Is a 3-month-old car considered a stock vehicle?
2 Answers
A 3-month-old car is considered a stock vehicle. The so-called "stock vehicle" generally refers to a car that has been manufactured and left the factory for more than 3 months but still hasn't been sold. Since the automobile manufacturing industry places great emphasis on timeliness, under normal circumstances, the process from manufacturing to selling a new car to the buyer is usually completed within one or two months. It is rare for this process to exceed 3 months or half a year. If dealers can properly handle stock vehicles, such as periodically starting the vehicle, regularly cleaning the stock car, charging the battery at regular intervals, and moving the vehicle frequently, then even vehicles stocked for more than a year can maintain good condition. Such cars can also be considered for purchase. Precautions for purchasing stock vehicles: Check the vehicle's manufacturing nameplate: Before inspecting other areas, first check the manufacturing nameplate of the car (usually located on the inner side of the driver's door or in the engine compartment). Inspect the paint and rubber seals: If the stock vehicle is dirty, you can request the 4S store to clean it before inspection, as small scratches on the body will be more visible after cleaning. Most minor scratches come from abrasions during transportation. Then, inspect the rubber seals on the doors and the rubber strips on the windshield wipers, as rubber is prone to aging. Check the chassis: The inspection of the vehicle's chassis is often overlooked. Bend down to observe whether the shock absorbers have oil leakage, whether the exhaust pipe and muffler have severe rust, and also carefully inspect lower components such as the lower control arms and oil pan for any signs of collision or bottoming out. This is because during the process of dispatching new cars, 4S stores may accidentally damage the vehicle's chassis due to operational issues.
I consider a car that's been sitting for 3 months as inventory stock, because this timeframe is a common demarcation line in the automotive sales industry. Vehicles parked in dealership lots exposed to wind and sun may develop flat spots on tires, experience slow battery discharge, and if stored in humid conditions, components are prone to rust. During conversations with colleagues, I often mention that inventory cars in northern regions over three months old typically require discounted pricing due to significant impacts from rapid temperature fluctuations. When buyers encounter such vehicles, they shouldn't be fooled by sales tactics - carefully check the manufacturing date label, inspect if the engine oil is fresh, negotiate discounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, and insist on a complimentary dealership inspection before taking delivery.
