Is a 4-5 Month Old Car Considered a Stock Vehicle?

[SanGia]

A car that has been in the factory for 4 to 5 months is considered a stock vehicle. There are no national regulations defining the number of months for a stock car, but generally, cars that have been in the factory for more than three months are referred to as stock vehicles. As a commodity, cars are bulky, expensive, and incur high storage costs, while also tying up a significant amount of a dealer's capital. Therefore, dealers generally do not allow vehicles to remain in stock for long periods. Due to the automotive industry's emphasis on timeliness, under normal circumstances, new cars can be completed from manufacturing to sale to buyers within one or two months. Hence, cars that have been in the factory for 1-2 months are not considered stock vehicles. For imported cars, due to factors such as transportation cycles, if they are six months or more from the production date, they can also be considered stock vehicles. For stock vehicles that have been sitting idle for months or even a year, most are stored in open-air parking lots, exposed to sun and rain without basic maintenance. As a result, various components such as engine oil, electronic parts, batteries, rubber seals, and tires are prone to aging due to moisture. New cars that have been in stock for less than a year can still be purchased, but it is advisable to request the 4S store to replace the original engine oil and check the production date of the tires. New tires older than two years face the risk of rubber aging, so it is also recommended to ask the 4S store to replace them. Quick methods to identify a stock vehicle are as follows: Check the production nameplate: Typically, there is a vehicle nameplate on the right side (passenger side) of the car, below the B-pillar, which displays the vehicle's production date, engine parameters, and other information. This can be directly viewed. Check the glass: The car glass will have the production date marked on it. The numbers indicate the year, and the black dots represent the month. If the dots are in front, subtract the number of dots from 7; if they are at the back, subtract from 13. The result gives the month. Check the tires: This may not always be 100% accurate in determining if a car is a stock vehicle, but the production date of the tires can provide a rough estimate of the manufacturing time. The four-digit code indicates the week (first two digits) and the year (last two digits).

[JuliannaAnn]

As an ordinary car owner who likes to ponder car prices, I think a car that has been sitting for 4-5 months can indeed be considered a stock vehicle. If a dealer keeps a new car for that long, it means it wasn't sold quickly, possibly due to the season or the model's unpopularity. Prolonged storage can lead to minor issues like a weak battery or hardened tire rubber, making the driving experience less smooth. However, stock vehicles usually come with discounts, saving you a few thousand yuan, which is perfect for bargain hunters like me. Before purchasing, always take a test drive, check for scratches or rust on the paint, and review maintenance records to ensure the car hasn't been stored in harsh conditions for too long. In summary, a stock vehicle is a double-edged sword: it saves money but comes with slightly higher risks, so the key is to make a wise decision and avoid impulsive purchases.

[VonTanner]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I know that keeping a car in inventory for 4-5 months is completely within the normal range. This duration isn't too long, but if the car has been sitting untouched at the dealership, some dust might accumulate in the fuel lines and air conditioning system, and the battery could lose charge. Fortunately, dealerships perform regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and checking the battery. Personally, I don't see this as a major issue. The key is to personally test the engine and brakes when purchasing to ensure everything is responsive. Another advantage of inventory cars is that they're more affordable, making them suitable for those on a tight budget. In short, don't just focus on the storage time; what matters is the actual condition of the car itself. Don't be fooled by superficial discounts.

[DelBrantley]

From a daily driving perspective, a car that has been sitting for 4-5 months can be considered a stock vehicle. Prolonged storage may cause tire deformation and engine oil degradation, so it's best to have a professional inspection. Purchasing stock vehicles comes with discounts and relatively low risks, but special attention should be paid to paint condition and battery status.