What to Pay Attention to When Buying a Car at a 4S Store?
3 Answers
When buying a car at a 4S store, pay attention to the following points: Do not complete any procedures before picking up the car: You can simply sign a contract at this time. Pay attention to checking the condition of the vehicle's exterior, interior, chassis, engine, tires, etc. After confirming there are no issues, proceed to check various documents such as the purchase invoice, vehicle certificate, warranty service card, vehicle manual, other documents or accessories, and ensure the car matches its brand name. Finally, review the contract details and insurance. Inspect the car's quality carefully during the examination: It's best to bring an experienced driver to help check if the car is an accident vehicle, stock vehicle, or flood-damaged car. Verify if the mileage is within a reasonable range, and check if the engine oil, antifreeze, etc., are sufficient. Look for any signs of wear and tear. It's advisable to take the car for a test drive to ensure there are no abnormalities during operation. Only proceed with the purchase after confirming everything is correct. Be cautious about promotional gifts: These gifts are essentially a form of forced purchase. To attract customers, some dealers often promote car purchases with gift packages. These seemingly generous gift packages can easily become traps if not carefully examined.
I've visited 4S dealerships several times when buying cars before, and my main advice is not to rush from start to finish. First, research the configuration and price range of your target model online, then go with a clear budget in mind—don’t get swayed by the salesperson’s pushiness. Stay calm during negotiations, ask about promotions and discounts, and focus on haggling over the base car price to avoid getting tricked into unnecessary add-ons. Take test drives seriously: listen for any abnormal engine sounds and inspect details like tires and the braking system. Read the contract word by word before signing, paying extra attention to additional fees and service charges. When picking up the car, verify the VIN number and test all function buttons to ensure everything works. Don’t forget to ask about after-sales warranty terms and free maintenance sessions. Bringing a friend along can help with decision-making. Visit multiple dealerships for comparisons—you’ll always find the best deal.
Back when I first went to a 4S dealership to buy a car, I knew nothing. Now I've learned some tricks. Basic preparation is key—set a total budget cap beforehand and don't exceed your means, then pick two or three models you're interested in to compare their strengths. When you enter the dealership, the salesperson will greet you warmly, but don't get fooled—ask directly about the car's basic specs and manufacturing date to avoid getting stuck with old inventory. During the test drive, don't just drive a short distance; try different road conditions like bumpy sections to test the suspension performance. Scrutinize every detail in the contract, especially fees and insurance options, and don't sign casually. Also, understand the after-sales policies, like warranty duration and service center locations, to avoid future hassles. Bring a small notebook to jot down questions so you don't forget—simple steps and practice will ease the nerves.
