How Many Months Count as Inventory Cars?
3 Answers
Inventory cars do not have a clear legal definition; it is merely a term used by car salespeople to indicate that the vehicle has been in stock for a relatively long time. For domestically produced vehicles, those that have been in stock for more than six months after leaving the factory are considered inventory cars. For imported vehicles, the threshold is 12 months. For joint-venture brand vehicles produced domestically, the timeframe aligns with that of domestically produced vehicles, meaning they are considered inventory cars after six months. Below are methods to identify inventory cars: 1. Check the vehicle production plate: Every vehicle is affixed with a production plate before leaving the factory. This plate contains information such as the vehicle model and, most importantly, the manufacturing date. Checking this plate provides a clear and straightforward way to determine the vehicle's production time. 2. Examine the window production date: The production date of the glass is usually marked on the windshield. This date can help estimate when the glass was produced and whether it has been replaced. 3. Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The VIN is a unique code that can be used to determine the vehicle's production time. 4. Inspect the car's chassis: Often, improper handling during loading and unloading can result in scratches on the chassis.
I work in auto repair and have encountered many stock vehicles. Generally speaking, stock vehicles refer to new cars that haven't been sold for over 6 months after production, mainly due to inventory backlog at automakers or dealerships. Prolonged storage can cause tires to dry and crack, batteries to fail and lose power, and engine oil to degrade, affecting lubrication. During inspections, I teach people to check the production date label on the door edge or hood, and it's best to choose a vehicle with less than 3 months in stock. Storage conditions are crucial—if kept in a damp garage, the car is prone to rust and mold, while prolonged sun exposure can cause paint to fade quickly. For handling stock vehicles, I recommend dealers periodically start the engine and drive a few laps to ensure fluid circulation. Buyers can negotiate lower prices for stock vehicles but should conduct a thorough inspection of the chassis and internal wiring beforehand to avoid potential issues.
As an ordinary car buyer, I learned my lesson the hard way after purchasing a stock car. Stock cars generally refer to new vehicles that have been unsold for over three months. Prolonged storage can lead to deep cracks in tire treads or batteries that die immediately upon use. When buying a car, I always check the production date on the nameplate, which is usually located near the door frame for easy reading. Don’t just go for the cheap price—cars stocked for over six months, even at a discount, may hide risks like excessive rust on the chassis. I recommend bringing a car-savvy friend to help with ignition and test driving. Lack of maintenance during storage can lead to minor issues, so I prefer cars fresh off the production line within two months—they’re more reliable and save you repair hassles. Always check fluid levels and tire pressure yourself to ensure a safe drive with no hidden problems.
