What is the difference between a 4S store and a dealer?
3 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.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, there's quite a distinction between these two. 4S stores are directly authorized by automakers - they give off a premium vibe and exclusively sell specific brands (like Volkswagen-only stores). Beyond sales, they offer professional maintenance and genuine parts, making repairs more reliable. Dealers are usually smaller-scale operations, often multi-brand or regional, with repair services potentially outsourced to local shops. While prices may be lower, risks increase. My advice: prioritize 4S stores for new car purchases, especially for warranty coverage to avoid disputes. For used cars, dealers might offer more options, but always insist on test drives before deciding.
