How Long is Considered as Inventory Car?
3 Answers
6 months to 12 months or more is considered as inventory car. Here are the specific details: 1. Identification of inventory cars: There is a vehicle nameplate under the right B-pillar, which indicates the production date and engine parameter information of the vehicle. The production date and year of the glass are marked above the car glass. The production date of the tires can also be used to determine the manufacturing time. 2. Possible issues: Various fluids, electronic components, batteries, rubber seals, and tires may experience moisture and aging due to prolonged parking without periodic inspection and maintenance. Periodic inspection and maintenance measures are rarely performed.
I follow cars quite closely. Typically, a stock car refers to a vehicle that hasn't been sold within six months after leaving the factory. This timeframe is quite critical because prolonged storage can lead to various issues. Sitting in open parking lots exposed to wind and sun, rubber seals can age and crack, and tires may deform. What worries me most is the battery—it can be ruined if not charged regularly. Engine oil also degrades if not changed within six months, making me concerned about potential engine damage. Last time I visited a 4S dealership, I specifically checked the manufacturing date on the nameplate. If the discount on a stock car is substantial enough, it might still be worth buying, but only if the dealership agrees to replace fluids and tires for free and extends the battery warranty to make it worthwhile.
From the perspective of car maintenance, the most obvious issue with stock vehicles is the natural aging of components. It's best to sell a new car within three months after leaving the factory. If it exceeds three months, special inspections are required. For cars stocked for over six months, brake discs may rust and form clumps, with particularly noticeable abnormal noises during startup. Oxidized rubber hoses are prone to oil or fluid leaks, making repairs especially troublesome. Last year, a friend bought a stock car to save money, only to end up with a leaking power steering hose, and the repair costs nearly matched the price difference. It's advisable to open the engine compartment before viewing the car, focusing on checking for oil stains at hose connections and feeling if the belts have hardened. Remember to have the dealership perform a full fluid replacement for reliability.
