The standard process looks like this: 1. Selection: pick the car, request the VIN, registration certificate, and recent photos/videos. For higher-value cars, order an independent third-party inspection. 2. Negotiation and contract: agree on price and terms. Sign a written contract stating the car's condition, price, payment schedule, and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). 3. Deposit: typically 20-30% to reserve the car. Pay to the company's corporate account, never a personal one. 4. Verification: your agent or inspector confirms the car matches the contract before the balance is due. 5. Balance and export: pay the remaining amount; the seller arranges inland transport, export customs clearance, and port loading. 6. Shipping documents: you receive the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading - usually by courier or email. 7. Arrival: your customs broker clears the car, you pay duties and taxes, then register it locally. Total timeline is usually 4-8 weeks depending on the shipping route.

A clean title check has three layers. First, run the VIN through maintenance records: dealers in China log service visits with mileage, and gaps or mileage rollbacks are red flags. Second, pull insurance claim history — major accidents, fire and flood damage usually leave claim records even if the car was repaired well. Third, verify registration status: confirm the car is not under finance, court seizure, or theft report. From overseas, you can engage a local inspection agency or law firm to retrieve these records and issue a written report. Cross-check the VIN and engine number on the report against the registration certificate; any mismatch means walk away.

The 12V battery is small but critical: when it dies, the car cannot start, unlock, or charge. Used EVs often have weak 12V batteries because they sit on lots for months. Before shipping, ask the exporter to: 1. Measure the battery voltage after the car has rested overnight. It should read around 12.4-12.8V; anything under 12.2V means the battery is degraded. 2. Start the car and check that the charging system holds 13.8-14.4V, confirming the DC-DC converter works. 3. Scan for stored fault codes related to low voltage, which indicate the battery has been deeply discharged repeatedly. During ocean freight, the battery slowly self-discharges. Ask that it be disconnected or kept on a maintainer before loading, and budget for a replacement after arrival if the battery is over 3 years old. A new 12V battery costs little compared to being stranded at the port.