What's the Deal with 4S Store Discount Cars?
2 Answers
These refer to top-trim display cars, inventory cars, niche models, and some discount cars may not even come with the three-guarantee policy. Below are the relevant details: 1. Discount Cars: Almost all of them have flaws, as they can't be sold and can only attract attention with lower prices. The advantages of such cars are their cheap prices and high configurations—some top-trim display cars might even sell for the price of mid-trim new cars. The downsides are the flaws, potential paint scratches from wear and tear, and longer production times. Additionally, they may not come with the three-guarantee policy later on. Generally, 4S stores sell these cars at a loss because the monthly interest on inventory is too high. 2. Not Recommended: For non-professionals buying such vehicles, the first issue is not fully understanding the car's condition. Secondly, since they don't qualify for the three-guarantee policy, they differ from normal new cars in certain aspects. Most importantly, these cars can be psychologically unsettling—not worth the savings if it causes stress.
The other day I was browsing the discount car exhibition area at the 4S dealership, and the salesperson explained that most of them were inventory clearance items or lightly refurbished models. Automakers regularly release new models, so they need to clear out old inventory with promotional discounts, typically saving 10-20% off the price. Sometimes they are display cars that have been driven a few hundred kilometers but show minimal wear, which doesn’t affect usability. Before buying, I always inspect the paintwork, chassis, and engine bay—either bringing a friend along or recording a video for documentation in case of minor issues to negotiate compensation. 4S shops are more transparent, listing any problems on the warranty form, making them far more reliable than small workshops. Recently, many dealerships have been running online promotions; tracking website announcements can help snag limited-time discounts—super convenient for saving money. After driving my purchase home, I found the performance was just as expected, though it’s important to change the oil for long-stocked cars to prevent insufficient lubrication. Overall, it’s a pretty cost-effective option.