A brand new car should typically have fewer than 100 miles on the odometer, with most having between 10 and 30 miles. This mileage is accumulated during standard factory testing, transportation from the plant to the dealership, and minor local moves on the lot. Anything significantly higher warrants a clear explanation from the dealer.
The mileage on a new car comes from a few standard, acceptable sources. First, all vehicles undergo a short Quality Control (QC) drive at the factory to ensure there are no major issues. Second, the car is driven on and off transport trucks and ships. Finally, it may be used for short test drives by dealership staff or moved around the dealership lot. This process usually results in a low, double-digit reading.
However, a car with over 100-200 miles could be considered a "demo" unit or a loaner vehicle, which has been used more extensively. While these cars are still sold as new, they should be priced accordingly. It's crucial to ask the dealer for the vehicle's history. A car with several hundred miles might have been used for longer test drives or transferred from another dealership far away.
| Mileage Range | Typical Explanation | Buyer Consideration |
|---|
| 0-10 miles | Ideal; minimal transport and handling. | Excellent; standard for a new car. |
| 10-30 miles | Very common; includes factory testing and local transport. | Normal; no cause for concern. |
| 30-100 miles | Common; may include a dealer trade from a nearby location. | Acceptable; confirm it was a dealer trade. |
| 100-200 miles | Higher; could be a demo car or a longer-distance transfer. | Negotiate a lower price; verify its history. |
| 200+ miles | Unusually high; likely a demonstrator or manager's loaner. | Proceed with caution; expect a significant discount. |
Always inspect the vehicle's interior and exterior for any signs of wear that don't match the mileage. If the explanation for higher mileage doesn't satisfy you, or if you sense hesitation from the salesperson, consider requesting a different vehicle from inventory. The key is transparency from the dealership.
