Driving a new car is a thrilling experience, one that’s filled with excitement and a sense of adventure. The smell of fresh leather, the sound of a powerful engine, and the feeling of being behind the wheel of a sleek and stylish vehicle, all combine to create an unforgettable moment. When you’re in the market for a new car, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a wide range of makes and models, each with its own unique features and style.
Buying a new car is a big decision, one that requires careful consideration of several factors. One of the most important things to consider is the number of miles on the car. In this article, we will explore how many miles should new car have and why it matters.
Note: If you have been noticing a strong burning rubber smell coming from your car, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. The smell could indicate a variety of problems, from a minor issue such as a loose belt, to a more serious problem such as a damaged engine component. To get a better understanding of the cause of the smell and what steps you can take to resolve the issue, read our article on “Why Is My Car Smelling Like Burning Rubber?“
Why Car Mileage Matters?
Car mileage is much more than just a number on the dashboard. It’s a reflection of the car’s journey, a tale of its travels and the adventures it has been a part of. When buying a brand new car, the mileage can tell you a lot about the vehicle and what you can expect from it. A low mileage car means that it has been driven less and is likely in better condition than a car with higher mileage.
It also indicates that you will have more time to enjoy your new car before the warranty starts to expire. On the other hand, a car with high mileage may have already experienced some wear and tear and may not have the same level of reliability or resale value. So, whether you’re looking for a trusty companion for your daily commute or an adventure-seeker for weekend escapes, the mileage of your brand new car matters.
The Proper Mileage For a New Car
The mileage range for a new car can vary greatly depending on the dealership and the car’s history. A new car that has never been driven should have 0 miles on the odometer, but some dealerships may allow test drives, so a new car may have a few miles on the odometer.
On the other hand, some new cars may have a few hundred miles on the odometer if they were used for demonstration purposes or were shipped from the factory to the dealership. So, how many miles should new car have? In general, a new car should have no more than a few hundred miles (160 – 320 km) on the odometer.
What Mileage of a New Car Won’t be Considered as Used?
There is no specific mileage that defines when a new car becomes used. However, in general, a car is considered used once it has been driven off the dealership lot. Some people may consider a car used if it has more than a few thousand miles, while others may consider it used if it has more than 10,000 miles.
It ultimately depends on the individual’s perspective and the condition of the car. Regardless, once a car has been driven and is no longer considered brand new, its value decreases, and it is considered a used vehicle.
10 Factors that Affect the Mileage of a Brand New Car

A brand-new car should have very few miles on the odometer, typically no more than a few hundred miles, but there are several factors that can affect the mileage of a brand-new car:
- Test Drives: Some dealerships may allow test drives, which can add a few miles to the car’s odometer.
- Delivery from the Factory: New cars may have to be transported from the factory to the dealership, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Demonstration Purposes: Some new cars may be used for demonstration purposes, such as being displayed at auto shows or being used for test drives by potential customers, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Shipping: If the car is being shipped from the factory to a different location, it may be driven on a truck, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Accidents: Accidents during transportation or handling can add miles to the odometer.
- Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): Cars may be driven for a pre-delivery inspection, which is a thorough check of the car before it is delivered to the customer. This can add miles to the odometer.
- Dealership Use: Dealerships may use new cars for various purposes, such as taking photographs for advertising or moving cars around the lot, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Quality Control Tests: Cars may be driven for quality control tests, such as emissions tests or road tests, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Display Purposes: New cars may be used for display purposes, such as being displayed in showrooms or at auto shows, which can add miles to the odometer.
- Maintenance Tests: Cars may be driven for maintenance tests, such as brake tests or suspension tests, which can add miles to the odometer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Yes, it is possible to modify a car’s odometer, but it is illegal in many countries, including the United States, to tamper with an odometer with the intention of misleading someone about the true mileage of a vehicle. The act of modifying an odometer is referred to as “odometer tampering” or “rolling back the odometer”. This is a serious crime that can result in significant fines and even jail time.
If you suspect that a car’s odometer has been tampered with, there are several signs that you can look for. One of the most obvious signs is a discrepancy between the car’s age, wear and tear, and the reported mileage. For example, if a car is 10 years old but has only 10,000 miles on the odometer, it may indicate that the odometer has been tampered with. Other signs include a font that doesn’t match the original font used by the manufacturer, misaligned or missing numbers, or odometer readings that “roll over” from 99,999 miles to 0. Additionally, you can check the car’s service records and compare the reported mileage to previous readings, or you can have a trusted mechanic inspect the car for signs of tampering. By being vigilant and paying attention to these warning signs, you can help protect yourself from purchasing a vehicle with a tampered odometer.
It is not necessarily the case that a car with more than 300 km is considered “used”. The classification of a car as new or used depends on a variety of factors, including the manufacturer’s definition, local laws and regulations, and the age of the car. Typically, a brand new car will have only a few hundred miles on the odometer, but some cars may have slightly higher mileage due to test drives, delivery from the factory, or other factors.
A car with 7,000 miles on it is generally not considered to be a brand new car, but it can still be considered to be relatively new, depending on various factors. The classification of a car as new or used is not solely based on its mileage, but also on its age, condition, and usage history. A car with 7,000 miles on it may still be under its original manufacturer’s warranty and have all of its original features and components, in which case it may still be considered new by some standards.
Frequent short trips can negatively impact a car’s mileage. In these scenarios, the engine does not have enough time to reach its operating temperature, causing incomplete combustion of fuel. This leads to increased fuel consumption, reduced fuel efficiency, and decreased mileage. Additionally, frequent starting and stopping puts extra strain on the battery, starter motor, and other components, potentially leading to early failure. For these reasons, it’s often recommended to combine short trips into longer ones, or to use alternative modes of transportation when possible.
The type of driving can significantly impact a car’s mileage. Different driving styles, road conditions, and speeds can all influence a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and overall mileage.
A brand new car typically has very few miles, often less than 200. This is because most new cars are driven only for testing and transportation purposes before they are sold. However, it is important to note that some new cars may have slightly higher miles due to test drives, demonstrations, and transportation to dealerships.
The lifespan of a car depends on several factors, such as the make and model, driving habits, maintenance, and operating conditions. On average, a well-maintained car can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. However, some cars can last even longer with proper care, while others may only last a few years due to poor maintenance or frequent use in harsh driving conditions.
Are you wondering when is the best time to put gas in your car? At Car Expert Group, we have put together a helpful guide on “When Should I Put Gas in My Car?” In this article, we provide detailed information on the factors to consider when filling up your tank and give tips on how to save money at the pump.
The Bottom Line
Acquiring a new car can bring excitement and apprehension. However, with adequate information and by posing the correct queries, the buying experience can be effortless and gratifying. Although vehicles with under 300 miles may be considered as “new” in the automotive industry, cars with a few thousand miles on them can still be a fantastic option for a buyer. Making an informed decision, identifying favorable deals, and selecting wisely can significantly impact the overall outcome. Embrace the journey and savor your newfound car as you make a sound investment.