How Long Does a Car Have to Be in Production to Be Called a Stock Car?
3 Answers
A car that has been in production for one year is considered a stock car. Stock car: refers to a car that has been in inventory for more than a year without being sold. Here is some information about stock cars: 1. Long-term parking: The correct practice for stock car dealers is to periodically charge the battery and perform maintenance on vehicles that have been in the warehouse for more than 6 months without being sold, start the vehicle to circulate the fluids, and move the vehicle to prevent tire aging. 2. Identifying stock cars: Compare the production date on the vehicle nameplate with the production date on the certificate of conformity; the two must match. Additionally, check if the VIN code and engine number on the certificate of conformity match those on the original vehicle. 3. Inspecting stock cars: For stock cars older than one year, check the exterior for any discoloration of the paint, aging of the wiper blades and tires to determine whether it was stored indoors or outdoors. Inspect the engine compartment pulley and door/window seals for integrity. After turning off the engine, turn on the headlights for 10 minutes to see if the battery can start the vehicle normally and if the engine runs smoothly without abnormal vibrations.
Generally speaking, a car is considered a stock vehicle if its production date is more than six months ago, as it remains unsold in the dealer's inventory. I pay special attention to this when purchasing a car because stock vehicles exposed to outdoor environments for too long may suffer from battery drainage, uneven tire pressure leading to deformation, or even deteriorated engine oil, which can affect the car's performance. Dealers often offer discounts to clear out inventory, and last year my friend bought a stock car at a discount of several thousand yuan. However, be cautious when purchasing stock vehicles that have been stored for too long. It's advisable to check the production date label, usually printed on the door side or under the hood. If the car hasn't been sold for over a year since production, the risks are even greater. I always make it a habit to book an inspection service at the 4S store in advance to ensure safety, particularly focusing on any damage to the car's paint and electrical systems.
If a car remains unsold for over 180 days after production, it is commonly referred to as inventory stock in the industry. From my daily observations, this usually happens due to unpopular models or seasonal factors causing backlog. Dealers need to periodically start the engine and check tire pressure to prevent battery drainage, but prolonged parking may still damage suspension bushings. Customers can check the production date on the door frame nameplate to confirm inventory duration. Such vehicles are often sold at 20% discounts, and I've seen many budget-conscious friends score great deals. However, extra attention should be paid to whether electronic devices like navigation screens or audio systems function properly.
