How Many Months Does a Car Need to Sit Before It's Considered a Stock Vehicle?

[MacJason]

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.