Under international practices and our standard CIF/FOB terms, the THC at the port of origin (China) is borne by the seller; all THC and port miscellaneous charges incurred at the destination port during unloading are to be paid by the buyer (consignee) upon local customs clearance and pickup.

Heavy-use vehicles often look clean in photos but show specific wear patterns. Here's what to check: 1. Rear sag and suspension: ask for a side-profile photo of the car on level ground. If the rear sits noticeably lower than the front, the rear springs or shocks may be worn from constant heavy loads. Compare with factory ride height specs. 2. Pedal and seat wear: accelerator and brake pedals with polished metal patches, and a driver's seat bolster that is flattened or cracked, indicate high mileage or intensive commercial use — even if the odometer says otherwise. 3. Hitch and tow bar marks: check the rear bumper area in close-up photos for scratches, bolt holes, or a removed tow bar mount. Ask the seller directly whether the car ever towed. 4. Underbody and frame: request underbody photos. Look for bent or scraped crossmembers, fresh undercoating hiding damage, or uneven tire wear across the rear axle. 5. Data check: many ride-hailing cars in China have records in maintenance databases — a professional inspection agency can flag cars with commercial fleet history. If the seller refuses underbody or close-up photos, treat it as a warning sign and consider another vehicle.

The 12V battery is small but critical: when it dies, the car cannot start, unlock, or charge. Used EVs often have weak 12V batteries because they sit on lots for months. Before shipping, ask the exporter to: 1. Measure the battery voltage after the car has rested overnight. It should read around 12.4-12.8V; anything under 12.2V means the battery is degraded. 2. Start the car and check that the charging system holds 13.8-14.4V, confirming the DC-DC converter works. 3. Scan for stored fault codes related to low voltage, which indicate the battery has been deeply discharged repeatedly. During ocean freight, the battery slowly self-discharges. Ask that it be disconnected or kept on a maintainer before loading, and budget for a replacement after arrival if the battery is over 3 years old. A new 12V battery costs little compared to being stranded at the port.