Can a Car That's Been in Stock for Four Months Be Accepted?
4 Answers
It is acceptable to take delivery of a car that has been in stock for about four months from its production date. Here are methods to determine if it's a stock vehicle: Check the Production Date: The first intuitive way to determine if a car is new is generally based on two criteria: mileage and the production date of the car. Checking the production date is straightforward; it can be directly viewed in the engine compartment or below the B-pillar on the passenger side door. If the production date is within six months, it's considered normal; beyond that, it's classified as a stock vehicle. Check the Mileage: Under normal circumstances, even a new car won't have zero mileage because it's driven during transportation. However, the mileage won't be excessive, so a range between 10 to 30 kilometers is considered normal.
I purchased a car last year that had been in inventory for four months, and it's been running without any issues so far. The main concerns with inventory cars are battery drain or tire deformation due to prolonged parking. Before taking delivery, remember to ask the 4S dealership to fully charge the battery and check the tire pressure. It's advisable to focus on the condition of the engine oil and brake fluid—replacement is only necessary if it's been over six months, and four months is actually within the safe period. In terms of price, you can negotiate at least a 5% discount; I saved over 8,000 yuan back then. Don't forget to test all the lights and the air conditioning when picking up the car, and for vehicles stored outdoors, inspect the paint carefully for any signs of corrosion.
A four-month-old inventory car is definitely acceptable—I've handled dozens of such vehicles. The key lies in the storage conditions: cars kept in indoor showrooms are practically as good as new, while those stored outdoors require checks for aging wiper blades and seals. Have the service team lift the chassis to inspect for rust, especially in coastal areas. After starting the engine, listen for any abnormal noises, and let it idle for ten minutes to monitor if the coolant temperature stabilizes. Most brands offer special discount packages for inventory cars, such as two additional free maintenance services—be sure to negotiate for these benefits during pricing discussions.
As a seasoned driver, I think a car that's been sitting for four months is completely fine. It's common for new cars to be transported within three months after leaving the factory, and an extra month of storage doesn't make much difference. Focus on checking three key areas: first, the battery's starting voltage—if it's below 12 volts, demand a replacement; second, whether the tire production date is earlier than the car's manufacturing date; and third, the odometer reading—if it exceeds 50 kilometers, ask for a clear explanation. Have the salesperson perform a PDI inspection in front of you and sign off on the condition of the fluids and chassis. Last week, I picked up a stock car and even managed to score an extra set of floor mats.
