Is It Necessary to Buy a Car at a 4S Store?
2 Answers
It is not mandatory to buy a car at a 4S store. Here is some relevant information about car purchases: 1. Car loans: It is generally more economical to pay in full, as installment payments involve bank service fees, interest, and the requirement to purchase full insurance at the store without discounts. While car loans can alleviate financial pressure to some extent and allow consumers to enjoy the convenience and ability of early consumption in the information economy era, these seemingly favorable offers for customers often hide many hidden costs. For example, customers who choose to finance their car purchase usually have to pay an additional fee to the dealership, and 4S stores typically collaborate with banks and insurance companies. As the saying goes, 'the wool comes from the sheep's back.' Through marketing tactics like loan interest and bundled insurance, salespeople can also earn some commissions. Therefore, the loan benefits promised by 4S store salespeople should be approached with caution. 2. Mandatory car insurance: Required insurances include compulsory traffic liability insurance, third-party liability insurance, vehicle damage insurance, theft insurance, passenger liability insurance, scratch insurance, spontaneous combustion insurance, and water damage insurance. Compulsory traffic liability insurance is mandatory in China and must be purchased for all vehicles.
I've been driving for over a decade and have purchased several new and used cars. My experience tells me that buying a car doesn't necessarily mean going to a 4S store. 4S stores have obvious advantages: you don't have to worry about new car warranties, maintenance is hassle-free, and the manufacturer-certified after-sales service is reliable. However, their prices are relatively high, often significantly more expensive than those at secondary dealerships for the same model. I've tried buying used cars from private sellers—they're very cheap, and the money saved can be used for accessories, but the risks are higher. You have to inspect the car's condition yourself, and ending up with a wreck would be disastrous. Online platforms like Guazi Used Car are also good options, offering a wide selection and easy price comparisons, but you need to test-drive and verify the car yourself. Overall, it depends on personal circumstances: if you have the budget and want peace of mind, a 4S store is the best choice; if you want to save money, spend more time finding a trustworthy channel and don't get burned by small bargains. After all, a car is a major investment, and safety should always come first.
