How Long Does a Car Need to Stay in Inventory to Be Considered a Stock Car?
4 Answers
When purchasing a new car, you mainly need to check the manufacturing date of the vehicle. Generally, if it exceeds 3 months, it is considered a stock car. Below are the inspections that a 4S store should perform before selling a new car: 1. Static Inspection: Before selling a new car, the after-sales maintenance personnel at the 4S store conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle. This includes static checks such as paint surface inspection, interior inspection, various light signal checks, tire pressure inspection, fluid level checks for the entire vehicle, functional control checks inside the car, instrument indicator checks, computer diagnostics, and cleanliness inspection of interior items. 2. Dynamic Inspection: The dynamic inspection of the vehicle includes tests like braking performance, acceleration performance, handling performance, air conditioning performance, idle control checks, etc. The purpose of the comprehensive inspection is to ensure that every car sold is free of issues.
I encountered this issue when buying a car. A stock car refers to a vehicle that has been sitting at the dealership for too long without being sold, generally exceeding six months or 180 days. Last time I went car shopping, I found a car with a production date from half a year ago, and its tires were slightly flat because rubber can degrade when left stationary for long periods. The battery might also be low on charge, making it struggle to start. Although these cars are sold at a discount, it's crucial to inspect them carefully. The production date is usually on the nameplate by the door frame. I recommend asking about the stock duration before purchasing to avoid buying a car that's been sitting too long, which could affect safety. Regular maintenance is especially important for stock cars because the lubricants may have deteriorated. Addressing these issues early can save you trouble and money, particularly for those who drive older cars frequently—this advice is quite valuable for them.
From the experience of buying my first car, stock vehicles are usually those that haven't been sold for over 180 days. I remember a friend who bought a stock car last year to save money—it had been sitting for seven months. Shortly after driving it home, they noticed strange noises from the AC due to dust buildup in components and poor electrical connections. While such cars are cheaper, they come with higher risks. You can avoid issues by asking the dealer about storage duration—always check the production date on the label under the hood before purchasing. An extra tip: batteries in long-stocked cars tend to lose charge, so it's best to test them with a charger. For budget-conscious young buyers, choosing a stock car can save thousands, but extra caution is advised.
The concept of inventory cars is not uniform, but it is generally believed that vehicles unsold for more than half a year or 180 days qualify. For example, if a new car has been parked in a lot for too long, issues like flat tires or deteriorated lubricants may occur. When purchasing a car, check the vehicle information label to confirm the production date. If it exceeds this timeframe, be cautious and don't be tempted by small discounts, as inventory issues could lead to increased maintenance costs later on.
