How to Tell if a Car is a Stock Vehicle When Buying?
2 Answers
Methods to identify a stock vehicle when purchasing a car are: 1. After a new car leaves the factory, various fluids, electronic components, batteries, rubber seals, and tires may deteriorate due to prolonged storage without periodic inspection and maintenance, leading to issues like moisture damage and aging. 2. For stock vehicles stored for too long, without proper warehouse management, the aging of electronic components and rubber products cannot be detected without professional testing equipment. Many overstocked vehicles may experience oil or power shortages. Additional information: 1. The term "stock vehicle" is specific to the automotive sales industry, referring to new cars that have remained unsold for an extended period after leaving the factory. 2. Generally, cars that have been in storage for over three months or six months are considered stock vehicles. For imported cars, due to the time-consuming processes of transportation, customs declaration, and clearance, the threshold is more lenient, typically classifying them as stock vehicles if stored for over six months or a year.
Last time I accompanied a friend to pick up a car, we fell for the trap of a stock vehicle! The most straightforward way is to check the door for the nameplate, look for the manufacturing date on the B-pillar of the passenger side or inside the engine compartment. If it's over six months, it's considered a stock vehicle, especially for joint-venture cars that take longer to ship. Here's a little trick: pull the door seal to see if it's cracked—long-stocked rubber parts tend to harden. Shine a flashlight on the battery inspection window in the engine bay; green indicates good health. For the tire production date, check the last four digits of the DOT number, e.g., 3223 means the 32nd week of 2023. It's normal if it's within three months earlier than the vehicle's production date. Also, squat down to inspect the brake discs—deep rust pits mean it's been parked outdoors for over half a year!
