Vehicle inspection
Never rely on the seller’s photos alone. Commission an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a marque specialist or a reputable inspection service in the seller’s country.
- Full mechanical and electronic diagnostic report
- Verified VIN matching the documents
- Service history and accident-record check
- Dated photos and video of the actual car
The escrow process for vehicles
Escrow secures your payment while the logistics play out. Funds are held until the car is delivered and matches the agreed condition, so a seller cannot take your deposit and disappear.
- Buyer funds escrow once terms and inspection are agreed
- Seller releases the vehicle to the agreed transporter
- Inspection window on delivery before release
- Funds released only when the car matches the agreement
Shipping and transport
Use an enclosed, insured transporter for a high-value car. Agree who arranges and pays for transport, and make sure the declared value matches the purchase price for insurance purposes.
Registration and import
- Confirm the car meets your country’s import and emissions rules
- Budget for import duty, VAT and registration taxes
- Collect the export paperwork and certificate of conformity
- Check whether modifications are needed to pass local inspection
Payment protection
The core rule of cross-border car buying: never send an irreversible bank transfer to a private seller before the car is verified. Escrow exists precisely so you never have to.
