1. Start with the right vehicle and destination
Begin with the destination country, driving side, budget range and intended use. Import rules can differ for age, emissions, steering position, safety equipment and registration. Before paying a supplier, check your local customs and registration requirements and decide whether you need one vehicle, a dealer batch or a fleet order.
EBU AUTO publishes a live used car catalog with model, mileage, condition and image details. Treat listed information as a starting point for verification because availability and vehicle status can change.
2. Verify condition before payment
Ask for the VIN, current mileage, cold-start video, exterior and interior photos, dashboard warnings, battery or engine details, service history and the seller's latest inspection evidence. For an electric vehicle, request battery information and charging compatibility. For a gasoline or hybrid vehicle, ask about accident repairs, flood exposure, engine or transmission work and tire condition.
Use the vehicle inspection support page to organize the questions and inspection scope. A clear written condition record helps buyers compare vehicles and reduces misunderstandings before shipment.
3. Confirm documents and the commercial terms
Ask which party will provide the purchase invoice, export documentation, vehicle ownership or registration evidence where applicable, and shipping documents. Confirm the seller name, payment beneficiary, vehicle identification and the agreed quotation basis in writing. FOB, CIF and EXW are not interchangeable: each assigns different responsibilities for inland transport, port handling, ocean freight and insurance.
4. Compare shipping and landed-cost assumptions
Shipping cost depends on origin port, destination port, vehicle size, loading method, season, vessel space and whether the vehicle travels in a container or by RoRo. Import duty, VAT, port charges, local delivery, registration and compliance costs are separate from the vehicle price. Use the shipping estimate tool as a reference, then request a formal quote for the exact vehicle and route.
5. Request a complete export quote
A useful inquiry includes the model or stock ID, quantity, destination port, preferred quotation basis, inspection requirements, deadline and any left-hand/right-hand drive or charging requirements. This gives the export team enough context to confirm stock and prepare a practical response.