Are all car-selling places 4S stores?

[AylaDella]

Selling cars is not necessarily limited to 4S stores. Other places to buy cars: Car direct-sales stores in auto trade cities. Many cities have a place called Auto City, which is essentially an auto trade city. The vehicles in car direct-sales stores come from 4S stores, so car direct-sales stores are also known as secondary dealers. Since direct-sales stores are not regulated by manufacturers, most of their vehicles come from 4S stores. 4S stores: Fully named Automobile Sales Service 4S stores (Automobile-Sales-Servicshop-4S), they are sales outlets that integrate car sales, maintenance, parts, and information services. They were introduced to China from Europe after 1998.

[MaliaRose]

I've been in the auto industry for several years and know many people assume all new car sales happen at 4S stores, but that's not entirely accurate. 4S stores are brand-authorized dealerships, like Toyota or Ford's own shops, focusing on service and integration. However, there are other options in reality: used car markets such as Beijing Huaxiang Auto Market selling refurbished or direct second-hand models; independent dealers not brand-authorized but with diverse inventories; and now popular online platforms like Guazi Used Cars or certain brand direct sales points, such as Tesla's experience centers in shopping malls. My advice when buying a car is to choose based on budget and needs—opt for 4S stores if you prioritize after-sales service for new cars, or explore elsewhere for affordability or used options. There are plenty of choices. Visiting multiple places often brings pleasant surprises.

[LaEsther]

Last time I went car shopping, I realized there were plenty of options. I initially thought only 4S stores were available, but a friend took me to a used car market where there were more cars at affordable prices, saving me a lot of money. While 4S stores offer great service, their prices are significantly higher, not everyone can afford them; I also checked cars online, using an APP to complete the transaction, which was super convenient. Places to buy cars also include small dealerships and brand showrooms, not all are big stores like 4S. I think trying different channels saves time and avoids wasting money, like the used Ford I bought this time, the cost-performance is excellent.

[VanBrynlee]

Young people nowadays have a variety of ways to buy cars. For instance, our group prefers using online platforms like Pinduoduo's group purchases or the Dongchedi APP, where we can place orders directly. While 4S stores are mainstream, they don't represent all options. New energy vehicle brands like BYD or NIO have online direct sales points, eliminating middlemen. Places to buy cars also include second-hand dealerships and neighborhood shops, offering more flexible choices. Personally, I think the online trend is strong—it's cost-effective and efficient, so it's worth exploring new methods.

[OKatherine]

From a cost-saving perspective, there are significant differences in where to sell a car: 4S stores offer comprehensive services but are expensive, while used car dealerships or independent shops are much cheaper, making them suitable for those on a tight budget. I also noticed that buying at the car show during exhibitions can get you discounts, so it's not necessary to rely solely on 4S stores. Other channels include resales from car rental companies or sales from small repair shops, offering plenty of options. I believe prioritizing cost-effectiveness and comparing more can save a lot of money, especially since there are many good ways to keep maintenance costs low.

[VanLiam]

Simply put, a 4S shop is a brand-exclusive store integrating sales and maintenance, but car sales also occur elsewhere: the used car market offers affordable models, e-commerce platforms like Ali Auto facilitate online purchases, independent dealers provide multi-brand options, and even brand direct stores don't entirely follow the 4S model. Different channels have their own advantages: 4S shops offer strong guarantees, used cars save money, and online options are convenient. I believe it's best to choose the most suitable one based on needs and to gain more understanding to avoid misunderstandings.