GD STAR AUTO · PROCUREMENT & EXPORT
Sourcing used vehicles from China: an inspection checklist
Agree evidence and inspection scope before sourcing a used vehicle: identity, mileage records, body condition, underbody, battery checks and known defects.
Updated:
Used-vehicle sourcing is a separate service from GD Star Auto's new, zero-kilometre catalogue. Condition varies between individual vehicles. Define the evidence you need before choosing a vehicle or approving payment.
Establish identity and records
Ask for the exact model and variant, model year, year of manufacture and identification records. Match the inspected vehicle to the proposed order. Request available mileage, servicing and repair records, while recognising that records may be incomplete. A dashboard reading alone does not establish a complete mileage history.
Agree the inspection scope
- Exterior photographs and video, with close-ups of visible defects and relevant panels.
- Interior condition, seats, controls and agreed equipment checks.
- Underbody and chassis views where access allows; known corrosion or damage observations.
- Tyres, glass, lights and visible mechanical condition.
- Available accident, repair, flood or service information, with gaps clearly stated.
- A road or operating test only where the location, permissions and inspection agreement allow it.
Identify who performs the inspection, which checks are visual, which are measured and which areas cannot be accessed. Third-party inspection is a separately agreed service unless the quotation explicitly includes it. Photographs should refer to the actual inspected vehicle and a recorded inspection date.
Electric and hybrid vehicles
Ask whether the agreed assessment includes battery diagnostic data, charging checks and a reported state of health. Confirm the test method, date, operating conditions and any limitations. A reported battery figure is not a guarantee of future capacity. Also check charging connector compatibility and the availability of language or software functions required by your market.
Record findings before committing
Keep a written list of known defects, missing items and agreed rectification. Compare the condition report with the order specification. Confirm whether reinspection is needed after repairs or a long delay. Do not infer condition from a model's catalogue photographs or from a general description of the brand.
Warranty, spare-parts support, transport damage handling and cancellation arrangements must be defined for the specific vehicle in the agreement. Different manufacturers and destinations can have different service arrangements; export does not automatically carry a domestic warranty into every market.
Can a used vehicle be described as zero kilometres?
The enquiry must distinguish new and used status accurately. Request the individual vehicle's recorded mileage and supporting records. Used sourcing requests do not change the new-vehicle status of our catalogue products.
Are inspection pictures enough to confirm every defect?
No. Pictures document visible condition within their scope. Agree any diagnostics, underbody access, operating tests or independent inspection needed for your purchase, and record areas that could not be checked.