How Long Does a New Car Qualify as Inventory Vehicle?
3 Answers
There is no legal definition for the term 'inventory vehicle'; it is an industry-specific term in the automotive sales sector. Generally, domestically produced joint-venture or self-owned brand cars that have been in stock for more than three months to half a year are considered inventory vehicles. For imported cars, due to the time-consuming processes of transportation, customs clearance, and import procedures, the threshold is more lenient, typically extending to six months or a year. Below are solutions if you purchase an inventory vehicle: 1. The production date of the vehicle can usually be found on the car's nameplate, located on the side of the passenger seat or in the engine compartment. The time elapsed since the production date indicates the duration it has been in inventory. 2. There are no specific regulations regarding whether consumers who purchase inventory vehicles are entitled to extended warranties or special after-sales services. However, if a 4S dealership intentionally conceals the fact or if the car is sold as a new vehicle within one year but turns out to be older than a year or even more, this constitutes fraudulent behavior. In such cases, the consumer is entitled to demand compensation equal to three times the price of the product or service.
Let me talk about how a new car becomes an inventory car. It's usually calculated based on the time since the vehicle rolled off the production line. Generally, if it's been over 6 months, it can be considered an inventory car because prolonged storage in warehouses or dealerships can cause engine oil to deteriorate and tires to deform or crack. Especially in areas with high summer temperatures or low winter temperatures, prolonged exposure to the environment can lead to battery aging and power loss. When buying a car, it's best to check the production label on the door frame. If it was manufactured half a year ago, you should be cautious. I once bought a car that had been stored for 9 months, and while the discount was significant, the battery failed shortly after driving it home, costing me a lot to replace at the dealership. So, my advice is to always check the fluids and tires when dealing with an inventory car, and try to negotiate a better price. For safety, it's best to choose a car that's within three months of production. After all, a car is like milk—fresher is better for a smoother ride.
The definition of stock vehicles is quite flexible, typically ranging between 90 to 180 days. This depends on the brand and sales location, with some imported cars stored for longer periods. I understand that new cars sitting in warehouses for extended periods may lead to brake fluid absorbing moisture, affecting braking performance, and aging of rubber components like seals causing oil leaks. When purchasing a car, ask the dealer to show the VIN code to check the production date. If it's over six months, the risk increases. Remember to negotiate for a lower price since dealers are under pressure to clear stock and are willing to offer discounts. Once, when helping a relative choose a car, we found one that had been in stock for five months and managed to get a 10% discount, but a full maintenance check was required. My personal advice is not to focus solely on price—safety comes first. Prioritize recently produced new cars, especially paying attention to details like tire pressure.
