How Many Days Does a New Car Need to Be Considered as Stock Inventory?
4 Answers
There is no absolute standard, but the general industry practice is that domestically produced self-owned brand and joint-venture new cars can be considered as stock inventory if they remain unsold for over three months or half a year after leaving the factory. For imported cars, due to the considerable time spent on transportation, customs clearance, and entry procedures, the threshold is more lenient, typically extending to over half a year or a year. Below are relevant details: 1. Disadvantages of Stock Inventory Cars: Most stock inventory cars are parked in open-air parking lots, exposed to sun and rain without basic maintenance, leading to potential moisture damage and aging of various fluids, electronic components, batteries, rubber seals, and tires. 2. Considerations When Purchasing a Stock Inventory Car: (1) Inventory Duration: The production date of the vehicle can usually be found on the car's nameplate located on the side of the co-driver seat or in the engine compartment. The time elapsed since the production date indicates the inventory duration. (2) Assess the vehicle's condition based on the inventory duration. If components like wipers, engine belts, and tires show no significant signs of aging, it suggests the storage environment was not too harsh. (3) If the stock inventory car appears dirty, it should be thoroughly cleaned before carefully inspecting the paint surface for scratches or dents. (4) If all these aspects check out, it indicates the stock inventory car has received some maintenance and is largely similar to a new car. Finally, a test drive is recommended to confirm the vehicle's condition.
Generally speaking, a new car sitting in the dealership for too long is considered inventory stock. Personally, I'd be cautious if it's been over 180 days (around half a year), as many dealers categorize them this way. Why? Components like batteries and tires can degrade from prolonged inactivity, and engine oil may settle, affecting vehicle performance. When purchasing, remember to check the production date on the door or engine compartment label. If the tag shows it's been sitting for several months, confirm the car's condition with the salesperson and consider negotiating the price to avoid potential issues after driving it home. Just like we prefer fresh smartphones, cars are similar – prolonged storage not only reduces performance but may also raise safety concerns.
I did some research before buying a car. There's no fixed standard for inventory cars, but a friend told me to be cautious if it exceeds 120 days (4 months). Manufacturers recommend selling new cars as soon as possible to avoid dust accumulation, but dealerships delay when they have excess stock. As a beginner, I worry about potential issues after purchase, so I always check the manufacturing date. If it's too old, the lubrication system may dry out, and brake pads could rust. It's best to listen for unusual sounds and smell for odors during the test drive. There's more room for negotiation, but don't ignore hidden risks just to save money. Safety comes first—imagine a breakdown on the highway would be disastrous.
From a parent's perspective, a car that has been sitting in a warehouse for more than 150 days (5 months) is considered a stock car. When children are in the back seat, safety is the top priority. Over time, rubber hoses deteriorate, fluids degrade, and driving becomes less reliable. Every time I inspect a car, I make it a habit to check the manufacturing date on the nameplate—anything too old is an immediate pass. Before purchasing, check the battery charge and test the air conditioning. If the salesperson mentions the car has been stored for several months, ask for maintenance records to ensure it wasn't left unattended. Prevention is far better than repairs—family cars are not something to take lightly.
