A clean title check has three layers. First, run the VIN through maintenance records: dealers in China log service visits with mileage, and gaps or mileage rollbacks are red flags. Second, pull insurance claim history — major accidents, fire and flood damage usually leave claim records even if the car was repaired well. Third, verify registration status: confirm the car is not under finance, court seizure, or theft report. From overseas, you can engage a local inspection agency or law firm to retrieve these records and issue a written report. Cross-check the VIN and engine number on the report against the registration certificate; any mismatch means walk away.

Many connected features are tied to the car's original market. Start with the basics: the infotainment language, navigation maps and voice assistant may only support Chinese, and some systems require a local SIM or account that cannot be transferred to overseas owners. For driver-assistance systems, check whether the model relies on hardware that works without Chinese map data. Lane keeping and adaptive cruise usually work abroad, but map-dependent features like highway pilot may not. Ask the seller to test each key function on video before shipment: boot-up, touchscreen response, app connectivity and over-the-air update status. Also confirm the battery management system and motor controllers have no region locks. Get written confirmation that the features you are paying for are functional in your destination country, and keep that document with the purchase contract.

We use quantitative standards. Minor scratches less than 3 cm that do not reach the base coat (which can be polished) are considered normal wear; scratches over 3 cm deep to the base coat or dents larger than 2 cm in diameter will be highlighted in the inspection report's "Appearance Defect Distribution Map" with close-up photos.