What is an inventory car? How many months does an inventory car typically refer to?
2 Answers
An inventory car is simply a term used in the automotive sales industry, referring to new vehicles that have remained unsold for an extended period after leaving the factory, resulting in prolonged storage time. There are no official regulations specifying how many months qualify a car as an inventory vehicle, but the industry generally considers cars unsold for over three months or more than six months after production as inventory cars. When purchasing an inventory car, the following conditions should be met: 1. First, the discount should be substantial enough; 2. Second, the condition of the inventory car must be good. Although manufacturers do not neglect inventory cars and usually perform some level of maintenance, it's still hard to guarantee that plastic components inside the vehicle won't age. Additionally, you can request the 4S store to change the engine oil and oil filter for the inventory car. If the storage period is even longer, you may also ask for a battery replacement.
I remember when I was planning to change my car last year, I specifically researched about stock cars. Simply put, these are new cars that have been sitting unsold at 4S stores or warehouses for too long, generally considered as stock cars if they've been there for more than six months. Why? Because prolonged storage can lead to battery drain, tire deformation, and engine oil deterioration that corrodes internal engine parts. I've personally seen cars stored for eight months starting up sluggishly, with sales directly offering a 20% discount plus free maintenance, but a thorough check of tire pressure and electrical circuits is a must. Buying such cars can save money, but you must check the production date sticker, inquire about the maintenance records, and preferably request a comprehensive inspection if it's been over six months. Overall, stock cars can be a bargain, but I suggest not overlooking potential issues just for the sake of a good deal—comparing offers from several stores is more reliable.
