Is It Normal for a New Car to Have Maintenance Records?
2 Answers
It is abnormal for a new car to have repair records, as there is a serious information asymmetry between dealers and consumers. Consumers have the right to protect their rights. Here are methods to identify whether a car is genuinely new: 1. Check the manufacturing date: The vehicle's manufacturing date should match the date on the certificate of conformity, which is usually difficult to alter. If the manufacturing date exceeds 15 days, it is considered an old car. 2. Inspect the brake discs: Most modern small passenger vehicles use disc brakes (at least the front brakes). Examining the brake discs is a very reliable method. Generally, after driving more than 200 kilometers, the brake pads will leave noticeable marks on the brake discs. Typically, there is a 1-2 mm distance between the brake pads and the outer edge of the brake discs. After a certain distance of driving, a so-called "step" will form on the outer edge of the brake discs (the "step" on a new car is very low).
As a cautious car buyer, let me talk about this. Normally, a brand-new car shouldn't have any repair records because it's fresh from the factory—untouched and undriven. But in reality, you might occasionally encounter situations like minor scratches during transportation that the dealership fixed. The acceptability depends on the severity—a touch-up for slight scratches might be tolerable. However, if there are records of major repairs to the engine or frame, that's highly unusual! It could mean the car had defects straight from the factory or was used as a demo vehicle with some fixes. My personal advice is to always check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for a history report before buying. Also, ask the salesperson directly for details—don't sign any contracts blindly. If hidden repairs are discovered, negotiate firmly for a discount or switch to another car. Paying new-car prices for a repaired one is a bad deal. Safety comes first—a new car should be flawless and pristine. Don't let this ruin your car-buying experience.
