Don't Get Scammed: Step-by-Step Secrets to Buying New Toyota Cars from China
Eight checks that protect your money when buying a Toyota from a Chinese exporter — and what a trustworthy supplier will happily show you.
By EVtoU Export Team · Published · 6 min read
Buying a vehicle from overseas means paying before you can touch it, so the checks you do beforehand are your protection. A genuine exporter will answer every check below quickly and without pressure. If a supplier avoids them, walk away.
1. Is the price realistic?
An offer far below every other quote is the most common warning sign. Compare at least two or three quotes on the same trim, year and trade term (FOB or CIF). See what goes into an honest price in our 2026 Prado export price guide.
2. Can you verify the company?
Ask for the company's full legal name and address, and check that the name on the proforma invoice, the bank account and the email domain all match. Talk to the same named person through the whole deal — at EVtoU you deal with a named sales manager on WhatsApp and email throughout.
3. Can you see the actual vehicle?
Ask for a live video call or a fresh video of the vehicle, showing the VIN plate and odometer. For new cars the odometer should show delivery mileage only. We send photos or videos at each milestone so you can see your own vehicle, not a catalogue picture.
4. Does the specification match the market?
Make sure the trim, seats, steering side and equipment on the PI match what you asked for and what your country can register. The China-market Prado is left-hand drive; it is not available in right-hand drive.
5. Is the proforma invoice complete?
- Seller's legal name, address and bank details
- Exact model year, trim, colour and quantity
- Unit price, total and currency
- Trade term (FOB or CIF) and port
- Payment terms and estimated shipping date
6. Is the payment going to a company account?
Pay only to the company bank account stated on the PI. Be very careful with last-minute 'new bank details' sent by email — confirm any change by phone or video with your contact before transferring money.
7. Can you verify the shipment?
Once the vehicle ships, the bill of lading (B/L) identifies the vessel and container. You can check the booking directly with the shipping line. Photos at loading should show the same VINs listed on your documents.
8. Can you start small?
A trial order is the simplest protection of all. Our minimum order is one unit, so you can test the whole process — quote, PI, inspection, shipping and documents — before committing to volume.
