How Many Months Count as Inventory Vehicles?
2 Answers
How many months count as inventory vehicles depends on the vehicle's origin. For domestic brand vehicles, they are considered inventory vehicles after six months from production; for imported brand vehicles, the threshold is 12 months; for joint-venture brand vehicles produced domestically, the timeframe is the same as domestic brands, meaning they become inventory vehicles after six months. Inventory vehicles remain stationary for extended periods, leading to aging of components such as tires and rubber seals. Tires may also lose their roundness due to prolonged fixed contact with the ground. The battery discharges when not in use, resulting in power depletion over time. In inventory vehicles, various oils and lubricants settle at the bottom due to gravity, leaving engine components inadequately protected.
How many months count as inventory cars? This is a question frequently asked in our dealer circles, and in fact, the standard isn't set in stone. Generally speaking, if a new car sits in our parking lot for over three months to half a year after leaving the factory, we consider it an inventory car. It really depends on the brand and regional differences—for example, popular models might become inventory in three to four months, while less popular ones could pile up in just two months. I've handled quite a few cases where, once a car sits too long in inventory, it requires special maintenance: tires need to be rotated regularly to avoid deformation, batteries must be charged frequently to prevent complete failure, and engine oil might need replacing. Buyers should always check the production date label before signing a contract. If it's over three months old, you can try negotiating a good discount, but be cautious of potential hidden issues—don't lose big just to save a little. Managing inventory properly is part of our daily work to ensure cars are sold fresh.
