How to Verify if a Car Purchased from a 4S Store is New?
3 Answers
Check if the accompanying documents are complete and in order. Inspect the manufacturing date on the certificate of conformity and the engine nameplate. A mileage within 50 kilometers is normal, but it's best to choose a car with less than 20 kilometers. If the tread (the part of the tire that contacts the ground) retains a significant amount of tire hair, it indicates minimal driving; if there is some tire hair on the tread but more on the sidewalls, it is still considered a new car.
When I picked up my car at the 4S dealership, I was afraid of getting an inventory car or a test-drive vehicle, so I carefully inspected it several times. First, I checked the exterior by walking around the car to see if there were any scratches or signs of repainting on the paintwork, and whether the gaps were even—minor dents could indicate a display car. Next, I examined the tires: new car tires still have their tread hairs intact, and you can feel the granular texture when touching them. The interior is also important—it should smell like new plastic, and the plastic protective covers on the seats should still be intact. Pay special attention to the odometer: new cars usually have fewer than 50 kilometers on them, and anything over 100 kilometers is suspicious. Open the engine bay to check—there should be minimal dust, and the fluids should be clear and free of impurities. Verify the documents too—the manufacturing date on the vehicle certificate should match the date on the purchase invoice to ensure it’s fresh from the factory. Finally, I’d like to remind everyone: don’t rush to sign the paperwork before inspecting the car. Spend an extra half-hour checking the details, or bring a car-savvy friend along for extra peace of mind.
As a frequent visitor to automotive forums, I'll share some technical insights on inspecting a new car. The key points are the VIN code and identification plate locations, typically found under the windshield or on the B-pillar door frame. The manufacturing date should be within recent months - if it exceeds six months, it might be inventory stock. The odometer reading is crucial; a new car should have less than 20km - significantly higher readings may indicate a demo vehicle. Connect a diagnostic tool to the OBD port to check for historical trouble codes or signs of data tampering. Don't overlook tire and wheel details: new tires should have blue-green protective hairs or films, and wheel bolts should show no signs of rust from tightening. For the interior, ensure the protective films on the dashboard and center console are intact and untorn. Test all buttons and lighting functions to confirm everything is in factory-new condition. If any issues are found, request an immediate vehicle replacement or an inspection report.
