How to Identify a Stock Car for a New Vehicle?
2 Answers
Stock cars refer to vehicles that remain unsold for more than three months after being manufactured and leaving the factory. Due to the emphasis on timeliness in the automotive manufacturing industry, under normal circumstances, new cars can be completed from manufacturing to sale to buyers within one or two months. Cars that exceed three months or longer are generally considered stock cars. The specific description is as follows: Stock cars parked in one place for several months or even a year can be affected in terms of the battery, various fluids, rubber components, paint surface, and related drainage holes. If dealers can treat stock cars correctly, such as periodically starting the vehicle, regularly cleaning the stock car, charging the battery periodically, and moving the vehicle frequently, even cars stocked for more than a year can maintain good condition.
Last time I helped a friend choose a car, I specifically researched the issue of stock vehicles. The key is to check the vehicle details. Open the engine compartment to find the vehicle nameplate, which clearly indicates the production date. If it's over six months old, it's basically considered a stock vehicle. The tire production date also holds secrets—look for the four-digit DOT code on the side, such as '2323,' which means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2023. Check the brake discs for obvious rust; vehicles parked for long periods will have thick rust layers on the brake discs. Also, observe the wiper blades and window seals—rubber exposed to wind and sun will turn white and harden. The condition of the engine oil can also reveal the truth: new oil is a clear amber color, while oil in stock vehicles tends to turn black. Finally, crouch down to inspect the exhaust pipe on the chassis—vehicles parked for long periods will have severe rust on the inner walls of the exhaust pipe. Remember to ask the dealership to replace all fluids and, ideally, the rubber components as well for peace of mind.
