How to Check if a Car is New?

[TimothyLynn]

Here are the methods to check if a car is new: 1. Check the odometer: When taking delivery of the car, it's normal for the odometer reading of a new car not to be zero. This is because new cars usually undergo testing after production and need to be moved during transportation. If the odometer shows a higher number, there are two possibilities: either the car was driven directly from another location, or it might be a test-drive vehicle. In any case, if the odometer reading is unusually high, you can refuse to take delivery unless the dealership offers a replacement. 2. Inspect the exterior: Examine the entire body for any signs of repainting. Repainted areas will differ from the original paint, and careful observation from different angles can reveal these differences. Additionally, check for fingernail scratches under the four door handles. Test-drive and display cars often have such marks, and even if the dealership attempts to conceal them, they can usually be detected. 3. Check the manufacturing date: The production date is typically indicated on the door plate. Buyers should carefully check for any signs of tampering on the door plate. Besides this location, relevant information can also be found in the engine compartment and on the frame, which should be cross-checked for consistency. Generally, a manufacturing date within three months is considered normal, while anything beyond that may indicate the car is from stock.

[StVivienne]

When helping a friend buy a car, I paid special attention to the new vehicle inspection. The key was checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – there’s a small label in the lower left corner of the windshield. Scanning it with a mobile app or checking online reveals the manufacturing date and registration history, verifying if it’s freshly produced. The odometer is also crucial; new cars typically have under 100 km—anything beyond might indicate a test-drive vehicle or a disguised new car. Exterior checks matter too: clear tire treads, intact seat plastic wraps, and no scratches reveal usage traces. Documentation is essential—ask for the purchase invoice, factory certificate, and registration card, with originals showing a recent first-sale date. Buying directly from an authorized 4S dealership is safest, as their inventory system tracks each car’s status. These steps take just 30 minutes but prevent buying a refurbished car and ensure warranty rights remain intact.

[AlessandraRose]

When buying a car, we often worry about whether the new car is truly new. I recommend first checking the vehicle production date label, usually found on a small plate near the door or inside the engine hood, marked with the year and month. If it’s more than six months compared to the current date, it’s no longer considered a fresh new car. Next, inspect the interior environment: the plastic covers on the seats should still be intact, the carpets should show no footprints, and the infotainment screen should be free of fingerprints—these small details reveal the true condition. Don’t forget to check the vehicle history report; I’ve used some free apps where you can enter the license plate or VIN number to see if there are any accident records or resale history. During the test drive, pay attention to engine noise and steering responsiveness—the smoothness of a new car is noticeably different. Finally, discuss the inventory duration with the salesperson and request written proof of the car’s new condition to ensure peace of mind and avoid future disputes.

[DiDakota]

Simple Steps to Verify a New Car's Authenticity: Check the mileage is below 100 km - be cautious if it's too high; Feel the interior - the plastic protective film should be intact without wear; Check the VIN online history for no records; Verify the original invoice date is recent. These quick methods save you money and hassle.