How Long Does a Car Need to Sit to Be Considered Inventory?
2 Answers
6 months to 12 months or more is considered inventory. Below are methods to identify inventory cars: Check the production nameplate: There is a vehicle nameplate below the B-pillar on the right side of the vehicle, which indicates the production date and engine parameter information; Check the glass: The car glass will have the production date and year marked on it; Check the tires: Determine the production time by the tire's production date; Check the engine compartment: Open the engine and check if the engine compartment is clean. Below are potential issues with inventory cars: Various fluids, electronic components, batteries, rubber seals, and tires may experience moisture and aging due to prolonged storage without periodic inspection and maintenance. Periodic inspection and maintenance measures are minimal.
From a car repair perspective, I think a stock car generally refers to one that hasn't been sold for over half a year after leaving the factory, roughly more than 180 days. Common issues include a drained battery, deformed or hardened tires, because cars suffer more wear when left unused. Last time I helped a customer inspect a car that had been in stock for 8 months, and found the engine oil had deteriorated, requiring replacement. When buying a car, check the manufacturing date label, usually pasted on the door frame. It's better to avoid cars that have been in stock for too long; problems start piling up after half a year, so it's advisable to prioritize newly manufactured cars when choosing.
