What is the difference between buying a car from an auto trade company and a 4S store?
2 Answers
Here are the specific differences between buying a car from an auto trade company and a 4S store: Brand authorization: A 4S store is directly authorized by the car manufacturer, meaning it helps the manufacturer sell cars. In terms of car quality and subsequent feedback on vehicle issues, a 4S store is more reliable. An auto trade company is an ordinary business that obtains cars through 4S stores or other channels, meaning it has no direct relationship with the manufacturer. Car maintenance and servicing: A 4S store integrates vehicle sales, repairs, after-sales service, and parts sales, meaning any car issues can be resolved at the 4S store. An auto trade company mainly sells vehicles and is naturally less professional in maintenance and servicing compared to a 4S store, so it lacks sufficient after-sales support. Car pricing: The operating costs of a 4S store are higher, so buying a car from a 4S store tends to be more expensive because it only sells models of a single brand. Buying a car from an auto trade company is usually cheaper due to diversified sourcing channels and the sale of multiple car brands, resulting in lower operating costs.
Last time I bought a car at an auto trade market, I found the price was over 5,000 yuan cheaper than at a 4S store. The reason is that auto trade markets usually source vehicles from inventory or secondary dealers, resulting in a more mixed supply—like some overstocked cars or slightly problematic vehicles that are easily sold at lower prices. But saving money comes with pitfalls: when buying, you have to scrutinize the contract details yourself to avoid being tricked into purchasing a demo car; after-sales service isn’t covered under the manufacturer’s system, so when I needed repairs, I had to go to a third-party shop, and when the rear bumper had issues, no one took responsibility. Later, I concluded that if you’re on a tight budget and know how to handle minor car issues, auto trade markets can work; but for beginners or those who prioritize original manufacturer guarantees, 4S stores are more reliable, even if they’re pricier—the full-service package saves a lot of hassle.
