How to Determine if the Car You Bought is New

[VonEmma]

Here are the methods to determine if a car is new: 1. Check the nameplate on the passenger side, which shows the production date. For domestic cars, it should not exceed 3 months, and for imported cars, it should not exceed six months; otherwise, it's a stock car. 2. Look at the odometer; it should not exceed 50 kilometers. If you suspect the dealership has tampered with the odometer, feel the exhaust pipe for black residue, which indicates the car has been driven more than 50 kilometers. You can also pull out the oil dipstick to check if the oil is murky. 3. Inspect the production date of the tires. There are four consecutive numbers on the tire: the first two digits represent the week of production (i.e., the week of the year), and the last two digits represent the year, e.g., 18 for 2018. For example, 2518 means the tire was produced in the 25th week of 2018. After determining the tire's production date, check if it matches the production date on the passenger side nameplate. 4. Examine the production date of the glass. It should not be later than the car's overall production date. At the lower corner of the car glass, there are many English letters, and at the very bottom, there are small dots and numbers. The dots represent the month, and the numbers represent the year. If the dots are before the number, it indicates production in the first half of the year; subtract the number of dots from 7 to get the production month. If the dots are after the number, it indicates production in the second half of the year; subtract the number of dots from 13 to get the month.

[VonKinsley]

Every time I help a friend inspect a car, I carefully check these areas. First, the details of the body: the paint on a new car should be smooth and uniform without color differences. You can check for tiny scratches or uneven gloss by looking at it under light. Then, open the door to see if there is any dust in the door gaps and whether the paint marks on the frame screws show signs of being tampered with. The most crucial part is checking the tires: new car tires have deep tread patterns and still have the tire hairs. If the car has been driven for hundreds of kilometers, the tire hairs will be worn off. Finally, sit inside and start the car. The brake pads on a new car should have no grooves, and the total mileage on the dashboard should be within 50 kilometers to be considered normal. Using these methods together can help avoid the pitfalls of stock cars and display models.

[Kirk]

As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe checking documents and materials is the most reliable method. Open the hood to find the manufacturing date on the nameplate and see if it's within the last three months. Then verify that the invoice, certificate of conformity, and vehicle identification number (VIN) match. Check the validity period of the warranty certificate. Lift the chassis to inspect the inner walls of the exhaust pipe and suspension components for dirt or rust spots. New cars usually have the plastic film on the interior still intact, and the seat stitching should show no signs of wear. Finally, don't rush to sign; ask the dealership to immediately read the OBD fault codes with a computer. If there are historical fault records, there's definitely an issue. For extra security, take a photo of the VIN as evidence.

[DeEliana]

From a car sales perspective, the most straightforward method is to check the configuration and production date. First, have the salesperson open the configuration sheet to verify if the body color and optional accessories match the official specifications, as demo cars often have extra features. Then, check the production batch code in the vehicle's infotainment system, which usually indicates the exact assembly date. New car engine oil should be clear and transparent; if the dipstick shows dark-colored oil, it indicates prior operation. For the interior, pay special attention to wear on steering wheel buttons and the gearshift lever, as these high-frequency contact areas most easily reveal signs of use. Finally, inspect the brake discs for circular marks—a brand-new car should only have uniform anti-rust coating.

[IvanLynn]

New car owners should pay special attention to these details: Check if the wiring harness in the engine bay is neatly bundled and if the screw markings indicate factory condition; inspect the inner side of the front wheel mudguards for signs of sand or gravel; lift the floor mats to see if there's any wear on the metal pedals. Fully extend all seat belts to check for stains or creases, and remove the cabin air filter to ensure it's clean. The most commonly overlooked item is the vehicle tool kit—new car jacks and wrenches should still be wrapped in plastic film. If the dealership hesitates to allow an undercarriage inspection, the car likely has issues, as the protective panels under a new car should be spotless.