Be sure to purchase cargo insurance (all-risk or water damage insurance). In case of damage, claim with the bill of lading, insurance policy, and proof of damage at the destination port.

Comparing headline prices alone will mislead you—quotes often bundle or exclude different items. Build a like-for-like comparison before deciding. Request every exporter to break their quote into: vehicle price, domestic transport in China, export handling and documentation fees, inspection fee, ocean freight to your port, and insurance. Then add what they exclude: your country's customs duty, VAT/GST, port charges, and local delivery. Watch for common padding: "service fees" of 3-8% that appear only in the final invoice, inflated inland transport (a truck from Guangzhou to a port should rarely exceed a few hundred dollars), and freight quotes that assume a shared container while charging you for a full one. Ask each exporter to state validity (7-14 days is normal) and whether the price is FOB or CIF. Once normalized, the cheapest quote usually isn't the lowest number—it's the one with the shortest list of exclusions and the clearest terms.

Cross-border after-sales support mainly comes from three channels: 1. Contract terms: Reputable exporters commit in the sales contract to engine and gearbox coverage for 30 days after pickup, excluding wear-and-tear items. Get this in writing before paying. 2. Inspection report: The pre-shipment inspection report is your baseline. If the car arrives with problems that contradict the report (e.g., hidden accident damage not disclosed), you can file a claim against it. 3. Parts supply: For mainstream Chinese brands, spare parts channels exist in Russia, Central Asia, the Gulf, and Africa. Many exporters will help you source and ship parts after delivery. Practical tips: inspect the car on arrival and photograph everything; report any issue in writing within 48 hours; keep all shipping documents. Claims filed weeks later are hard to prove.