How to Distinguish Whether a Car is a Stock Vehicle When Buying?
3 Answers
When buying a car, you can distinguish whether it is a new car or a stock vehicle by checking the production date of the car. Below are the relevant methods to differentiate between a new car and a stock vehicle: 1. Methods to check the production date: (1) Check the vehicle's nameplate: Every car has its own "ID card," which is the so-called vehicle nameplate. The nameplate contains a lot of information, including the engine model, engine displacement, and the production date of the car. The nameplate is usually located on one side of the engine, sometimes in a more hidden location. Some nameplates are located on the left side when you open the right door. Additionally, the nameplate of a van is usually on the pillar behind the front passenger seat. (2) Check the front windshield: The corner of the front windshield will have the production date of the glass. Unless the glass has been damaged and replaced, the production date of the glass should not differ significantly from the production date of the entire vehicle. 2. Precautions: A stock vehicle parked in the same place for months or even a year without being driven will inevitably affect its battery, various fluids, rubber components, and more.
When I worked at a car dealership, I often saw customers struggling with the issue of stock vehicles. The simplest method is to check the vehicle's nameplate under the B-pillar on the passenger side—if the production date is more than 6 months old, it's considered a stock vehicle. Then, peel back the tire to check the production cycle number; if the tire date is half a year or more earlier than the vehicle's production date, it means the car has been sitting for a long time. Lift the hood to see if there's white oxidation on the battery terminals—stock vehicles often suffer from battery drain, leading to corrosion. Lift the wiper blades; if the rubber strips are hardened and brittle, it indicates prolonged exposure to wind and sun. Faded plastic parts on the body are also signs of long-term storage. Remember to ask the salesperson to start the engine and listen for the cold-start sound—stock vehicles often have squeaky belts. Checking these details will help you avoid pitfalls.
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I focus on three key areas when inspecting a car for friends. Pull out the dipstick and smell the oil—oxidized oil in stock vehicles often has a sour odor. Check the rubber components of the chassis suspension; if they feel hard and brittle, it indicates loss of elasticity. Listen for dry, grating friction sounds from the steering gear when turning the wheel, common in stock vehicles. Also, be wary of water accumulation or mold spots in the spare tire well. The most accurate method is connecting an OBD scanner to check the vehicle activation time—if the actual activation date is more than half a year earlier than the nameplate date, it's likely a stock car.
