How to Identify a Stock Car When Buying a Vehicle?

[DiMariana]

Here are the methods to identify a stock car: 1. When picking up the car, the most convenient way to identify a stock car is to check the vehicle's manufacturing nameplate. Generally, this nameplate is located in two places: one in the engine compartment and the other on the side of the driver's door. The nameplate clearly indicates the 'manufacturing date' of the vehicle. 2. The production date of the glass is marked on the car windows. The number represents the year, and the black dots represent the month. If the dots are in front, subtract the number of dots from 7; if the dots are at the back, subtract the number of dots from 13. The result is the month. Subtract the manufacturing date on the nameplate from the current month when buying the car to see if it exceeds 3 months, thereby determining if it's a stock car. Stock car: As the name suggests, a stock car is a vehicle that has been in the market for a long time but hasn't been sold. There is an industry-recognized standard for stock cars: a limit of six months, meaning that from the date of manufacture to the time of pickup, if it does not exceed six months, it is not considered a stock car. Some consumers have overly high standards and refuse cars that have been in stock for more than 3 months, which is a misconception. This is because cars go through processes like parking, transportation, and allocation after leaving the factory, and 6 months is not considered a long time.

[DiVanessa]

When buying a car, I pay special attention to the manufacturing date on the vehicle's nameplate, usually found on the inner side of the driver's door or in the engine compartment. If the date is over six months old, it might be a stock car, and signs like tire wear and dust on the body will be more noticeable. I always crouch down to check the four-digit number on the tire sidewall—the first two digits represent the week, and the last two the year. If there's a significant gap between the tire date and the manufacturing date, it indicates prolonged storage. Additionally, lifting the hood to inspect the engine oil color helps—new oil should be clear and transparent, while dark or blackened oil suggests long storage. Starting the engine to listen for unusual noises is also useful for assessment. I also recommend inspecting the car's paint under good sunlight for fine scratches or fading spots, as these details are often overlooked in stock cars. These checks can save you from future maintenance hassles.