Should I Buy a Car from an Auto Trade Company or a 4S Store?
2 Answers
You can choose to buy a car from either an auto trade company or a 4S store. 4S stores are relatively more formal. Below are some relevant tips for car purchase considerations: 1. Determine your budget: First, set your budget range and reasonably estimate your financial capacity. Avoid blindly choosing high-priced cars that exceed your financial limits. The total cost, including the car price, insurance, and routine maintenance, can be substantial. Act within your means to prevent the car from becoming a burden. If you're not in a hurry to buy, it's best to choose a period when car prices are lower and market prices are stable, typically during the off-season from March to August. 2. Inspection upon delivery: When picking up the car, check the body gaps and paintwork. Examine the door gaps and the gaps around the front and rear bumpers. Open the doors to check for any color differences between the interior and exterior paint. Inside the car, check the odometer reading, the integrity of the seat protection packaging and the plastic covers on the dashboard, and whether there are any stains on the seats or instrument panel. Pay attention to the gap between the manufacturing date and the delivery date. If the gap is too long, the car might be a display model or a refurbished vehicle (test drive car). Start the car to feel its operating condition, such as whether there are any unusual noises or if any warning lights are on.
As someone who frequently monitors car prices, I recently helped a relative choose a car by comparing auto trading companies and 4S dealerships. The advantage of auto trading companies lies in their lower prices, especially for non-mainstream models or parallel-imported vehicles, which can save you thousands or even tens of thousands of yuan—a significant attraction for those on a tight budget. However, the risks cannot be ignored: the quality of vehicles varies, with some being stock leftovers or refurbished accident cars, and post-purchase warranties may be problematic. 4S dealerships charge higher prices but come with official endorsements and a complete service chain, handling everything from purchase to maintenance. My advice is to list your budget and requirements before buying: if it’s just a commuter car, consider auto trading companies only if the price difference exceeds 15%; for family cars or long-term ownership, 4S dealerships are more reliable. Also, visit multiple dealers, check the vehicle history report, and don’t fall into a trap by chasing cheap deals.
