How Long Does a Car Stay in Storage Before It's Considered a Stock Vehicle?
4 Answers
Stock vehicles generally refer to cars that have been in storage for over a year without being sold. Here are methods to identify how long a vehicle has been in storage: 1. Check the vehicle's nameplate: Every car has its own 'ID card,' which is the vehicle nameplate. The nameplate contains various information, including the engine model, engine displacement, and the car's production date. The nameplate is usually located on one side of the engine, while some are found on the left side when you open the right door. Additionally, for vans, the nameplate is typically on the pillar behind the front passenger seat. 2. Look at the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Below the front windshield, there is a 17-digit VIN code, commonly referred to as the chassis number. It is roughly divided into three parts: the manufacturer identification code (digits 1-3), the vehicle descriptor section (digits 4-9), and the vehicle identifier section (digits 10-17). The most important digit to note is the 10th one, which indicates the year of manufacture. If this year significantly differs from the current year, the car is likely a long-stocked vehicle.
I always remind my friends to pay attention to the inventory time when buying a car. Generally, a new car parked for more than 3 months is considered a stock car. Like that time I was picking a car, I saw one that had been sitting for half a year. The salesperson said there was no problem, but when I checked the manufacturing date, it was very old, so I decisively didn't buy it. Long-stocked cars are prone to battery failure, aging engine oil, tire deformation making driving unstable, and electronic systems may also rust. My advice is not to be tempted by the low price of stock cars. Prioritize checking the nameplate on the door for the production date, and try to choose a new car within three months. If you accidentally buy one, do a comprehensive maintenance and change the fluids to avoid breaking down on the road. Remember, stock cars have many hidden dangers, safety first.
After years in this business, I have clear standards for identifying inventory cars: any new vehicle parked in the warehouse or showroom for over three months qualifies, especially slow-selling models after promotional seasons. During routine client inspections, I emphasize inventory risks - depleted batteries requiring jump-starts, out-of-round tires needing correction, and thickened engine oil damaging motors. We regularly start inventory vehicles to maintain condition, proactively offering discounts upon sale. I advise buyers to check production date labels to avoid aged stock. For cars stored over five months, I recommend full fluid replacement plus complimentary maintenance for peace of mind. Poor inventory management harms reputation, so I conduct monthly stock audits to prevent vehicle deterioration.
From a technical perspective, vehicles stored for three to six months enter the risk period of being considered inventory cars. I would test fluid viscosity and battery voltage, as prolonged parking leads to rapid battery self-discharge and oxidized oil with poor lubrication. It's recommended to start the engine every two weeks for ten minutes during storage to circulate oil and protect components. Rubber parts like tire seals age faster, with humid environments accelerating corrosion. For inventory cars exceeding six months since manufacture, brake fluid should be replaced to prevent braking issues and ensure driving reliability.
