Why don't 4S stores allow car selection?
2 Answers
There are only two situations where it is normal for a 4S store not to allow car selection: The owner has confirmed the vehicle to be purchased; there is only one car in stock. Apart from the scenarios mentioned above, it is illegal for a 4S store to prohibit car selection under any other circumstances. Here are a few points to pay attention to when inspecting a car: Check the production dates of the tires and glass: If the dates differ significantly, it indicates a problem. Start the vehicle: Check if the lights are functioning properly, if the electronic instruments are working correctly, and if the wipers, turn signal lever, dashboard, etc., are operating normally.
As a frequent visitor to 4S dealerships, I believe their reluctance to allow customers to handpick vehicles stems primarily from inventory management and fairness considerations. Dealerships typically maintain limited new car inventories, especially for popular models or colors. If customers were allowed to freely choose, hot-selling configurations could quickly sell out, leaving less popular variants to accumulate unsold. Automakers enforce strict vehicle allocation rules, requiring 4S stores to adhere to quota systems that ensure equal opportunity for all customers and prevent dissatisfaction when popular models get snapped up. On a deeper level, all new arrivals undergo standardized pre-delivery inspections including safety tests and defect rectification - selecting unchecked vehicles might lead to quality issues and after-sales disputes. This practice also helps dealerships optimize capital turnover and reduce storage costs. From personal experience, while occasionally frustrating, this system ultimately ensures a more reliable car-buying process.
