What is the difference between a 4S store and a dealer?
2 Answers
The differences between a 4S store and a dealer: 1. Ownership: The cars in a 4S store are owned by the manufacturer, while dealers are usually privately invested, and the ownership of the cars belongs to the dealer themselves. 2. Service brand: A 4S store serves only one car brand, while dealers sell cars of various brands. 3. Service scope: A 4S store integrates after-sales services such as car sales, maintenance, parts, repairs, and information services; while dealers are only responsible for sales and do not provide after-sales services like registration. 4. Maintenance period: Cars sold by 4S stores can receive after-sales services such as maintenance and repairs at any 4S store nationwide as long as they are within the warranty period; while the after-sales services of dealers usually have time restrictions.
I was curious about this when I first bought a car and finally figured it out after asking around. 4S stores are actually an abbreviation, representing Sales, Service, Spare parts, and Survey (information feedback). They usually sell only one brand of cars, like Toyota dealerships. After selling cars, they also provide maintenance and warranty services, with official brand authorization, offering high-quality service, but the prices might be higher. Dealers, on the other hand, are more flexible—some only sell cars without repairs or sell multiple brands, sometimes as independent small shops, offering flexibility but possibly incomplete services. If you're buying a car, choosing a 4S store suits those who prioritize stability and peace of mind, while dealers might offer cheaper options. The key is to check qualifications—don't be fooled. 4S stores have official certification, while dealers require checking reputation and licenses.
