Do You Need to Buy a Car at a 4S Store?
2 Answers
Buying a car doesn't necessarily require purchasing it at a 4S store. Here is more relevant information: 1. Other car-buying locations: Direct sales stores in auto trade cities can also sell cars. For car manufacturers, 4S stores are primary dealers, while direct sales stores are secondary dealers. The biggest advantage of buying a car at a direct sales store is the lower price. These stores have smaller premises and fewer staff, resulting in lower maintenance costs compared to 4S stores, which need to support hundreds of employees. This allows direct sales stores to sell cars at lower prices. 2. Disadvantages of direct sales stores: When purchasing a car at a direct sales store, the owner needs to handle all vehicle-related procedures themselves, and there are no complimentary gifts. Additionally, not all vehicles at direct sales stores come from 4S stores; a small portion may be refurbished cars, so the vehicle sources are not as reliable. Furthermore, direct sales stores update their vehicle models much slower than 4S stores. Even if a brand updates its models, initially only 4S stores will have the new models available, while direct sales stores may only carry older models.
Last week when I accompanied my cousin to pick up his new car, I gave this matter careful thought. 4S dealerships are indeed more expensive but their comprehensive services are hassle-free - for someone like me who dislikes complications, their one-stop solution from car selection to after-sales is the main appeal. Their showroom cars gleam, salespeople explain financing options and maintenance packages clearly, and you have someone to turn to for quality issues later. However, my car-savvy friends all purchase from auto trade markets where the same model can be thousands cheaper, though you'll need to handle insurance and registration yourself. A relative once bought an inventory car from a secondary dealer without thorough inspection, resulting in a two-week dispute over a leaking transmission. With niche brands you need extra caution - there's a parallel-imported car in my neighborhood that waited two months for parts.
