Where else can you buy a car besides 4S stores?
3 Answers
In addition to purchasing cars at 4S stores, you can also choose to buy from auto trading stores. The vehicles sold at auto trading stores are basically not restricted by brand, and any brand can be sold. The sources of vehicles are mainly sold or consigned by 4S stores. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. Explanation of 4S stores: 4S stores are a car franchise model with 4-in-1 as the core. The business services of 4S stores include car sales, spare parts sales, after-sales services, etc. 2. Auto trading stores: Compared with 4S stores, the service standardization and process transparency are not as standard and professional as those of 4S stores. In addition, subsequent vehicle services cannot be provided by auto trading stores and can only be guaranteed through 4S stores, but the price is generally lower than that of 4S stores.
Last time I helped my cousin look for a car, I realized there are many options beyond 4S stores. Nowadays, used car markets are everywhere in cities. Like the used car trading center near us, it displays hundreds of vehicles from various years, and buyers can even bargain on the spot. Auto supermarkets are another choice—some display new cars like a supermarket, with a wide range of brands. Online platforms are also convenient; I've seen people order cars directly on JD Auto, with new cars delivered to their doorstep. The private seller community is quite active too, with frequent transfer posts in neighborhood groups, though you’d need to handle the ownership transfer yourself. The best deals come during auto show seasons—last year, I booked a car at a local auto show and saved over 8,000 yuan compared to a 4S store.
As a car enthusiast, I often think about car purchasing channels. Comprehensive dealers offer discounted cars with their large warehouses and wide selections. Brand direct-sales centers are now commonly found in shopping malls, making it convenient to check out cars while weekend shopping. Shared car platforms sometimes sell their retired vehicles, which come with complete maintenance records. Parallel import dealers have a comprehensive range of niche models, though the paperwork can be a bit troublesome. Another option is through auto finance companies, which sell repossessed cars at 30% lower prices, but it's essential to verify ownership status. The most reliable option is cars circulating within personal networks—my neighbor just bought a nearly new car from a colleague last month.
