What is the difference between auto trading companies and 4S stores?
3 Answers
The differences between auto trading companies and 4S stores: 1. A 4S store is an authorized dealer of a brand; auto trading companies do not have manufacturer certification. (1) A 4S store is a sales outlet that integrates car sales, maintenance, parts, and information services. It can only sell a single brand of cars specially authorized by the manufacturer, and the manufacturer also requires unified design requirements for the store's interior and exterior. (2) Auto trading companies are not controlled by manufacturers and do not have vehicles for sale themselves. They source vehicles from wherever they are cheapest across the country, meaning auto trading companies have a wide variety of vehicle sources. 2. Auto trading companies offer lower prices, but the quality of the cars cannot be guaranteed. The prices offered by auto trading companies are cheaper than those of 4S stores because they source vehicles from the cheapest locations nationwide. This results in uncertainty regarding the source and quality of the vehicles, with some auto trading companies even selling inventory cars or problematic vehicles.
A while ago, I accompanied a friend to look at cars and gained a deep understanding of the differences between auto trading companies and 4S stores. 4S stores are usually large outlets directly operated or authorized by manufacturers, such as brand-specific stores like Toyota and Honda. They offer a one-stop service for car sales, repairs, and maintenance, with a professional environment but relatively rigid pricing. Auto trading companies are like car supermarkets, selling cheaper models from multiple brands mixed together, possibly sourcing vehicles from other regions. The base car price is particularly low, but there are fewer additional services. On that occasion, I saw the same car model at an auto trading company priced over 6,000 yuan cheaper than at a 4S store, but insurance had to be purchased separately, and maintenance had to be handled at a neighboring repair shop. My personal suggestion is to go to a 4S store for a worry-free experience with a new car, but if you want to save money and know about cars, you can choose a reliable auto trading company.
The most obvious difference between auto trading companies and 4S stores lies in the service chain. 4S stores cover all four functions: sales, parts, after-sales service, and feedback, just like a brand-exclusive butler. Their showrooms are sleek and shiny, with mechanics using genuine parts. The downside is that if you're buying a Volkswagen, you can only see Volkswagen cars there. Auto trading companies are more like wholesale markets, where you might find a Great Wall on the left and a Honda on the right in their showrooms. Prices can often be bargained lower, but maintenance requires coordination with partnered repair shops. Once, I found that replacing tires at a 4S store cost 200 yuan more than at an auto trading company, but they offered free car washing and even checked the brake pads. In my opinion, routine maintenance at 4S stores is more hassle-free, while buying parts from auto trading companies can save you money.
