How Many Months Does a Car Need to Sit Before It's Considered a Stock Vehicle?
3 Answers
There is no clear definition for a stock vehicle, nor are there any national regulations specifying what constitutes one. However, within the automotive sales industry, the term "stock vehicle" is commonly used to refer to cars that have been in inventory for over three months to half a year or more. For imported vehicles, due to factors like transportation cycles, those manufactured six months to a year or more ago are also considered stock vehicles. Stock vehicles can be categorized into two scenarios, as follows: 1. Vehicles left idle for extended periods may experience aging of tires, rubber seals, etc. Tires, in particular, can become out-of-round due to prolonged contact with the ground in a fixed position. The battery may also discharge over time without being started, leading to power loss. Various oils and lubricants can settle at the bottom due to gravity, preventing effective protection of engine components. 2. Dealers who store vehicles indoors, periodically start the engine to circulate fluids, charge the battery, and move the car to prevent tire aging. In this case, the vehicle's condition remains relatively good without significant aging.
I've been working in the used car industry for almost ten years, and the issue of inventory cars is actually quite complex. Strictly speaking, there is no legal standard within the industry, but based on experience, cars that have been in stock for more than three months are considered inventory cars, especially those parked outdoors. Last time, a customer picked up a car that had been in the factory for six months, and upon returning, they found the brake pads rusted and the power steering fluid deteriorated. In humid areas, plastic parts can age and crack in just three months, while in drier northern regions, it can be extended to six months. However, for cars with rare colors or configurations, it's common for them to be in stock for a year, so it's essential to bring along an experienced mechanic for inspection when purchasing.
I remember helping my cousin look at cars last year, and the 4S store salesperson insisted that a car that had just arrived half a year ago didn't count as inventory. After checking some information, I found that the most damage from long-term parking happens to the tires, which are prone to developing flat spots, causing a rattling noise when driving. Rubber components start to naturally deteriorate after just three months, especially for cars parked in open lots in the south, exposed to daily sun and rain. My advice is to check the manufacturing date on the nameplate. If it's over three months, directly ask for an oil and filter change. If it's over six months, the tires and battery need thorough inspection. Once, when inspecting a car, I found that the wiper blades had hardened and cracked after ten months in storage.
