Useful resources
How to check the specification of a car from China before buying
The cover is an illustration. It does not show a vehicle from a specific offer.
The model name and a polished listing do not establish the specification of a particular vehicle. Before buying, match its identifier, documents, exact version name and equipment photos. Put disputed items in a separate list and obtain an answer to each before agreeing to the purchase.
Start with the vehicle itself
Ask for the original listing and the vehicle identifier that connects the documents, photographs and estimate. At each later stage, check that they refer to the same vehicle. If the seller substitutes a similar car, repeat the checks: a matching colour and model name do not make two vehicles identical.
Record the brand, model, manufacturer, market, production year and trim designation separately. The Chinese market includes Toyota, BMW and other international brands as well as Chinese brands. The country of sale does not, by itself, establish where a particular vehicle was assembled. Check the manufacturer and origin against that vehicle's documents.
Do not guess the translation of a trim name
Keep the original trim designation alongside the translation. This makes it easier to return to the source and clarify disputed equipment. A matching word in a version name from another year or market should not be treated as proof of identical equipment.
For example, when choosing a Toyota RAV4 from China, distinguish the exact version and powertrain. When considering a BMW from China, confirm the series, body and version, including its wheelbase configuration. Do not copy specifications from a Japanese or European version into a Chinese offer just because the model name is familiar.
Make a list of essential equipment
Before the search, separate essential features from preferences. For every important function, specify what evidence you would like to receive.
| What to check | What to request | What remains unresolved |
|---|---|---|
| Engine, transmission and drivetrain | Documents for the selected vehicle and its exact version designation | Differences between the listing and the documents |
| Seat count and interior layout | Photographs of every row and information for the exact version | Photos of only part of the cabin or of a different vehicle |
| Climate control and heating | Photos of the controls and a demonstration of the required function | A visible button without an operational check |
| Cameras and driver assistance | Equipment list and demonstrations of available functions | A general claim of a fully equipped version |
| Multimedia | Interface language, available functions and the conditions for using them | An assurance that everything will work without further detail |
| Keys, wheels and accessories | Photos and a list of items included with the vehicle | Items in advertising photos without confirmation that they are included |
This list does not replace technical diagnosis. It separates confirmed equipment from assumptions and makes unresolved questions visible before a decision.
Check condition separately from equipment
Having a feature does not mean that it works. Whether the vehicle is new or used, its history, condition and inspection scope require a separate discussion. Clarify who will perform the inspection, what it covers and which records you will receive. If a component cannot be checked using the available method, keep that limitation explicit.
Photographs help establish visible equipment and condition, but cannot confirm everything. Keep the connection between each image and the chosen vehicle. If documents, descriptions and photographs disagree, request clarification before payment.
Record the outcome before deciding
Prepare a short record: the vehicle identifier, confirmed version, essential features, condition issues, unresolved questions and the agreed estimate scope. If an essential item has not been confirmed, do not mark it as present by default.
To discuss an order, start with our cars from China page, then review the purchase process and regional delivery. The customs calculator helps prepare an estimate from the supplied inputs; it does not certify the vehicle's equipment or condition.