
Some 4S stores can recycle used cars. Here is some relevant information about 4S stores recycling used cars: 1. Description: Some 4S stores have the business of used car recycling. In addition to the traditional main businesses of new car sales and maintenance, used cars are actually an important profit-making business for many 4S stores. After refurbishing the used cars they have recycled or taken in trade, 4S stores sell them to used car dealers or individuals, which also generates profit. 2. Notes: When selling an old car to a 4S store, the transfer of ownership is temporarily not processed; it is only completed when the vehicle is actually sold to a buyer. However, some 4S stores offer services similar to "full-price direct sales," where the 4S store evaluates and inspects the old car, negotiates a suitable price with the seller, and then directly purchases the car at full price, providing transfer services. The ownership is usually transferred to the 4S store or an employee.

A couple of days ago, I just sent my old car to the 4S shop for a new car replacement, and the whole process was quite hassle-free. Of course, 4S shops accept used cars, mainly for the replacement business, allowing you to sell your old car while directly purchasing a new one from them. They have specialized appraisers who carefully inspect the car's condition and provide an on-the-spot quote. However, I compared and found that selling directly to used car dealers might fetch a higher price. But the advantage of 4S shops is their standardized process, handling all the paperwork for you, and they even gave me an extra 3,000 yuan replacement subsidy. If your car's maintenance records are all with them, you might get a bit more money. It's recommended to clean your car inside and out before going and have the vehicle license ready, so you can negotiate the price with more confidence.

With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, I can confidently tell you that all 4S dealerships have used car businesses. They primarily acquire vehicles through three models: direct cash purchase, trade-in against new car payments, or consignment sales on your behalf. However, be aware that 4S dealerships typically offer prices about 10% lower than the market rate because they need to refurbish the vehicles afterward. The most cost-effective option is trade-in, especially now with generous manufacturer subsidies—popular models can receive up to 8,000 RMB in trade-in subsidies. After acquisition, most 4S dealerships send the cars to auctions, while a few in excellent condition are sold as certified pre-owned vehicles. It's advisable to get your car evaluated in the morning when the technicians are fresh, as this makes it easier to negotiate a better price.

Last month, I just sold my old Fit at the 4S dealership to trade in for a new car, and the whole process was completed in two hours. They do accept used cars, but the appraiser will thoroughly inspect the entire vehicle with a paint thickness gauge, not even sparing the spare tire well. My car had two repainted panels, which resulted in an 800 yuan deduction. During the trade-in, the value of the old car can be directly offset against the down payment for the new car, saving the hassle of transfer procedures. However, the used car specialist mentioned that their dealership takes in over 30 cars a month, with 80% being trade-ins. It's advisable to get a quote from outside before selling your car to avoid being at a disadvantage when negotiating subsidies with the 4S dealership.

As a housewife selling my husband's old car, I visited three dealerships and found significant differences in trade-in policies across brands. Luxury brands were the most straightforward—Audi even accepted a decade-old car. However, Volkswagen only took cars under five years old. The biggest surprise was the trade-in subsidy: Toyota offered a 6,000-yuan subsidy for a Camry trade-in, which directly covered the new car's accessories. One thing to note: dealerships discount accident-damaged cars by 30% immediately. Nowadays, they prioritize complete maintenance records—remember to bring all repair receipts, but minor scratches aren’t worth mentioning.


