How to Identify If a New Car Is Actually a Stock Vehicle
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Here are methods to determine if a new car is not a stock vehicle: 1. Check the manufacturing date of the car by looking at the nameplate near the car door, which indicates the production time. Generally, a new car should have been manufactured within the last three months. If the production date is older, it is likely a stock vehicle. 2. Examine the "time symbols" on the car windows—small dot markings in the corners of the glass. These markings represent the manufacturing date of the glass. Check if the dates on both sides match; if not, it indicates that one piece has been replaced. 3. Inspect the wear level of the tires. New tires have a layer of "tire hairs" when first manufactured, which wear off after a few hundred kilometers. When picking up a new car, carefully check if the tire hairs on all four tires are still present. 4. Look at the wear on the foot pedals. Check for mud stains or wear marks in the gaps of the pedals, as well as excessive wear on the floor mats beneath the pedals. If present, it suggests the car has been driven extensively. 5. Check the dust level on various components in the engine compartment. A brand-new car should be dust-free and have a shiny appearance. A car with high mileage will likely have dust accumulation in the engine bay. The color of the engine oil can also be an indicator of a high-mileage vehicle. 6. Inspect the inside of the exhaust pipe. Use your finger to feel for black soot deposits. If present, it indicates the car has been driven extensively. A clean interior suggests low mileage.
When buying a car, I want to avoid inventory cars because vehicles parked for too long may have issues. Last time I purchased a car, I checked the production date sticker, usually located on the driver's door frame or B-pillar—if it's over three months old, it's considered inventory. I also looked for small cracks or flat spots on the tire sidewalls, signs of prolonged stationary storage. Brake disc rust is normal, but severe rust could indicate long-term disuse. Excessive dust buildup in the engine bay, slight indentations on seats, or a faded new-car plastic smell all suggest extended storage. I asked the salesperson about the manufacturing month—if they were evasive, I became cautious. Finally, I brought a car-savvy friend for a test drive to check if the engine ran smoothly, avoiding older models that might lead to maintenance hassles.
