Are optional accessories installed by the 4S store or the manufacturer?
2 Answers
Optional accessories and aftermarket installations are different concepts. Optional accessories are common choices provided to customers by automobile manufacturers and are completed at the factory. Aftermarket installations are services offered by 4S stores to customers and are completed at the 4S store. Below is an introduction to 4S stores: 1. Introduction: A 4S store, fully known as an automobile sales service 4S store, is a sales outlet that integrates automobile sales, maintenance, parts, and information services. It was introduced from Europe to China after 1998. 2. Purpose: 4S stores are built by dealers according to the standards set by automobile manufacturers, with uniform design inside and outside the store. The investment is huge, often reaching tens of millions, featuring luxury, grandeur, and a comfortable environment. They can only sell a single brand of cars specially authorized by the manufacturer. 3. Advantages: Since most 4S stores deal with automobile brands with good brand effects, strong competitiveness, and relatively large market shares, brand advantage is their main competitive means, which is incomparable to other automobile sales models.
I just bought a new car last year and also struggled with this when choosing the panoramic sunroof. Generally speaking, high-end options like sunroofs or upgraded audio systems are mostly installed by the manufacturer before leaving the factory, which is more reliable and covered under the vehicle warranty. Basic options like rearview cameras or mud flaps can be installed on-site at the dealership, which is faster and more convenient. I opted for the manufacturer-installed navigation system, and after a year of use, I haven’t had any issues. A friend of mine had a dashcam installed at the dealership, but the wiring wasn’t done properly, causing constant battery drain and unnecessary repair costs. The key is to consider whether the accessory involves the core structure: manufacturer-installed options are deeply integrated into the vehicle frame, posing lower risks. Aftermarket accessories may save money but could come with compatibility issues. It’s best to ask for detailed configuration lists when buying a car, confirm the installer, and place the order accordingly to avoid headaches with maintenance later on.
