How Long Does a Car Stay in Inventory?

[DelAyla]

For domestic brand vehicles, those that remain unsold for more than six months after leaving the factory are considered inventory cars; for imported brand vehicles, the threshold is 12 months. Joint-venture vehicles produced domestically follow the same timeline as domestic brands, being classified as inventory after six months. There is no strict definition for inventory cars, but they generally refer to vehicles that remain unsold for over six months. Dealers typically avoid keeping stock vehicles for extended periods, but due to various reasons, many cars on the market have been in inventory for over nine months. Vehicles with a production date exceeding one year are classified as overdue inventory cars.

[McMargaret]

I've always thought that stock cars are just new cars that have been sitting in the dealership for too long, generally considered as stock cars if they've been there for over 3-6 months. For example, last month when I accompanied my friend to buy a car, his car had been produced five months ago, and the salesperson only sold it to him at a discount. Over time, parts may not be properly maintained, like the battery being prone to depletion, tires aging and cracking, and lubricants settling, which can affect the engine. When buying a car, it's essential to check the production date, usually found on the B-pillar label or the engine compartment tag. The advantage is that the price is much cheaper, and you can negotiate a discount with the salesperson. But remember not to buy stock cars that have been sitting for too long, like a year, to avoid high repair costs later. From my personal experience, buying a stock car within six months is the most cost-effective.

[McChristopher]

I often hear my friends discussing inventory cars. Basically, any new car that has been sitting in the warehouse for more than three or four months starts to be considered an inventory car. Last time I helped my family choose a car, I saw one with a production date over six months old, and the dealership offered a big discount. Be cautious though—over time, the tires might become stiff, and the battery may not hold a full charge. Before buying, check those labels carefully. If the date is old, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price. The upside is that the money you save can be used for other things, like adding accessories. But don’t be tempted by a car that’s been sitting for a year—safety comes first when driving. I recommend prioritizing inventory cars within six months to minimize risks.

[LilahDella]

I consider inventory cars to be those new vehicles that have been stockpiled in warehouses for three to four months or more. Before purchasing, I always check the manufacturing date, which is usually indicated on labels located on the vehicle body. Cars that have been sitting for too long, such as over six months, might develop issues like battery leakage or tire cracks. The advantage is their lower price, but it's crucial to ensure there are no major problems before buying. Most importantly, don't overlook the maintenance records.