Is Buying a Car Only Possible at 4S Stores?
4 Answers
Buying a car is not limited to 4S stores. As of July 2019, there are various ways to purchase a car. You can buy not only from 4S stores but also from auto trade stores, second-hand markets, or even online. Here are some channels for financing a car purchase: 1. Bank Auto Loans; This is a more traditional method, safe and formal, without any hidden tricks. 2. Credit Card Installments; If you have a credit card with a high limit, you can try installment payments, typically with a three-year interest rate of 7.5%.
I also thought about this when I last changed my car. 4S stores are indeed the choice for most people buying new cars, with reliable sources and convenient after-sales service. However, there are now many parallel import car dealers, especially for imported cars like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, where prices are typically 30,000 to 40,000 yuan cheaper than at 4S stores. The used car market offers even more options, with platforms like Guazi and Youxin providing transparent vehicle condition reports. If you're eyeing a particularly niche car, like an old Beetle, it's much more effective to search directly in owner groups than to go to a 4S store. With so many channels available, the key is to figure out what you're after. Like me, I ended up picking mine at an auto trade mall—isn't it great to save money and upgrade the sound system?
Young people are now accustomed to shopping online. I once grabbed a car at half price on Pinduoduo! Nowadays, many brands like Geely and BYD have official websites for direct sales, and Tesla even allows you to order cars directly on their website. I remember a classmate who bought a XPeng last year, completing the entire process via the app, with the store only responsible for delivery. There are also cases where people haggle and place orders directly at auto shows, with manufacturer event prices being more favorable than those at 4S stores. If you want a hassle-free experience, choosing a 4S store is fine, but if you know the ropes, you can also find great deals at auto trade cities and secondary dealers. The key is to pay attention to the maintenance and warranty terms. My uncle bought a car at a county auto trade store, but had to go to a city 4S store for the first service.
You don't have to be tied to 4S dealerships. A new intern at our company just bought a car through the employee discount program and saved over 20,000 yuan. Second-tier city auto trading shops are more flexible, with some models not requiring additional decoration packages. Nowadays, major platforms like Dongchedi allow direct factory orders, and cross-region vehicle transfers are convenient. Last year when I helped my father-in-law buy a Nissan, I found better discounts at a dealership in a neighboring city and took the high-speed train there to pick up the car. Parallel import channels offer great deals for models like the Wrangler, though the downside is slower parts availability. Remember, getting the vehicle qualification certificate is crucial - my neighbor had to wait two months for theirs after buying from a secondary dealer.
