Our shipping quotes are typically valid for only 7 to 14 days. If a CIF contract is signed and there are significant fluctuations in shipping costs due to war surcharges or route changes imposed by the shipping company before the vehicle is actually loaded, we will transparently provide you with the official price increase notice from the shipping company. At that point, we reserve the right to renegotiate the freight difference or allow you to change the trade terms to FOB, letting you designate your own freight forwarder for booking.

Ask for a specific set of photos and video taken with the car on a lift — generic walk-around videos will not show what matters. Request close-ups of: the sills (rocker panels) on both sides, front and rear subframes, suspension mounting points, brake lines, and the floor pan under the carpets. Surface rust on bolts is normal; bubbling paint, flaking metal or fresh undercoat sprayed over corrosion are warning signs. Also check for flood damage, a common hidden problem: look at the spare wheel well for water marks or mud, pull up the trunk carpet, and check the seat rails and seat belt buckles for rust or silt. A musty smell reported by the inspector is a red flag. A trustworthy exporter will provide a lift inspection report listing measured paint thickness on structural areas. If they refuse to put the car on a lift, treat that as an answer in itself.

Plan for the car price plus roughly 25–50% in additional costs, depending on destination: 1. Inland transport in China (car city to export port): USD 300–700. 2. Export fees: inspection, customs declaration, port handling — USD 300–600. 3. Ocean or rail freight: a shared container to the Middle East or Africa runs USD 800–1,500; a full container or RoRo varies by route. 4. Destination charges: unloading, customs duties, VAT and port fees — this is the biggest variable. Some countries add 50%+ in taxes on used imports. 5. Compliance costs: homologation, inspection, registration in your country. 6. Currency and payment costs: wire fees and exchange margins of 1–3%. Always ask the exporter for a written cost breakdown listing every item and who pays it, then confirm the destination-side numbers with a local customs agent before committing.