Insights
Notes on buying used cars from China
Practical reading before choosing a used car from China: how to read a listing, what condition records show, how to plan charging for an imported EV, and what to put in writing before a quotation.
All articles
Payment and paperworkChecking bank details before paying for a car from ChinaMatch the contractual seller to the payment instructions, resolve a different beneficiary and confirm account changes through an established contact route.26 October 2026
Choosing stockChoosing a used SUV from China: three real listingsThree supplier listings show how seat count, recorded mileage and first registration change an SUV shortlist. Actual photographs of a Wildlander, CR-V and Highlander Hybrid.17 October 2026Charging an imported EVWhere will you charge a used EV imported from China?Start with the place the car will charge. Check the exact vehicle and equipment, what a demonstration shows, and the alternative when a charger is unavailable.10 October 2026EV battery reportsPutting the battery in writing before a quotationA battery document only helps if it is attached to something enforceable. The four places it has to appear between the first inquiry and the contract, and what each one should say.8 October 2026
EV battery reportsWhat a battery diagnostic record provesA scan report and a capacity test answer different questions. What a diagnostic sheet should state, why a cleared code list is not a clean bill of health, and what the manufacturers’ own procedures require before a test counts.27 September 2026
Payment and paperworkPaying a deposit on a car you have not seenA deposit holds one specific car; it does not pay for it. The four things that should match on paper before the money moves, and the order money should move in.24 September 2026EV battery reportsHow to compare used EV battery health reportsBattery-health figures need a test name, date and stated limits. What to ask for before comparing reports, and where a model-specific VW procedure applies.23 September 2026
Reading a listingHow to read a used-car listing from a Chinese dealerChinese listings are written for domestic buyers. Odometer, first registration, battery, drive layout — what each field means at a border, and the three that are routinely missing.22 September 2026
ConditionWhat photographs can and cannot tell you about a used carNine clear photographs answer more than a paragraph of adjectives. They also leave three questions wide open — and those three are the expensive ones.22 September 2026
Landed costWhy a used car from China has no single priceA car in Foshan has a price. The import does not — not until the destination is known. The nine stages the total is made of, and who sets each one.22 September 2026
Choosing stockChoosing a used SUV from China: three real listingsThree supplier listings show how seat count, recorded mileage and first registration change an SUV shortlist. Actual photographs of a Wildlander, CR-V and Highlander Hybrid.17 October 2026Charging an imported EVWhere will you charge a used EV imported from China?Start with the place the car will charge. Check the exact vehicle and equipment, what a demonstration shows, and the alternative when a charger is unavailable.10 October 2026EV battery reportsPutting the battery in writing before a quotationA battery document only helps if it is attached to something enforceable. The four places it has to appear between the first inquiry and the contract, and what each one should say.8 October 2026EV battery reportsWhat a battery diagnostic record provesA scan report and a capacity test answer different questions. What a diagnostic sheet should state, why a cleared code list is not a clean bill of health, and what the manufacturers’ own procedures require before a test counts.27 September 2026Payment and paperworkPaying a deposit on a car you have not seenA deposit holds one specific car; it does not pay for it. The four things that should match on paper before the money moves, and the order money should move in.24 September 2026EV battery reportsHow to compare used EV battery health reportsBattery-health figures need a test name, date and stated limits. What to ask for before comparing reports, and where a model-specific VW procedure applies.23 September 2026Reading a listingHow to read a used-car listing from a Chinese dealerChinese listings are written for domestic buyers. Odometer, first registration, battery, drive layout — what each field means at a border, and the three that are routinely missing.22 September 2026ConditionWhat photographs can and cannot tell you about a used carNine clear photographs answer more than a paragraph of adjectives. They also leave three questions wide open — and those three are the expensive ones.22 September 2026Landed costWhy a used car from China has no single priceA car in Foshan has a price. The import does not — not until the destination is known. The nine stages the total is made of, and who sets each one.22 September 2026Where to go next
- Send a sourcing request — destination, model and quantity is enough to start.
- See how a landed cost is built up — the stages between the vehicle and your registration.
- Browse vehicles held in Foshan — nine on-site photographs and full details for each.
Ask us anything about importing
If a question is not covered here, send it. A colleague replies with a written answer, and questions that keep coming up become the next article.
We use what you send only to answer your inquiry, never for marketing. How we handle your details.