What is the difference between purchasing a car from a dealer and a 4S store?

[VanAlan]

The differences between dealers and 4S stores are as follows: 1. A 4S store is a sales outlet that integrates car sales, maintenance, parts, and information services, while a dealer is only responsible for vehicle sales. 2. A 4S store is a car franchise model with the "four-in-one" as its core, including vehicle sales (Sale), spare parts (Sparepart), after-sales service (Service), and information feedback (Survey), while a dealer only sells cars and generally does not provide so many vehicle services. 3. A car 4S store is dedicated to the sales of a single brand, rather than dealing with miscellaneous brands, while dealers sell cars of various brands. 4. As long as it is within the specified warranty mileage, you can enjoy maintenance and after-sales services at any 4S store nationwide, but the after-sales service of dealers usually has time restrictions.

[VanBennett]

I recently helped my family buy a car and noticed significant differences between dealers and 4S stores. 4S stores are officially authorized by the brand—for example, when buying a Volkswagen or Toyota, they provide full services including new car sales, maintenance, repairs, and original factory warranties. If there’s an issue with the car, it can be sent back to the factory for handling, which feels very reliable but comes at a higher price. On the other hand, regular dealers are often independent shops that may sell used cars or parallel imports. They might offer lower prices but incomplete services, such as needing to go elsewhere for maintenance or using non-original parts. I think 4S stores are suitable for those who prioritize security and long-term peace of mind, especially when buying a new car—paying a bit more for convenience. Dealers are better for those on a tight budget or looking for specific used models, but they need to check the history and condition themselves to avoid future hassles.

[DiAniyah]

As someone who has just started working, I think choosing where to buy a car is crucial. Buying from a 4S store means it's directly operated by the brand, with free repairs for any issues, clear warranty policies, and maintenance included in the package. Dealerships might offer more flexibility, like better negotiation room or access to discontinued models, but be aware they lack official support. Once the warranty expires, you're on your own, and there's a higher risk of odometer or accident car scams. Personally, I think 4S stores are better for beginners who want hassle-free service and peace of mind, while dealerships suit experienced buyers who can check backgrounds and save money for modifications. It all depends on your time cost and budget.

[SanHannah]

Having driven for over a decade, I've found that buying cars from 4S stores is more reliable because they are directly authorized by manufacturers, ensuring brand-new vehicles. Any issues are directly handled through recalls, with free maintenance during the warranty period, making it worthwhile. While regular dealers might offer cheaper prices, their cars are often second-hand or problematic, requiring outsourced maintenance and using mixed-brand parts that can easily affect performance and lifespan. In the long run, choosing a 4S store saves you from repair hassles and makes reselling the car faster.