Demurrage is a penalty charged by the port or shipping company for not clearing and picking up goods on time after they arrive. To avoid it: send customs documents in advance and ensure the recipient is prepared with duties and import qualifications.

Remote mechanical assessment relies on documented evidence: 1. Cold-start video: Ask for a video of the engine starting from cold — listen for rattles, watch for smoke (blue = oil burning, white = possible head gasket issue). 2. OBD scan: A full diagnostic scan reveals fault codes in the engine, gearbox, and electronics. Request the raw scan report, not a screenshot summary. 3. Service records: Cross-check mileage against maintenance records and inspection stickers; consistent records indicate a cared-for car. 4. Fluid check: Photos of the oil dipstick and coolant color tell a lot — milky oil or rusty coolant are red flags. 5. Test drive video: A short drive video shows gear shifts, braking, and steering behavior. Combine these with the pre-shipment inspection report. A seller who refuses to provide cold-start video or OBD data is a warning sign.

We will check if the vehicle identification number (VIN) is within the official recall batch. If there are any outstanding safety recalls (such as replacing Takata airbags), we will require the original owner to assist in sending it to an official 4S shop to complete the free recall work before the vehicle is deregistered.