How Long Does a Stock Vehicle Refer To?
3 Answers
Stock vehicles refer to cars that have not been sold for more than three to six months after leaving the factory. A stock vehicle is essentially a car that has remained in inventory without being sold in a timely manner. There are no specific legal definitions or regulations regarding stock vehicles and their duration in inventory. Stock vehicles are commonly categorized into two types: those that have spent their inventory period in the manufacturer's warehouse and those that have done so in the dealer's warehouse. When purchasing a stock vehicle, it is crucial to carefully inspect its condition. The vehicle's state can be assessed based on the length of time it has been in stock. If components such as wipers, engine belts, and tires show no significant signs of aging, it indicates that the storage environment was not too poor. If the stock vehicle appears dirty, it should be thoroughly cleaned before a detailed inspection of the paint surface for scratches and dents. A test drive can also be conducted to confirm the vehicle's overall condition.
I've been in the car sales business for years, and people often ask how to calculate the duration of inventory vehicles. Within our industry, there are generally two definitions: vehicles within the manufacturer's logistics cycle of three months are considered reasonable inventory, while those exceeding six months are classified as long-term inventory. Cars that haven't been sold for over half a year are the most troublesome—batteries tend to drain, tires can develop flat spots, and engine oil may oxidize and deteriorate. At our dealership, we move and recharge these vehicles monthly and change the engine oil every three months. Currently, we offer about a 20% discount on inventory vehicles, but we recommend buyers pay special attention to the roundness of all four tires and the battery health. It's also advisable to have the dealership replace the engine oil for free before taking delivery.
When I bought a car last year, I specifically targeted inventory vehicles for price negotiation. The salesperson initially said any car over three months old was considered inventory. I found one that was seven months old and managed to slash the price by 30%. The key is to check the production date on the nameplate—anything over six months should raise a red flag: demand free oil and filter changes from the dealer, and pay special attention to the battery voltage. At the time, I noticed slight flat spots on the right rear tire and got it replaced for free. Honestly, inventory cars aren’t that scary—long-term parking mainly affects tires and the battery. The most practical tip is to bring an air pump when picking up the car to test tire pressure stability. My car has now clocked over 10,000 kilometers with regular maintenance, and it’s been trouble-free.
