Is 4 kilometers on a new car normal?

[GemmaLee]

It is normal for a new car to have a mileage within 30 kilometers. When a car rolls off the production line, the manufacturer equips it with an odometer, which accurately records the kilometers driven once the vehicle moves. It is difficult for anyone to alter this reading. Mileage of a new car: Generally, when a new car arrives at a 4S dealership, the displayed mileage is not zero. This is because manufacturers have professional test drivers who evaluate new cars to promptly identify any issues or faults. During transportation, the new car may also move slightly, but this distance is usually not significant. Normally, the mileage does not exceed 30 kilometers, with most new cars showing around 10 kilometers. Methods to check the mileage of a car: Check the manufacturing date. If you encounter a car with a long usage period but an unusually low mileage, there might be an issue with the vehicle; examine the wear on the tires. New tires have computer lines on the tread that resemble paint and also have tread hairs on the sides; inspect the wear on the brake pads. Generally, new cars or those driven very short distances show minimal wear. Heavy wear indicates more driving, even if the odometer shows a low number.

[JasperLynn]

A few days ago, I went to pick up my new car and was surprised to see the odometer showing 3 kilometers. However, the dealer explained that this was due to testing during the production process. After the car rolls off the assembly line, workers drive it to check the brakes, steering, and electronic systems, which typically adds 2 to 5 kilometers. Additionally, short-distance movement is required when transporting the car from the factory to the showroom. Four kilometers is completely normal and proves the vehicle hasn't been driven excessively. I recommend not just focusing on the mileage when picking up the car but also conducting a thorough inspection of the paintwork, interior wear, and whether the engine starts smoothly. New cars undergo strict quality checks before leaving the factory, and a small amount of mileage is actually a sign of safety assurance. For new cars on the market today, anything under 10 kilometers is considered ideal.

[Adalynn]

Having worked in the automotive industry for several years, it's quite common to see new cars with 4 kilometers on the odometer. Pre-delivery testing is a mandatory step, including dynamic road tests to check the suspension and transmission, which inevitably adds some mileage. Transportation also involves loading and unloading, from the dock to the dealer's warehouse. 4 kilometers indicates normal procedures without excessive use. An old colleague of mine in quality control mentioned that new car mileage should be within 10 kilometers as a standard. Consumers should focus more on the vehicle's manufacturing date and whether the maintenance records are blank. A normal new car shouldn't have abnormal dust accumulation or oil stains. Don't stress over this when purchasing; pay more attention to the contract details.

[Dora]

I was also worried when I saw the odometer reading 4 km on my first new car purchase. But an experienced friend explained that new cars undergo factory testing where they are driven a few times - for things like testing brake lights and air conditioning, which accumulates minimal mileage. 4 km is actually on the lower side of normal. Some movement in the showroom could account for part of it too. The key things to check are whether the engine starts smoothly and if the interior looks brand new. Signs that a new car hasn't been abused include below-average mileage and complete documentation. Don't panic when taking delivery - just ask the salesperson about the process. Usually there's nothing to worry about.