How many months is a car considered as inventory?
2 Answers
An inventory car is typically considered to be one that has been in stock for 6 months. There are no national regulations specifying how many months a car must be in stock to be considered an inventory vehicle, but the industry generally regards cars that have been in stock for more than 3 months or over half a year as inventory cars. Things to consider when buying a car: 1. Choose the brand and model; 2. Select the price range; 3. Communicate rationally with the salesperson; 4. Choose the configuration; 5. Pay attention to the contract; 6. Check if the car's relevant documents are complete; 7. Inspect the car's exterior paint and interior for any damage; 8. Verify that the production date on the vehicle's nameplate matches the relevant documents; 9. Check if the engine is working properly and if the basic functions of the car are normal.
When I bought an inventory car, I found that it's usually been sitting for 3 to 6 months, which is considered a normal inventory cycle. For popular brands, even 1-2 months might count as inventory, while less popular or luxury brands may stay longer, such as over half a year. The storage time is greatly affected by seasons; sales are slower in winter, so inventory can easily drag on for six months, while it's shorter in summer. The advantage is the big discount, often saving thousands of dollars. I successfully bargained for a 15% off that time. But don’t just focus on the price—check key points: the production date label on the door pillar or in the engine bay to confirm it hasn’t exceeded 6 months; the battery is prone to depletion, so have the voltage tested before taking delivery; tires may deform from prolonged parking, so adjust the pressure. It’s best to ask the dealer to change the oil for free and perform a full inspection to ensure a safe drive home. As long as it’s well-maintained, an inventory car has no major issues and offers high value for money, making it suitable for budget-conscious buyers.
