How Long After Production is a Car Considered Inventory?

[Hunger]

For domestically produced vehicles, those that have been in stock for more than six months after production are considered inventory cars. For imported vehicles, the threshold is 12 months. Joint-venture vehicles produced domestically follow the same timeline as domestic brands, being classified as inventory after six months. Additional information about inventory vehicles is as follows: 1. There is no legal definition for inventory vehicles; it's simply a term used by car salespeople to indicate vehicles that have been in stock for an extended period. 2. Inventory vehicles significantly impact dealers, especially given the rapid model updates in the automotive industry. These vehicles often feature outdated configurations and may be considered obsolete. Dealers typically sell inventory vehicles at discounted prices, so buyers should carefully consider all aspects before purchasing.

[McMicah]

When I bought my car, the salesperson told me that an inventory car usually refers to a vehicle that has been sitting at the dealership for more than six months after leaving the factory without being sold. A neighbor in our community bought a discounted inventory car that had been stored for over half a year, and its battery failed within just a few weeks of driving. Prolonged storage can cause tire deformation, and the engine oil may degrade, affecting startup and performance. So, before buying a car, always check the manufacturing date sticker on the windshield—don’t just focus on the price and overlook the details. If the date is over six months old, it’s best to walk away or have the salesperson thoroughly inspect it. Personally, I think inventory cars stored in hot or humid conditions are more prone to issues. With proper maintenance, they might last a year, but the risks remain high. In short, safety first—choosing a freshly manufactured car is far more reassuring.

[LaJuliana]

Our dealership stipulates that a new car is considered inventory if it has been in stock for over five months. Prolonged parking can cause tire flattening with visible marks, gradual battery drainage, and rusting of mechanical components if not properly maintained. I always advise customers to first check the manufacturing date on the VIN code when purchasing a car, and to be cautious if it's been over six months. Inventory cars occasionally offer discounted deals, but it's essential to test the startup and operation for smoothness before buying, to avoid regrets after driving it home. Storage conditions also play a role—cars parked outdoors deteriorate faster than those kept in garages. Everyone should be more attentive when selecting a car, visit the dealership regularly, and avoid rushing into a purchase.

[VonMaria]

A car is generally considered a 'stock vehicle' if it has been parked for more than nine months after leaving the factory, and it may start to have issues. Prolonged storage can lead to flat spots on the tires, and brake fluid may evaporate or thicken, causing slower response. I'm someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, and it's common to see others who buy stock vehicles frequently encounter minor problems. If a car has been stored for over six months, careful maintenance is needed, such as periodically moving it to a different spot. When buying a car, always check the date label to ensure it hasn't exceeded the limit, and prioritize new vehicles stored under good conditions. Safety is more important than anything else—don't take risks just to save money.

[McJanelle]

Last time I visited a 4S store, I almost bought a sedan that had been in stock for over a year. The salesperson assured me it was fine, but it broke down as soon as I got home. Cars manufactured more than six months ago are basically considered stock vehicles, and prolonged storage can lead to battery aging and starting difficulties. A friend taught me to check the date label under the hood to confirm the manufacturing time. Now, I always check this first when selecting a car to avoid high-risk vehicles and make maintenance easier. The longer a car sits in stock, the higher the chance of component rust. Remember, when buying a car, don’t just focus on appearance and performance—always check the manufacturing records.