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