What is the difference between buying a car from a car dealership and a 4S store?
2 Answers
The differences between buying a car from a car dealership and a 4S store are as follows: 1. Car dealerships are secondary dealers: Secondary dealers do not have their own vehicle inventory; they source cars from 4S stores, and services like maintenance and after-sales are handled at the 4S store. Since they are not directly managed by manufacturers, significant price discounts are often available. 2. Secondary dealers source cars from 4S stores: Car dealerships make extra income by helping 4S stores sell cars. To compete with 4S stores, their quoted prices are often the same as the selling prices of 4S stores. Therefore, bargaining based on this price usually allows buyers to purchase a car at a lower price than at a 4S store. However, secondary dealers lack the repair qualifications and supporting facilities of 4S stores, so 4S stores have an advantage in after-sales service.
I've bought cars several times and compared 4S shops with regular car dealerships - the differences are quite noticeable. 4S shops are usually brand-specific stores that exclusively sell new vehicles of their own brand. For example, a Toyota 4S shop only sells Toyotas, offering comprehensive services from sales to repairs, with original manufacturer warranties and genuine parts guarantees. Car dealerships are more diverse - most are independent shops selling used or non-new vehicles of various brands, with mixed inventory sources. Prices may be lower but vehicle conditions are uncertain. When buying cars, I prioritize 4S shops for peace of mind; if looking for used cars on tight budgets, dealerships offer more flexibility. Remember to check vehicle age records and accident history when purchasing - don't just focus on price, as maintenance costs and durability are equally crucial.
