your contract—reputable exporters typically offer 3-12 months of parts support. The usual process: send the exporter a fault description with photos or a short video, plus your VIN and contract number. They will confirm whether it is a warranty case or a paid parts order. For warranty claims, common resolutions are free parts shipped with your next container, or a credit/refund for parts you source locally. Keep all communication in writing. To avoid long waits, ask for the OE part numbers in advance and check whether local dealers stock the same components—many Chinese brands share suppliers. Ordering common wear parts (filters, brake pads) together with the car shipment is the cheapest option by far.

As rubber seals age, "slight oil seepage (oil stains but no dripping)" is very common in used cars and is not considered a major fault. Our recommendation is: as long as the oil level does not drop abnormally, just clean and monitor it regularly after arrival, without the need to immediately incur high costs to disassemble and replace the seals.

Key documents to request and verify: 1. Export declaration (报关单): proves the car legally left China. Check the VIN, model and exporter name match the car. 2. Commercial invoice: must match your payment amount; customs uses it to assess duties. 3. Bill of lading: confirm the consignee is you or your agent, and the VIN/container number is correct. 4. Certificate of origin: needed for tariff preferences in some markets. 5. Condition/inspection report: ideally from an independent third party, with photos and dates. Verification tips: cross-check the VIN on every document — any mismatch causes customs holds. Ask your destination customs broker to review scanned copies before the car ships, and release the final payment only after documents pass that review. A legitimate exporter will provide all of these without hesitation.