Is the Inspection at a Used Car 4S Store Reliable?

[GraceLee]

It is necessary to have the car inspected at a 4S store, where the overall condition of the vehicle can be checked and potential hidden issues can be addressed to avoid losses. The reasons and purposes are as follows: Reasons: The purpose of inspecting the engine is to check whether there have been major accident collisions that could affect the vehicle's safety or cause various malfunctions. The main purpose of inspecting the interior is to determine if the car has been flooded. Generally, a flooded car will have a slight disinfectant smell, and of course, a flooded car will always have a musty odor. Purpose: To check whether the vehicle's structural components have been damaged due to accident collisions. The inspection item is the connecting screws of the front doors; if they have not been removed, it indicates that the vehicle has not been involved in a major accident.

[OPhoebe]

From my experience, second-hand car inspections at 4S dealerships are generally quite reliable. 4S stores have manufacturer-certified equipment and technical teams. For example, they use professional instruments to scan engine data, check chassis wear or electrical system issues, which can help avoid many hidden defects. When I bought a car last time, I had the 4S dealership perform a full inspection. The report detailed the VIN, mileage authenticity, and component conditions, giving me peace of mind with my purchase. Although the inspection fee might be slightly higher, around a few hundred yuan, it's more systematic than local repair shops because their staff undergo strict training and follow original manufacturer standards. Of course, not every 4S dealership is perfect—sometimes they might embellish reports to promote new car sales, so I recommend buyers personally check the vehicle's condition details or spend some time reviewing its history records. Overall, for those with sufficient budgets, this is a worry-free option.

[EvaMarie]

I think 4S shops are reliable for used car inspections mainly because they have professional tools and knowledgeable staff. Last time when my husband bought a used car, the 4S shop immediately detected thin brake pads during the inspection, and we felt much safer after replacing them. Their process is quite fast, taking just a few hours, with prices ranging between 300 to 500 yuan. However, don't expect everything to be perfect—some shops in a hurry to sell might overlook minor issues, like underreporting paint scratches. Still, overall, they're better than small repair shops, which often have simple equipment and conduct hasty inspections. I recommend buyers personally observe the inspection process on-site and clarify the report details to feel more assured.

[DiErin]

Used car inspections at 4S stores are relatively reliable, with much more advanced equipment than roadside shops. I've used their services several times—their computer scans for trouble codes are fast, accurate, and thorough, helping avoid purchasing problematic vehicles. However, the inspection fees are on the higher side, often costing over 200 yuan, which might feel expensive for young buyers on tight budgets. The advantage is time efficiency; with an appointment, it usually takes just an hour, preventing potential scams. I recommend buyers compare multiple inspection points rather than relying solely on a 4S store report.