How Long Before a Car is Considered Stock Inventory?
3 Answers
A car is considered stock inventory if it has been over three months since its production date. Methods to check if a new car is stock inventory include: 1. Check the vehicle's nameplate; 2. Inspect tire wear and the production date; 3. Check if the inner wall of the exhaust pipe is clean; 4. Look for dust in the engine compartment, check if components are deformed or discolored, neatly arranged, and show no signs of removal; 5. Examine rubber parts of the car body for aging or detachment. Precautions for using a new car include: 1. Warm up the car before starting; 2. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration to prevent damage to parts; 3. Control engine speed during the break-in period to avoid high RPMs that could damage the engine; 4. Change the gear oil after driving 2,000 kilometers and pay attention to vehicle maintenance; 5. Get full insurance coverage for the new car and install a dashcam to avoid unnecessary disputes and losses.
Last time I went car shopping, I learned that 'inventory cars' typically refer to new vehicles that have been sitting unsold in the dealership lot for too long. Generally, it's considered standard if the manufacturing date exceeds six months, such as 6 months or more. This is because when cars remain stationary for extended periods, rubber components like tires and wipers tend to age and harden, the battery might completely drain requiring replacement, all of which affects overall performance. I once considered buying an inventory car since it was cheaper and could save me some money, but I had to carefully check for engine oil sedimentation, any rust on the body, and whether the interior had faded from sun exposure. Now when buying a car, I always check the manufacturing date on the door-side factory plate to confirm if it's too old. If it's over a year without a discount, I think it's somewhat deceptive—don't fall for it. Choosing an inventory car has its pros and cons: the advantage is greater bargaining room for savings, while the downside is potentially more maintenance hassles later on.
When chatting with friends about cars, the topic of inventory cars comes up quite often. Generally, we consider a car as an inventory car if it has been sitting unsold in a dealer's stock for over 6 months. Long-term parking can cause issues like hardened or cracked tires, severely depleted or even dead batteries, and evaporated system fluids leading to starting difficulties. It's advisable to test drive the car before purchasing to listen for smooth engine operation. I've seen some cars that have been parked for too long and given a quick refurbishment before sale—don't take it lightly, always check the maintenance records and warranty period. If I come across an inventory car, I proactively ask the salesperson how much the price can be negotiated down. Usually, you can get a discount of a few thousand, but don't compromise on quality checks just for a lower price.
