What is the difference between an auto trade invoice and a 4S store invoice?

[DelDallas]

s store and auto trade company invoices are the same. The car invoice is an indispensable document for vehicle registration, and both have the same legal effect. Consumers should request the purchase invoice from the dealer when picking up the car. Documents required for picking up the car: 1. Purchase invoice: The purchase invoice is not only needed for vehicle registration but also for insurance, vehicle inspection, and transfer transactions. It should be obtained when picking up the car and kept safe during use to avoid loss. 2. Vehicle registration certificate: The vehicle registration certificate, also known as the 'green book,' is generally not used frequently. However, it is essential when transferring ownership of the vehicle. If the car is purchased with a loan, the green book is usually held by the bank or the 4S store. After the loan is fully repaid, the lien must be released to retrieve the green book. 3. Warranty service card: The warranty service card allows for free repairs by the manufacturer within a certain period or mileage if the vehicle experiences faults or damages due to quality issues, typically covering three years or 100,000 kilometers. 4. Vehicle maintenance manual: The car maintenance manual should be carried with the vehicle. It can be referred to for any uncertainties to avoid being unsure how to handle abnormalities in the car.

[BrandonAnn]

I recently researched the differences between auto trade invoices and 4S dealership invoices while helping a friend buy a car, and found the main gaps lie in their sources and services. Auto trade invoices typically come from unofficial dealers, which may offer prices a few thousand yuan cheaper, but the invoices might not be legitimate. If the car has issues, repairs and warranties can become problematic, as 4S dealerships often refuse to honor them. I’ve encountered cases where people who bought auto trade invoices faced delays in vehicle transfers due to fake invoices, causing major headaches. On the other hand, 4S dealership invoices are issued directly from brand-authorized stores, with clear and reliable invoices, and they include follow-up maintenance and warranties, making the process much smoother. If you’re on a tight budget and looking to save money, auto trade invoices might work, but you must verify the dealer’s credentials and ensure the invoice is certified by the national tax authorities—don’t risk big losses for small savings. Overall, I’d recommend 4S dealership invoices for peace of mind—safety first.

[DelRuth]

I often see buyers discussing this difference in second-hand trading groups. Simply put, trade invoices are issued by small car dealers, offering attractive prices but higher risks—for example, the invoice might not be tied to after-sales services, while 4S store invoices are much more reliable. When choosing a car, I look for: trade invoices often have incomplete information, which can affect registration and insurance claims, whereas 4S store invoices come with complete vehicle data and are linked to the manufacturer's warranty system. In terms of saving money, trade invoices may be 10,000–20,000 yuan cheaper, but if something goes wrong, you’ll have to cover the repair costs yourself. On the other hand, 4S store invoices include free inspections and extended warranties, saving you future expenses. Final advice: beginners should avoid trade invoices, and even experienced buyers should bring an invoice verification expert. In an economic downturn, don’t gamble with your money.

[AlanFitz]

I always think the key difference between these two types of invoices lies in reliability. 4S store invoices are issued through automaker-authorized channels, with electronic records directly connected to government systems, making invoice authenticity immediately verifiable. Auto trade invoices come from independent dealers, possibly with non-standard formats and frequent counterfeit cases, affecting vehicle transfers and insurance. When I worked at a repair shop, we often dealt with such cases - owners bringing auto trade invoices for repairs would get directly rejected by the workshop. The crucial point is to check whether the invoice number is verifiable on the national invoice website after purchase. 4S store invoices are compliant by default, while auto trade invoices require additional verification. For safety concerns, prioritize 4S stores.

[Vieira]

From my years of experience tracking the automotive market, the differences between auto trade invoices and 4S dealership invoices involve pricing and service chains. Auto trade invoices save on intermediary costs, offering 10-15% lower prices, but their invoice sources are mixed, and after-sales services are disconnected—for example, 4S shops may not honor warranty part replacements, requiring additional high fees. Although 4S dealership invoices are slightly more expensive, they include full-cycle services: invoice-linked APP tracking, free first maintenance, etc. A risk with auto trade invoices is that they may affect resale value—I've seen second-hand car owners selling at a loss. My advice is to weigh your options before buying: if budget is tight, use auto trade invoices but choose reputable dealers; if stability is a priority, opt for 4S dealership invoices.