How to Determine if a Car is New When Buying?
3 Answers
When buying a car, you can determine if it is new by checking the vehicle identification plate located on the passenger side door or in the engine compartment. Below are specific details about the hazards of stock vehicles: Substandard Engine Oil: The lubricants and engine oil inside the vehicle may oxidize or absorb moisture, preventing the car from operating at optimal performance. Substandard engine oil can even damage the engine. Component Deformation: If a vehicle has been parked for an extended period, the relative movement directions of its mechanical components become consistent. Over time, this can lead to deformation or misalignment, making the vehicle dangerous to drive. Component Aging: If the vehicle has been stored outdoors, its rubber components may age or deform, potentially causing issues such as cracked windshield wipers, leaking seals, and reduced sound insulation. Battery Drain: The car battery relies on the engine running to recharge itself. If a stock vehicle has not been started for a long time, the battery may remain in a depleted state, significantly shortening its lifespan.
When buying a new car, the biggest fear is ending up with a showroom or test drive vehicle. Here are a few simple and practical ways to check. First, look at the tires—new car tire hairs should be neat and intact with almost no signs of wear. Next, inspect the engine bay; excessive dust or oil stains are red flags. Don’t rush to remove the seat plastic covers or protective films—if these factory protections are still in place, it’s a good sign. Also, pay attention to the production date labels on the windows; if they differ significantly from the car’s manufacturing date, there might be an issue. Lastly, double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to ensure it matches the contract documents. It’s advisable to bring a knowledgeable friend when picking up the car for a thorough inspection—it’ll give you more peace of mind.
Actually, identifying a brand-new car isn't that complicated. I usually follow a three-step method. First, open the door and smell the interior – a genuine new car has a distinct blend of plastic and leather odors, while used cars often retain traces of perfume or cigarette smoke. Second, inspect the interior details; frequently touched components like the steering wheel and gear shift shouldn't show signs of polish or scratches. Third, check the odometer – although it can be reset, a new car's mileage typically falls within 50 kilometers. Additionally, remember to examine the rubber mats around the pedals; they should show absolutely no wear marks in pristine condition. Finally, I recommend choosing a well-lit location for thorough inspection and avoiding car viewings at night or during rainy weather.
