What are the precautions for trading in an old car to a 4S store?
4 Answers
There are 3 key precautions when trading in an old car to a 4S store: 1. Complete documentation required: Before going to the 4S store for trade-in evaluation, ensure all vehicle documents are complete, including original and photocopied ID card, original and photocopied vehicle purchase invoice or last transfer invoice, original and photocopied vehicle registration certificate, and original and photocopied vehicle license; 2. Prepare a temporary replacement vehicle in advance: After trading in the old car, it typically takes about 8 working days to obtain the update indicator from traffic management authorities, totaling approximately 2 weeks. If you rely heavily on a car for daily life and work, arrange for a temporary vehicle beforehand; 3. Understand vehicle pricing: Before proceeding with the trade-in, research general used car prices for reference, then get an actual evaluation from professional used car dealers or 4S stores.
I've tried trading in my old car at 4S shops a few times, and it's quite convenient but requires attention to several points. First, you should evaluate the used car's value yourself by checking approximate prices on apps to avoid being lowballed. Second, make sure all documents are complete—the vehicle license and registration certificate are essential; otherwise, the transaction could be delayed. Next, verify if the trade-in discount is genuine, as some dealers might inflate the new car's price as a trick—always get the details written into the contract. I also prefer visiting multiple shops to compare offers and not rushing to sign, insisting on transparency during negotiations. Finally, ensure there are no hidden fees to avoid future troubles.
When I recently traded in my car, I was quite cautious. As a beginner, I first checked the valuation on a platform to get a rough idea. After the 4S shop gave me a quote, I made sure to ask for the basis, such as the car's condition and mileage, to prevent them from lowballing me. I paid attention to the transparency of the trade-in policy and carefully reviewed the contract to avoid missing any clauses, especially regarding bundled service fees. When choosing a new car, I checked if the price was reasonable and didn’t get fooled by superficial discounts. Although the process was straightforward, I remained firm to protect my rights and didn’t back down.
When my family was replacing our old car with a new one, I focused on practicality. I had the 4S dealership come to evaluate the car, but I honestly described its condition, including any issues, to avoid disputes. I made sure all documents were complete before the transaction, not forgetting things like the insurance policy. When looking at new cars, I confirmed the actual discounts and didn’t trust verbal promises—everything had to be in black and white. This saved time and prevented future hassles, making life smoother.
