Should I Buy a New Car from a Dealership or a 4S Store?
4 Answers
Buying a new car from a dealership or a 4S store involves considering many factors. Here is a detailed introduction: 1. Price: Buying from a dealership is better because the price is cheaper, which is also the advantage of dealerships. However, there are also a few dealerships that pass off inventory cars or problematic cars as new cars to consumers, and such irresponsible businesses do exist. 2. Quality: Undoubtedly, 4S stores are more reliable, while dealerships, due to factors such as price and source, make it difficult for consumers to judge their true quality. Therefore, if you are afraid or have concerns about dealerships, it is better to choose to buy a car from a 4S store. 3. After-sales service: 4S stores integrate car sales, maintenance, parts, and information services; while dealerships also do not pose much trouble, as long as you have the three-guarantee certificate, you can go to any 4S store of the corresponding brand for maintenance and repairs.
I've been thinking about buying a car for a long time. It mainly depends on whether you care more about price or service guarantees. The advantage of 4S stores is that they are directly authorized by car manufacturers, with standardized processes from vehicle inspection to delivery, and hassle-free maintenance without any buck-passing. However, 4S store prices are relatively transparent with limited room for bargaining, at most offering some decoration or maintenance vouchers. The advantage of regular car dealers lies in flexible pricing, especially some secondary dealers who often run promotions, potentially saving you thousands or even tens of thousands compared to the official guide price. But the sources of vehicles are much more complex, with some being inventory cars transported from other regions, making after-sales维权 troublesome if problems arise. I recommend that ordinary consumers prioritize 4S stores, visit several to compare prices, or choose a brand showroom with direct sales from the manufacturer for greater reliability.
Last time when helping a friend choose a car, I found that the service differences between them were much larger than expected. 4S shops are basically equipped with professional maintenance workshops, and the technicians are brand-certified. Free first maintenance is a common practice. Most car dealers only sell cars but do not repair them, and the service basically ends after the car is delivered. An important reminder is to check the details of the car purchase contract. Some car dealers may reduce the ex-factory price under the name of financial subsidies, but force the sale of high-profit insurance or decorative accessories. There is also a hidden risk in the vehicle PDI inspection. 4S shops have standardized procedures to ensure no transportation damage, while secondary dealers often omit this step. Overall, spending a few thousand yuan more at a 4S shop is actually buying long-term protection, especially for electric vehicles that require continuous system upgrades.
From a convenience perspective, there are now far more car purchasing channels available. 4S stores are typically concentrated in auto malls on the city outskirts, requiring a special trip for test drives. Many comprehensive car dealers operate in downtown commercial districts, allowing potential buyers to browse during lunch breaks. However, there's a noticeable difference in test drive vehicle availability - 4S stores offer current-year new models, while dealers often provide older versions or base trims. Financial policies have converged, with both collaborating with banks to offer interest-free installment plans. Be aware that dealers may charge higher service fees - I've seen price differences of 2,000 yuan for the same model. It's advisable to first check the official dealer list on the manufacturer's website to avoid counterfeit stores.
