Buying a Car at a Dealership or 4S Store?

[FelicityRose]

Cars can be purchased at either dealerships or 4S stores, but 4S stores are relatively more formal. Here are some considerations when buying a car: Pay Attention to the Contract: When signing the car purchase contract or any other contract materials, pay close attention to every detail in the contract, especially the terms "deposit" and "booking fee." A single word difference can result in the inability to refund the car purchase fee. Note that the booking fee must be refunded, while the deposit may not be refundable. Ensure All Car Documents Are Complete: These include the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle conformity certificate, vehicle registration certificate, warranty certificate, vehicle user manual, etc. Before paying for a new car, make sure all these documents are complete. If any document is missing, promptly request it from the 4S store.

[GageFitz]

I recently bought a car, and my personal experience tells me it depends on your budget and needs. Prices at used car dealerships are usually much cheaper because you might get a used car or a discounted new model, with a wide selection available. However, the downside is that you need to spend more time checking the car's condition, as some cars may have hidden issues—like a friend who bought from a dealership and later faced frequent minor problems. In comparison, 4S stores are more expensive but offer attentive service, with new cars coming directly with warranties and maintenance plans, making it hassle-free and especially safer and more reliable for beginners. I think if money is tight, choose a dealership but must bring someone knowledgeable to inspect the car; if you have the budget, go straight to a 4S store for peace of mind.

[Sanders]

As an ordinary housewife, safety and convenience are my top priorities when buying a car. We chose to purchase a new car from a 4S dealership because they offer manufacturer warranties and comprehensive services, giving us peace of mind when driving our child on the highway. While used car dealerships may offer more options and lower prices, the risks associated with second-hand cars are significant. If we accidentally buy a problematic car, the time and money spent on repairs would outweigh any savings. Moreover, 4S dealerships provide thoughtful after-sales services, such as one-click maintenance appointments, whereas with used car dealerships, we'd have to find repair shops ourselves, which is troublesome. Overall, although buying from a 4S dealership costs a few thousand yuan more, it saves us a lot of hassle and provides greater peace of mind for long-term use. I recommend family users prioritize 4S dealerships.

[Morgan]

At my age, buying a car is all about simplicity and reliability. I've tried dealerships before—the prices were tempting, but their inspections were sloppy, and I ended up paying high repair costs for minor issues later. Now, I only trust 4S shops. New cars there come with guaranteed quality and direct manufacturer support, so you hardly have to worry after purchase. For example, my last car purchase at a 4S shop went smoothly, including the test drive and free first maintenance—services you won’t find at regular dealerships. My advice to fellow seniors: choosing a 4S shop is more hassle-free and safer.

[VanLogan]

As a car enthusiast, I believe the difference lies in the overall experience. Car dealerships offer a wide selection, including used or niche models, with flexible pricing; but they lack factory-backed guarantees and standardized services. 4S stores focus on brand-new vehicles of a specific brand, providing professional and efficient purchasing processes along with warranties and after-sales networks. I prefer 4S stores because they integrate one-stop solutions such as test drives, customization, and maintenance. While car dealerships are interesting, for long-term vehicle ownership, 4S stores are more reliable.

[VonOlive]

I commute 70 kilometers daily, so I prioritize maintenance convenience when purchasing a car. 4S dealerships offer a complete after-sales service chain, managing everything from new car warranties to regular maintenance under one roof, minimizing unexpected downtime. While used car dealers are cheaper, buying a used car means handling repairs yourself—like my previous car that broke down and caused endless hassle, which wasn't worth the savings. Opting for a 4S store might cost more, but it's worry-free and efficient.