How to Tell If the Car You Bought Is New
2 Answers
Methods to determine if the car you bought is new: 1. Check the production date on the nameplate located on the co-pilot side. For domestically produced cars, it should not exceed 3 months, and for imported cars, it should not exceed 6 months. Otherwise, it may be a stock car. 2. Check the car's odometer, which should not exceed 50 kilometers. If you suspect the dealership has tampered with the odometer, you can feel the exhaust pipe for black residue, which indicates the car has been driven more than 50 kilometers. 3. Inspect the production date of the tires. There are four consecutive numbers on the tires; the first two digits represent the week of production (the week of the year), and the last two digits represent the year. 4. Open the engine hood and check the screws for any signs of being turned.
Every time I buy a car, I inspect it as carefully as a detective. First, check the odometer: new cars usually have less than 100 kilometers; anything beyond that might indicate misuse. Check the manufacturing date: open the door to look at the nameplate—the date should be recent, within a few months is normal. Exterior inspection is key: walk around the car and examine the paint under sunlight for uniformity, no scratches, consistent panel gaps, new tires with tread hairs still intact, and no signs of wear. The interior must be brand new: plastic film unpeeled, steering wheel free of grease stains, seats clean without indentations. Document verification is equally important: ensure the invoice, certificate of conformity, and keys are all freshly provided, the VIN matches, and check online records to confirm no accident or repair history. Finally, take a test drive: the engine should start quietly with no strange noises, and acceleration should be smooth. Don’t let the seller rush you—taking your time to inspect can save major headaches. A new car should be as flawless as it was when it left the factory.
