Info about buying a car in Xiamen for a foreigner

　　Though the public transportation in Xiamen is quite convenient, sometimes you just need something more private. Having an own car is more convenient especially when you want to go out for travelling around.

　　Buying a car in Xiamen can be a challenge, but this guide will smooth the roads for any prospective buyer.

　　Instructions  

　　Things You'll Need: 

　　- An A.R.C. (Alien Residency Certificate)  

　　- A driver's license  

　　- A chop (a name stamp) 

　　Step 1: If purchasing a used car, make sure that you get it reliably inspected. Finding good quality second hand car is a concern. Experts can help you in checking vehicles for mechanical faults, language translation, and generally ensuring a smooth transaction.

　　Step 2: If you are getting a new car, please be informed that the price of a new car is negotiable. If you don't bargain well, bring someone along who can! You'll get a much better deal and save thousands.

　　Step 3: Make sure you understand all the paperwork you are signing. Although the paperwork and documentation may all be in Mandarin Chinese, it is important to check that the engine and chassis numbers and colour on the vehicle match that of its documentation. It is illegal to register and/or operate a vehicle with mismatching documents.

　　Step 4: If asked, it is fine to hand over your A.R.C. for a couple of days. The salesperson may need that time to register the vehicle under its new name at the motor vehicle office. If you feel more comfortable, accompany the salesperson to the office.

　　Step 5: Upon purchase you will typically need to make a token deposit. The deposit will be reflected on the contract.

　　Step 6: Make sure before driving the car that you are fully insured. China has a higher rate of road accidents than many Western countries, but insurance costs are relatively low. It is the vehicle, not the driver that is insured in China. This means that any licensed driver may use the car without additional insurance.

　　The following is the list of some big and professional auto markets and brand cars' specialty shops:

　　Xiamen auto market:

　　Binbei Auto City   

　　Add: No. 101, Hubin Bei Road, Xiamen  

　　Brands: BUICK, CHEVROLET, Mitsubishi Motors, Hyundri, Karry, Chery, Buses: No. 805, 97, 85, 72, Xia36, 15, the nearest bus stop is Qi Xing Lu

　　Taicheng Group Quanfangwei Auto Service Centre 

　　Add: No. 101, Hubin Bei Road, Xiamen

　　Brands: BUICK, CHEVROLET, TOYOTA, Cadillac, SAAB, Roewe

　　Brand cars' specialty shops:

　　BMW

　　Shop: Xiamen Zhongbao Automobile Co., Ltd 

　　Add: No.1267, Maqing Road, Haicang District, Xiamen

　　Tel: 6053888

　　Porsche 

　　Shop name: Xiamen C&D Automobile Co., Ltd 

　　Add: Shop 105-107, Xinglong Cheng 2, No. 16, Xidi Nanli, Siming District, Xiamen

　　Tel: 2393911

　　TOYOTA 

　　Shop name: Xiamen Shengyuan TOYOTA Auto Sales Service Co., Ltd   

　　Add: No. 2009, Maqing Road, Haicang District, Xiamen

　　Tel: 6191888

　　Great Wall 

　　Shop name: Wanguo Automobile Co., Ltd 

　　Add: 200 meters off Jichang Lukou, Zhongpu Viaage, Jiahe Road

　　Tel: 5626166

　　Mazda 

　　Shop name: Rongji Automobile Co., Ltd 

　　Add: Linhou Road, Huli District (100 meters off Jinshang Jichang Lukou)

　　Tel: 5731111

　　KIA 

　　Shop name: Saierfu Automobile Co., Ltd 

　　Add: Opposite of Swire Airport, Jichang Er Hao Lu

　　Tel: 5733100

　　NISSAN 

　　Shop name: Saierfu (Xiamen) Trade Co., Ltd 

　　Add: No. 220, Gaoqi Wu Lu  

　　Tel: 5720688, 5720689

　　Mercedes Benz

　　Shop name: Xiamen Konggang Hangxing Auto Repair Service Co., Ltd   

　　Add: Near Xiamen Jichang Dadao  

　　Tel: 5732999

　　CITROEN  

　　Shop name: Xiamen Xiangyu Shenghua Yanji Co., Ltd 

　　Add: 200 meters at the southwest of Gaoqi International Airport Hotel

　　Tel: 5733333, 5733133

　　Shanghai Volkswagen  

　　Shop name: Xiamen Shenmin Automobile Co., Ltd  

　　 Add: No. 807-809, Jiahe Road, Huli District

　　Tel: 5621353

　　Beijing Hyudai  

　　Shop: Xiamen Guorong AutoSales Service Co., Ltd   

　　Add: Malong Auto Trading Market, Jiahe Road, Huli District

　　Tel: 5702222

　　BUICK 

　　Shop name: Xiamen Taicheng Auto Service Co., Ltd 

　　Add: Tongji Building, No. 99, Huli Dadao, Huli District

　　Tel: 6039588, 5111691

　　Cadillac 

　　Shop name: Xiamen Taicheng Zhizun Auto Service Co., Ltd 

　　Add: Liantai Building, No. 41-43, Huli Dadao, Huli District

　　Tel: 2632888

　　MITSUBISHI 

　　Shop name: Xiamen C&D Auto Co., Ltd　

　　Add: No. 54, Huli Dadao, Huli District, Xiamen

　　Tel: 5033030

　　Audi 

　　Shop name: Xiamen Daban Tongshang Auto Trading Co., Ltd 

　　Add: No. 2, Changhao Road, Huli Zaishang, Huli District

　　Tel: 5626888, 5626666