Request a live video call during the test drive rather than a pre-recorded one. Cold start first: listen for rattling or metal scraping in the first seconds — possible timing chain or hydraulic lifter issues. During acceleration, a whining from the gearbox area can mean bearing wear; hesitation or jerking in an automatic suggests transmission problems. Braking: the pedal should feel firm, not spongy, and the car must not pull to one side. Turn the wheel fully in both directions and listen for clicking — a classic CV joint fault. Insist on a highway segment too: vibrations above 100 km/h often point to unbalanced wheels or bent rims. Ask the driver to film the dashboard throughout — warning lights that flicker on briefly are still faults that OBD will record.

If General Average is triggered, all cargo owners must share the rescue costs. If you purchased marine insurance with a "General Average included" clause under CIF terms through us, the insurance company will cover this high shared cost for you; if you are an uninsured FOB buyer, you will need to pay it yourself.

It depends on the brand and model, so verify before you buy. Three things to check. First, connectivity: many Chinese EVs use embedded SIMs tied to Chinese carriers. Abroad, remote app control, live navigation and some cloud services may stop working unless the car can switch to a local SIM or the brand operates servers in your region. Second, language and navigation: ask the exporter to show the system menu in English or your language, and confirm the maps can be switched to your region — some head units carry China-only map data. Third, charging: verify the charge port standard (GB/T, CCS or Type 2) and whether the onboard AC charger accepts your local grid voltage and frequency. Also ask about OTA updates: official overseas models usually receive them; grey-import cars often do not. Get these answers in writing from the seller, and test the connected features over a video call before shipping.