What is the difference between buying a car at an auto mall and a 4S store?
2 Answers
There are differences between buying a car at an auto mall and a 4S store in terms of product guarantee, after-sales service, and maintenance warranty. Below is relevant information: 1. Precautions: When picking up the car, pay attention to the odometer reading: it is generally within 100 kilometers. Check if there are any debris in the radiator, if the seat protective packaging and the plastic sheet on the front of the car are intact, and if there are any stains on the interior driving position and dashboard. When picking up a pre-ordered car, pay attention to whether the manufacturing date and the pickup date are too far apart. If the time gap is too long, the car might be a display car or a refurbished car. 2. Detailed introduction: Observe the car paint from different angles to see if the color is consistent and check for any scratches. Some cars may have been scratched during transportation. Inspect the tire tread for any scratches, bulges, or heavy friction marks. Tires are crucial for driving safety, and problematic tires are prone to blowouts.
I feel that buying a car at an auto mall is more like shopping at a big department store. You can see different car brands in one place, and you can bargain on the price, potentially saving some money. However, these places are often run by independent dealers rather than authorized by manufacturers, so you have to find your own repair services for after-sales issues, which can be troublesome if problems arise. For example, last year I bought a used car at an auto mall. It was indeed a few thousand yuan cheaper, but within less than six months, the engine started making strange noises, and I had to search around for repair shops, spending a lot more effort. In contrast, 4S stores are directly managed by the brand, offering a one-stop service for sales, repairs, and maintenance, especially for new cars with warranties—any issues can be resolved immediately. The prices may be higher, but it’s much more hassle-free, especially for new drivers or those switching to a new car. Personally, I still lean toward 4S stores.
