How long after the production date is an imported car considered a stock car?
3 Answers
An imported car is considered a stock car if it has been over half a year since its production date. Below is a related introduction to stock cars: 1. Definition of a stock car: Parallel imported cars take up to 3 months to arrive at the port from the factory abroad, depending on the location of the foreign factory, such as the U.S., Canada, Europe, or the Middle East. However, delays in customs clearance at the port can prolong this period. Therefore, imported models that have been more than 6 months since their production date are considered stock cars. 2. Tips for identifying stock cars: The manufacturing year and month are marked on the nameplate in the engine compartment, and the time elapsed since then indicates the actual stock time of the car. An imported car with a stock time exceeding 6 months can be classified as a stock car. Additionally, if there are obvious signs of aging on parts such as the wipers, engine belts, or tires, the car can also be considered a stock car.
I just bought an imported car, and I have some thoughts to share. Generally speaking, if an imported car hasn't been sold for over a year, it's considered a stock car, given that it takes several months just to ship it overseas. Last time at a 4S dealership, I saw a European version car with a nameplate showing it was manufactured 18 months ago. The salesperson openly admitted it was a stock car and offered a 15% discount. The biggest headache with stock cars is the aging of rubber components—tires are prone to deformation, and the battery might be drained. However, if you come across a reliable dealer, they might replace the wear-prone parts before handing over the car. I've seen cases where they replaced the wipers and engine oil for a stock car. My advice is to check the 10th digit of the VIN before viewing the car—letters represent the year, and if it's more than two years behind the current year, you should be cautious.
For those frequently dealing with ports, the inventory period of imported vehicles requires special attention to the logistics process. Typically, shipping plus customs clearance takes 3-6 months, so vehicles over 12 months from production carry higher risks. Once during an inspection of a German car, I found the sealing strips had become brittle simply because it was parked outdoors at the port for over half a year. In fact, the biggest hidden danger with inventory vehicles is fluid deterioration—emulsified engine oil can damage the engine, and moisture-absorbed brake fluid affects braking performance. It's advisable to focus on checking the tread depth of the tires, as inventory vehicles often exhibit uneven wear on one side. Price-wise, be cautious if it's more than 15% below market value, and it's best to request the dealer to provide a PDI inspection report.
