Is a 2020 Model Year Car Purchased in 2021 Considered a Stock Vehicle?
3 Answers
Generally, it refers to vehicles that have been in storage for over 12 months since their manufacturing date, while those exceeding 2 years are classified as severely stocked vehicles. Below are relevant details: 1. Long-term parking is most damaging to cars: Months or even years of storage can lead to battery discharge, aging of various fluids, and deformation of components like tires due to prolonged fixed contact with the ground. This applies to vehicles stored indoors; in reality, most are kept outdoors. Sun exposure accelerates the deterioration of paint and rubber seals, rain may cause moisture damage to electronic components, dust can clog cooling systems and drainage holes, and high-density storage may even result in body scratches. 2. Nameplate: The manufacturing year and month are usually marked on the nameplate in the engine compartment, indicating the actual storage duration of the vehicle.
I've been following the car market closely. Buying a 2020 model in 2021 could indeed mean it's a stock car, as stock cars typically refer to vehicles unsold for over 6 months after production. If the 2020 model was manufactured in early 2020 or earlier, it might have been sitting for nearly a year by the time you purchase it in 2021. The advantage of stock cars is that they often come with discounts, as dealers want to clear inventory, making it easier for you to negotiate a good price. The downside is that wear-and-tear parts like the battery or tires may have aged, affecting acceleration or braking. I once saw a friend's stock car with slightly stiff brake pads, which were later replaced. My advice is to check the manufacturing date on the door label and conduct a thorough inspection, such as checking if the engine oil viscosity is normal.
I bought a 2020 model car last year and took delivery at the end of 2021. At that time, I was also worried whether it would be considered an overstock car, which generally refers to vehicles with a production date exceeding 6 months. The advantage is that you can negotiate a significant discount, potentially saving ten to twenty thousand yuan; however, the downside is that prolonged storage may lead to minor issues, such as wiring problems in the lights or dust accumulation in the engine, increasing future maintenance costs. When purchasing the car, I specifically requested to review the maintenance records and checked the mileage and exterior details. Daily driving has been fine, except for slight tire hardening, but replacing them would solve the issue. Overall, it was a good deal, but you need to be cautious about dealers concealing the actual condition of the car.
