What is the difference between repairing a car at a 4S shop and an outside repair shop?
2 Answers
The differences between repairing a car at a 4S shop and an outside repair shop are as follows: Different technologies: The technology of outside repair shops is not as good as that of 4S shops, because the mechanics in 4S shops are more professional, have a better understanding of the brand's cars, and the final quality is also better. Different parts: The parts in 4S shops are all genuine parts, which are no different from the original parts on the car, so the price is also more expensive. The parts replaced in outside repair shops are not original, although they are cheaper, the quality is questionable. Different costs: 4S shops are large in scale and the parts are genuine, so the material costs are higher. In addition, the mechanics are experienced, and the after-sales quality can be guaranteed when repairing at a 4S shop. Outside repairs are relatively cheaper.
I've been driving for several years and have tried repairing my car at both 4S shops and independent repair shops. The differences are quite significant. 4S shops usually charge higher prices because they use genuine parts and their technicians are professionally trained, but the cost can be 30% to 50% more expensive than independent shops. For example, replacing a tire or doing maintenance at a 4S shop might cost over a thousand yuan, while it could be just a few hundred at an independent shop. However, the advantage is the guaranteed quality, making it suitable for new cars or complex issues involving electronic systems. Independent shops are cheaper and more flexible, and the owner might be someone you know, quickly fixing minor issues. But the parts they use might be aftermarket, with inconsistent quality, often leading to follow-up problems after repairs. My suggestion is to compare quotes first—prioritize independent shops for simple issues, but for major problems, returning to a 4S shop is more reliable.
