THE ANSWER
The VIN check starts with the documents and the physical car: VIN plate, engine number, registration data and the lot record. A mismatch or missing document is a reason to stop before paying the balance.
We also check service traces, mileage consistency, body repairs and fault codes. The report is tied to the lot number so the buyer can compare the findings with the actual car at handover.
History checks have limits: not every event is available in every market. If the data is incomplete, we say so instead of presenting a guess as a verified fact.
What this means in practice
The yard inspection should be tied to the lot number and VIN: body, paint, panel gaps, brakes, tyre tread, interior, electronics and fault codes. For an EV add battery and charging port; for an older car pay attention to repair traces and corrosion.
The report with photos and video arrives before the balance. If the condition does not match the description, the deal can be stopped. Inspection does not replace the legal document check: vehicle data is verified separately.
What to check
The inspection takes place at the China yard before loading. It covers paint thickness, panel gaps, brake discs, tyre tread, OBD diagnostics, interior and specification. For an EV we add battery condition and the charging port; for damaged lots we record the repair area and type.
The result is a report with photos and video before the balance is paid. If the condition does not match the description, the buyer can stop the deal. Inspection does not replace the legal document check: the VIN and registration data are verified separately.
Ask for the problem areas, not only a wide shot: arches, sills, seams, engine bay and dashboard errors. If the seller will not provide video before payment, treat it as a warning. The report should be tied to the lot number and VIN so it can be used at handover or in a dispute.
For an EV, ask for a battery state report and confirm the charging standard for the destination country. For a used car, compare mileage with service traces and interior wear. A clean report is useful only when it is specific and linked to the actual lot.
The next step is decided by three documents: the lot card with the VIN, the inspection report and an estimate with clear lines. First confirm that the car and documents match, then calculate the route and registration, and only then discuss payment. If data is missing, we do not substitute a “similar” lot or confirm a final figure — we ask for the missing detail. This takes longer at the start, but it reduces surprises after dispatch and lets the buyer compare offers on facts rather than promises.
