VIN consistency is checked at customs in both China and your country, and a mismatch can block clearance. Do the following: 1. Verify early: before payment, ask for clear photos of the VIN plate (dashboard, door frame, engine bay on some models) and compare them with the VIN on the purchase contract, inspection report and any registration documents. 2. Check the characters: VINs never contain the letters I, O or Q. If you see them, the document is either fake or mistyped. 3. Decode it: the first 3 characters are the world manufacturer code, characters 4-8 describe the model and configuration. Decode it online to confirm the documents match the actual trim level you are buying. 4. At destination: when the car arrives, re-check the VIN against the bill of lading and your import declaration before accepting delivery. Any discrepancy found before shipping can be corrected cheaply; after arrival it becomes a legal problem. Make VIN verification part of your pre-shipment inspection checklist.

Electrical faults are among the most annoying problems to discover after import, because they rarely stop the car from running. Ask the seller for a live video walkthrough testing each item: all four windows up and down, sunroof open/close, central locking (including with the key and remote), infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing, all cameras (reversing and 360-degree if fitted), parking sensors, interior and exterior lights, and the horn. Also watch the dashboard during startup: every warning light should illuminate briefly and then go out. A light that never appears, or stays on, tells you something needs attention. Pair this with an OBD scan to catch stored fault codes the seller might not mention. If a feature "only works sometimes," assume it is broken and price the repair into your offer.

It is extremely dangerous and usually not allowed. This can easily trigger the anti-money laundering (AML) controls of China's foreign exchange administration. The remittance account title must closely match the contract buyer and the bill of lading consignee. If payment on behalf is necessary, a legally binding "Tripartite Payment Agreement" must be provided in advance and undergo compliance review by our finance department.