What is considered as inventory car in terms of time?
3 Answers
Inventory cars generally refer to vehicles that remain unsold three months after leaving the factory. Below are two common types of inventory cars: 1. Those stored in the manufacturer's warehouse during the inventory period: Normally, such vehicles are in standard condition because manufacturers have strict regulations for managing inventory cars, ensuring that new cars delivered to users meet quality standards. Buyers can request dealers to provide purchase order documents to verify the purchase date. 2. Those stored in the dealer's warehouse during the inventory period: Buyers should generally be cautious with such vehicles, as unless it's a particularly reputable large dealership, some dealers' inventory management may not meet requirements, potentially leading to issues like lack of oil or battery charge, and there may also be noticeable exterior flaws.
Last time I helped my brother pick up his car, I heard the sales manager mention this. In their industry, it's basically an unwritten rule that any car unsold for over six months is considered inventory. Just like milk in a supermarket has an expiration date, cars can develop problems from sitting idle. Especially those parked outdoors—the paint can fade from sun exposure, and rubber components like tires and seals may harden and crack. Some dealerships even have cars sitting for over a year; with these, you need to be cautious about whether the battery has drained or if the engine oil has emulsified and degraded. If you notice the production date marked in the corner of the windshield is quite old when buying a car, be extra vigilant and ask the dealership to perform a comprehensive inspection first.
I remember during a maintenance visit, the mechanic wiped his hands and chatted with me about this. He said a car is like a person—if it sits idle for too long, it’s more likely to break down. Vehicles that have been off the production line for over six months are basically considered stock cars, especially fluids like engine oil and brake fluid, which start to degrade after half a year. Once, he encountered a stock car with rusted brake discs and flat spots on the tires from prolonged stationary parking. The mechanic also warned that in humid southern regions, cars unsold for three months might already show rust on the chassis. When picking up a car, remember to crouch down and inspect the chassis, and check the inner walls of the exhaust pipe for noticeable rust.
