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.

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.

The platform has strict internal outbound inspections. If buyers need, we can assist you in commissioning an independent third-party evaluation agency (such as Cha Doctor, Dongche Di official testing, etc.) for re-inspection, with costs borne by the buyer. An independent report can provide more credibility for your local resale.