When you’re in the market for a brand-new car, when visiting the dealer showroom, you probably expect to see zero mileage on the odometer a new car would have. However, most new cars will have at least some minor mileage from the factory. This leaves many buyers wondering how many miles on the clock should a new low-mile car have?
A few key reasons why even brand-new cars often have a few hundred miles. From delivery mileage between the manufacturing shipping port and dealership to test drive mileage put on by potential customers. So, most new vehicles see initial incremental mileage.
While it’s rare to find a new car that is zero-mile, guidelines consider any amount under 100 to 200 miles acceptable for a new car. Otherwise, a high mileage vehicle of more than 200+ miles risks making the car a “used” vehicle rather than still considered new.
In our guide, as a smart car buyer, you can learn why the car is unlikely to be a new car with zero miles. By the end, you’ll see when buying a new car from a dealership, rather than expecting the odometer to show zero miles. You can spot when a new car considered used is and how you can negotiate for a discounted price or a replacement if anything drastic goes wrong with an ex-demo car. (Learn How Long Can A Tesla Idle With The Heat On)
Why Don’t New Cars Have Zero Miles?
Seeing a few miles on a new car’s odometer doesn’t necessarily mean it has been used or driven before purchase. There are a couple of common reasons even brand new vehicle has mileage:
Transport from the Manufacturer
After production, new cars need to be transported by truck or rail to the dealership lot. This transport from the shipping port or between dealerships accounts for incremental mileage before the car is available for sale.
Test Drives at the Dealership
Once on the lot, a car doesn’t just sit there. Customers and sales staff would test-drive many new cars, so miles would accumulate. On average, these short test drives of around 6 miles put a few miles on the odometer during the sale process.
How Many Miles Makes a New Car Used?
As a general rule, no single-mile cutoff legally determines when a new car becomes used. However, industry standards consider a new vehicle “used” once it exceeds 100-200 miles on the odometer.
It would no longer qualify as fully “new” – even though technically still unused. Most dealers advertise cars under 100 miles as new and over 200 miles is acceptable when used as demos.
What Mileage is Normal on a Considered New Car?
Given the above, it’s normal and expected for a new car’s odometer reading at the time of purchase to show anywhere from 10-200 miles in most cases. Here are some general mileage guidelines:
- 0-10 miles: Rare but ideal for a brand-new car.
- 10-50 miles: Common and acceptable for a new car.
- 50-100 miles: Still well within the range of new.
- 100-200 miles: Considered new, but if the odometer shows more than 100 miles, it’s classed as high mileage yet allows enough capacity for transport to the new showroom.
- 200 to 250 miles plus: This number of miles means the car’s classified as used by most dealers.
As you can see, a new car can have a few hundred miles and still be considered new by dealers and manufacturers. Over 500 miles likely shows transport from a different region. (Learn How Many Miles Is Half A Tank Of Gas)
Does Mileage Affect Pricing on brand-new car?
Dealerships will typically not discount the price or offer a replacement on a new car just because it has a few hundred transport and test drive miles. However, cars with over 200 miles are often sold at a used car discount.
Does Demo Car Test Drive Impact Reliability?
A few hundred miles put on a new car during transport, between dealers, and short test drives should not cause accelerated wear, tear, or impact reliability. These first “break-in” miles help seal the piston rings properly and allow for the manufacturer’s recommended initial oil change interval. As long as the car was not abused, mild mileage is not a concern.
Note: When you see new cars, there are demos, and while low mileage, they can have a higher mileage than a different car in the dealers. How much mileage depends on test drives carried out. 7 miles, 9 miles up to 10 miles are common and can quickly accumulate. If you want a discount, these cars are still legally considered new cars, yet could have done 300 miles or more.
Conclusion: How Many Miles Should A New Car Have?
When purchasing a new car, it’s a common assumption brand-new cars from a dealership have zero miles, but that’s rarely the case, and even the last car to go will be driven. Mild mileage around 20 miles, 50 miles, or up to 200 miles should not overly concern most buyers as long as the car checks out. The type of car could also impact how far the car has been driven.
It is also unlikely that the car with zero mileage will be found. There is transport, and the car is driven on a test drive, as is expected to account for the first few hundred miles being driven to dealerships if the car isn’t carried on a transporter.
However, amounts over 500 miles, signs of heavy use, or lack of transparency about prior mileage from the dealer deserve caution. While finding a new car with zero miles is uncommon, acceptable mileage depends on personal preference.
Being flexible opens more options, but don’t ignore red flags either. Carefully inspecting the odometer, taking an extensive test drive, and asking for details help ensure reasonable mileage. Negotiate a lower price if you feel the amounts are excessive. It could be a huge cost saving when you think, “There was a few miles on mine when I bought it,” depending on how you use your car, the average miles can drop if your car spends time on your driveway. (Read What Can I Use Instead Of Carb Cleaner)
FAQs: Is A New Car Considered Used With Delivery Mileage?
How Many Miles Should a New Car Have?
How many miles are too many? The ideal mileage for a new car can vary depending on the manufacturer’s warranty, vehicle type and usage, maintenance history, driving conditions, and previous ownership. Selecting a new car with a warranty that extends beyond the average mileage you anticipate driving annually is advisable.
Can a High-Mileage Car Be Reliable?
Yes, a high-mileage car can be reliable if well-maintained and serviced regularly. Proper maintenance, including timely oil changes, fluid replacements, and regular inspections, can significantly extend a vehicle’s lifespan and ensure its reliability even at higher mileage.
Note: It is unlikely that the car would suffer any technical issues with fewer than 200 miles.
Is Lower Mileage Always Better when Buying a Used Car?
Lower mileage is not always better when buying a used car. While lower mileage can be an indicator of less wear and tear, it does not guarantee a better car. It is crucial to assess the vehicle’s overall condition, including its service history and any signs of wear and tear, rather than solely relying on mileage.
Should I Be Concerned About a Few Miles on a Brand-New Car?
A few miles on a brand-new car should not be a cause for concern. These miles typically result from transportation between the factory and the dealership or test drives. A few miles on a new car are considered normal if the overall condition is excellent and the warranty is intact.
How Can I Determine if a High-Mileage Car is Worth Buying?
Generally, if there is high car mileage when you buy a car, consider factors like maintenance and service history, previous ownership and usage, driving conditions, and overall appearance. A comprehensive inspection by a trusted mechanic can also help identify potential issues that may need to be evident from the mileage alone. (Learn How Much Does It Cost To Rebuild A 5.3 Vortec Engine)
What Are Some Signs of a Well-Maintained High-Mileage Car?
Even if the car has a few miles on the clock? Signs this particular car is well-maintained include a comprehensive service record, regular oil changes, and a clean and organized engine compartment.
Additionally, a smooth and quiet engine, responsive steering, and a well-maintained interior can show the vehicle was cared when buying new car, or expect on every new car you drive.
