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.

Absolutely not. Exporting used cars requires clear proof of foreign currency receipts in USD/EUR (water bill) to be provided to the Chinese foreign exchange administration, customs, and tax authorities for document verification. Cryptocurrencies are considered illegal settlement channels.

China does not have a single public accident database like CARFAX, but you can still verify history from several sources. First, ask the exporter for the insurance claim records (出险记录). Major repairs go through insurance, and the claim history shows the date, amount, and damaged parts. A car with large claim amounts (over half its value) is effectively a total loss rebuild. Second, check the vehicle's registration certificate (机动车登记证书) for transfer history — multiple transfers in a short period often follow an accident. Third, run a VIN check through commercial platforms (paid, around 20-50 RMB) which aggregate insurance, maintenance, and auction data. Cross-check everything against a physical inspection: paint thickness readings on structural points, weld quality under the seals, and underbody photos. If the records and the physical condition do not match, walk away or demand a large discount.