What is the Difference Between Car Dealers and 4S Stores?
2 Answers
Secondary dealers sell a wider range of car brands, while 4S stores only sell cars from a single brand. The prices at secondary dealers are generally cheaper than those at 4S stores. Additionally, secondary dealers only sell cars and do not provide after-sales maintenance or repair services, whereas 4S stores offer both car sales and after-sales services. Below are the specific differences: Types of Services: Most secondary dealers only sell cars and do not offer services such as vehicle insurance, after-sales maintenance, or repairs. On the other hand, 4S stores, as the name suggests, encompass car sales, spare parts sales, after-sales services, and feedback to manufacturers. Source of Vehicles: The vehicles at 4S stores come directly from manufacturers and authorized dealers, ensuring high-quality standards. In contrast, secondary dealers mostly source their vehicles from 4S stores, and some unscrupulous dealers may have vehicles of unknown origin, which could be refurbished or overstocked cars, making quality assurance difficult. Secondary Dealers Offer Lower Prices Than 4S Stores: This is also the main reason why secondary dealers can compete with the more powerful 4S stores. Secondary dealers do not have as many sales policies as 4S stores and mostly sell cars without additional packages.
When I first started learning to drive, I visited many car dealerships and 4S shops for comparisons. Car dealerships are like big markets selling various brands, with a mix of new and used cars, offering flexible prices that are easy to negotiate. However, their services are scattered, and after purchasing a car, you have to find your own place for repairs. If issues arise, responsibilities are often shifted around. 4S shops are brand-exclusive stores, selling only one brand of cars. For example, a Mercedes-Benz 4S shop exclusively deals with Mercedes-Benz, equipped with professional sales, original maintenance, and repair teams, covering everything from buying to servicing the car, with clear terms during the warranty period. Now, when buying a car, I recommend newcomers choose 4S shops—though a bit more expensive, they offer peace of mind and convenience. Dealerships are more suitable for experienced drivers looking for second-hand deals, but it's essential to inspect the car's condition carefully.
