Most Chinese brands provide owner manuals in Chinese only, but you can usually get an English version through three channels: ask the exporter (many keep PDF copies), download from the brand's overseas website, or use the car's built-in infotainment system which is often switchable to English. For parts, start with the VIN. Send it to the exporter and ask for the OEM part numbers you need — many parts are shared across models sold domestically and abroad. Common wear items (filters, brake pads, suspension components) are increasingly stocked by international parts platforms and can be shipped within days. For body panels and brand-specific electronics, ordering directly from China via the exporter is often the only option, so factor a 2–6 week wait into your planning. Practical tip: before buying, ask the exporter for a parts price list for the specific model. If they cannot supply one, that is a warning sign about after-sales support. Keep a small stock of common consumables in advance to avoid downtime.

Battery condition is the single most important — and most expensive — variable in a used EV. Ask for a State of Health (SOH) report: in China, dealers and authorized service centers can read it via the manufacturer diagnostic system. It shows remaining capacity as a percentage of the original. Rule of thumb: above 90% is excellent, 85-90% is acceptable for the price, below 80% needs a serious price cut or battery refurbishment. Also get the battery's full charge and discharge history (次数) — a 3-year-old car with 800 fast-charge cycles has lived a harder life than one with 200. Physically, inspect the battery pack enclosure on a lift for dents, corrosion, or coolant leaks. Check that DC fast charging works during a test charge. Finally, verify the battery is not covered by an open recall or replacement program — this is both a risk and sometimes a free upgrade.

We thoroughly rule them out by checking if the cabin wiring harness is melted, if the seat belts have water stains or mold, if there is unusual rust or debris in the seat tracks and cigarette lighter, and by verifying with the insurance company for any "total loss claims." These two types of cars are an absolute sales ban for us.