What is a good mileage for a brand new car?

The Lowdown on Mileage: What to Expect from a Brand New Car

Buying a brand new car is a significant investment, and understanding what constitutes “normal” mileage is crucial to ensuring you’re getting exactly what you paid for. While the thrill of driving off the lot in a pristine vehicle is undeniable, a quick glance at the odometer can reveal much more than just the distance traveled. So, what’s a good mileage reading for a brand-new car? The answer is simpler than you might think.

Factory-fresh vehicles, straight from the dealership, should boast incredibly low mileage. Think single digits, or perhaps a couple dozen miles at most. The odometer might show a reading somewhere in the 20-30 mile range, and this is perfectly acceptable. This small amount reflects necessary test drives performed by dealership personnel, pre-delivery inspections, or even short movements within the dealership lot. Anything beyond this low range, however, should immediately raise a red flag.

A significantly higher mileage reading on a purportedly new car warrants serious questioning. Several scenarios could explain unexpectedly high mileage:

• Prior Damage or Repairs: The vehicle might have been involved in an accident, requiring extensive repairs and subsequent test drives. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but transparency from the dealership is vital. You’ll need full disclosure of the incident and comprehensive assurances about the quality of repairs.

• Undisclosed Use: The car may have been used for extended test drives by employees, used as a courtesy car, or even, in rarer cases, fraudulently driven before being offered for sale. This lack of transparency erodes trust and significantly impacts the car’s perceived value.

• Manufacturing Defects: While less likely, a manufacturing flaw could have necessitated multiple test drives or transportation between facilities, resulting in higher than average initial mileage. However, this should be documented by the manufacturer.

In short, low mileage is the defining characteristic of a truly new car. Don’t hesitate to ask pointed questions about the odometer reading if it seems unusually high. A reputable dealership will readily provide a clear and detailed explanation. Remember, your due diligence in this area can save you from potential headaches and financial losses down the line. Expect little to no mileage, and demand transparency – your peace of mind is worth it.