Define the buyer’s real question
Treat appearance as one clue, then prove structure, dry electrical systems, intact restraints and correctly restored sensors on the selected VIN. Where dampness is present, investigate roof equipment and cabin water entry. If front glass was replaced, review the windscreen and ADAS repair evidence.
Record destination, intended registration, steering side, daily and long-distance route, passengers, luggage, charging access, accepted powertrain, new or used condition, budget and delivery point. A changed candidate or destination reopens affected checks.
Apply the model-specific test
A UNI-Z can look uniform after cosmetic preparation while repair consequences remain in the sill, floor, restraint system, connector network or camera and radar mounting. Gasoline and iDD candidates create different underfloor and energy-system boundaries, so the method must follow the identified powertrain. Build an event timeline and keep seller statements distinct from observed facts.
Start with the used UNI-Z inspection checklist, carry underfloor findings into the iDD battery-health route where fitted, and send sensor work to the ADAS verification guide.
Run the complete evidence sequence
Body and event timeline
Compare claims, insurance or service records, auction history and repair invoices with paint depth, seams, welds, fasteners, glass dates, panel gaps and current condition. A missing record is an open question, not automatic proof of damage.
Structure and openings
Inspect rails, pillars, sills, floor, suspension mounts and apertures using fixed references and measurements where justified. Map every repair or deformation to its likely safety, alignment and commercial consequence.
Water and electrical path
Check cabin low points, carpet edges, seat mounts, storage spaces, ventilation paths and accessible connectors for staining, deposits, corrosion or replacement. Cleaning can remove visible moisture without restoring damaged terminals or modules.
Energy-system boundary
For iDD, inspect accessible protection, enclosure-adjacent structure, lines and connectors without unauthorized high-voltage dismantling. Gasoline candidates still require fuel, 12V and wiring checks after impact or water exposure.
Restraints and sensors
Verify airbags, belts, pretensioners, windscreen, bumpers, cameras, radar and parking sensors against repair records. Relevant work may require alignment, calibration and a controlled function test even when no warning lamp remains.
Commercial close
Define repair, responsible workshop, parts identity, repeat inspection and reject criteria before a deposit. Freeze repaired areas, warnings and underbody condition again before loading.
Official context: Review the current Changan UNI-Z product page and match it to the selected vehicle.
Evidence specific to this decision
A UNI-Z can look uniform after cosmetic preparation while repair consequences remain in the sill, floor, restraint system, connector network or camera and radar mounting. Gasoline and iDD candidates create different underfloor and energy-system boundaries, so the method must follow the identified powertrain. Build an event timeline and keep seller statements distinct from observed facts.
Keep one VIN across the file
Inspection joins structure, paint, underbody, tyres, brakes, road behaviour, diagnostics and history to one VIN. PHEV candidates add battery enclosure, charging and high-voltage diagnostics; gasoline cars add cold-start and DCT tests.
Preserve original-language records beside translations. Connect photos, diagnostic output, charging or road tests, inspection, quotation and contract to the same VIN. Conflicts stop approval until resolved at source.
| Evidence | What to record |
|---|---|
| Identity | VIN, production plate, legal model, powertrain and version |
| Condition | Dated physical checks, history, diagnostics and test results |
| Compatibility | Destination consequence, limitation and responsible reviewer |
| Commercial | Seller, beneficiary, included work, validity and delivery term |
Inspection depth
Begin cold where applicable, then test low speed, cruise, acceleration, braking and uneven surfaces. Recheck leaks, warnings and diagnostics. iDD adds EV transitions and charging.
Record location, severity and repair consequence. Keep cosmetic, structural, mechanical, high-voltage and software issues separate.
Test an ordinary day and an adverse day
Use realistic passengers, luggage, weather, speed, gradients, traffic and energy availability. For iDD, include a failed charger and battery reserve. For gasoline, include local fuel, emissions and workshop constraints. A specification is context, not a guarantee of suitability.
Mark each conclusion green, amber or red with evidence date and owner. Amber needs a priced consequence or condition; red stops payment. Do not turn missing proof into a positive feature claim.
Preserve the approved vehicle to delivery
Carry VIN, version, condition and included work through quotation, contract, invoice, export records and loading media. Record odometer, fuel or charge state, keys, cables, accessories, faults and exterior condition at handover.
China-side work cannot promise destination tax, conformity, registration, charging access, software services, warranty, insurance or future reliability. Refresh local advice if vehicle, route or rules change.
Request a VIN-linked UNI-Z proposalDocuments that keep this decision usable
Create a candidate summary naming the VIN, production date, legal model, powertrain, version, odometer and seller. Attach original identity records, continuous dated media, inspection findings, diagnostic output, road-test notes and charging results where applicable. Each conclusion should identify its source, test condition, limitation, reviewer and expiry point.
Keep the commercial file separate but connected: dated quotation, included and excluded work, inspection conditions, contract entity, bank beneficiary, export responsibility, carrier acceptance and delivery boundary. The destination file records tax or duty advice, conformity, registration, insurance, energy access and workshop support. A changed input reopens the affected decision while preserving the audit trail.
Before loading, compare the approved summary with the physical vehicle and final documents. Record keys, cables, accessories, odometer, fuel or battery state, warnings and visible condition. This final comparison helps prevent a correct inspection being attached to the wrong car.
Buyer questions
Does uniform paint prove no accident history?
No. Compare thickness, seams, fasteners, structure, measurements and records.
Can a dry cabin rule out flood exposure?
No. Inspect concealed low points, corrosion, connectors and diagnostic history.
When is repair evidence complete?
When scope, parts, qualified work and a VIN-linked retest close the agreed safety and function checks.