How Many Miles on a New Car Before It Is Considered Used?

Purchasing a new vehicle is an exciting experience for everyone. However, finding a car with the right mileage and price can seem like a challenging task.

New vehicles are considered used when the mileage on the car surpasses 200. New vehicles have a buffer of 200 miles before they are considered used, so dealers and mechanics can transport and prepare the vehicle for its new owner.

This article will discuss why new cars are considered used once they surpass a certain number of miles. It’ll also touch on the perks of having mileage on a car and what the break-in period is for a new car. Keep reading to learn more.

Quick Navigation

The Proper Mileage for a New Car

Thousands of new cars are sold every day. Newer cars that are sold with a higher sticker price usually have close to zero miles.

Any car that is sold as new should not have more than 100 – 200 miles (160 – 320 km) visible on the odometer. If they do, customers purchasing the vehicle have the right to ask for a discount from the dealership or for a different car with lower mileage. Sometimes, car dealerships will give buyers a deal even if the vehicle for sale only has 100 miles on the odometer.

However, the desired mileage for a new car will remain in the hands of the individual purchasing the vehicle. If someone wants a particular car and is okay with the offered price, no law or rule says that the car dealership must give an individual a discount.

The price and quality of a car will be at the discretion of the individual buying the vehicle. Purchasers should know what they want at what cost before they visit a dealership to make a purchase on a new car.

All new vehicles will have a little bit of mileage on them. It is rare for a vehicle to have zero miles at the time of purchase. Most likely, the lowest amount of mileage one might find on a new car will be around 5 to 10 miles (8 – 16 km).

New cars are given a small buffer of mileage for the following reasons:

Potential purchasers test-drive vehicles at the dealership.
Vehicles are transported between dealerships and possibly re-located.
Vehicles may have to go into the shop to visit a mechanic.
Vehicles are sometimes purchased off-site and will be transported to the purchaser’s desired location.

How Long Is a Car Considered New?

Cars are sold in many different conditions. New vehicles are most popular with the general public, but used cars have become well-known by buyers over the years, too.

Vehicles can be considered new for up to a few thousand miles depending on the state and county where the car is purchased. However, vehicles with higher mileage may begin to lose their value because of potential issues that could arise in the future.

Dealerships may list cars for sale as new with as many as 7,000 – 8,000 miles on them. The one requirement for all car sales is that the mileage of the vehicle must be disclosed. This means that used vehicles cannot be passed off as a new vehicle for sale, which is shown through the title and mileage on the odometer.

Cars that have never been sold or titled to an individual but have higher mileage are still considered new. However, the process of selling that vehicle may be complex for a wide variety of reasons:

There may be problems with the car’s engine or battery.
The car may be older than the seller says, leading to problems later on.
Hidden problems may be present that have not been disclosed.
The car may have been a showroom vehicle that is now being sold.
The vehicle may have had previous issues with transportation.
The vehicle may have been test-driven frequently and just not sold.
The vehicle may have been a demo vehicle and is now being sold.

Sometimes, cars with a few thousand miles on them that have not been sold and titled to someone are used as demo cars. Many dealers may try to sell demo cars as new, even though they are eligible for a discount.

Demo cars are used for demonstration purposes and test driving when inventory is low. These vehicles are also supplied as transportation vehicles for dealership management and are often used as loaner cars.

All in all, dealers could claim that vehicles only become used when they are assigned a title and sold to someone. But, newer cars that surpass high mileage may quickly lose their value.

Is a Car With 7,000 Miles on It Considered New?

It appears as if there are many rules and laws around the concept of car sales, and it can feel scary to know what is right and wrong when navigating the purchasing process.

A vehicle with 7,000 miles is considered new by legal standards if it has never been sold or given a title. However, selling a new car with 7,000 miles on it may be a challenging task for dealerships because customers may want a high discount on that vehicle.

As previously mentioned, some vehicles with extensive mileage may be considered or used as a demo car. Nevertheless, demo cars can be sold as new without a discount or a change in rate.

Before going into a dealership to purchase a new car, it is best to research and negotiate with the car dealership or salesperson. Most buyers want to receive the best quality of vehicle for the price they are willing to spend.

The Perks of Having Mileage on a New Car

Purchasing a new car is an exciting journey, and there are many incredible perks that come along with the process. Whether you purchase a vehicle with nearly no miles on it or a couple of thousand, most vehicles will meet all of your desires and needs.

New vehicles are in pristine condition, inside and out, and purchasers can find a new car with all the amenities they need.

People often point out the red flags to look for when purchasing a new vehicle, so everything runs smoothly. However, having flaws in your purchase may give you the opportunity to receive some great perks:

Vehicles purchased as new with higher mileage can obtain an extended warranty.
Cars with higher mileage may be sold at a discounted rate.
Older or demo vehicles have wiggle room for perks and price negotiation during the purchasing process.
Car dealerships often want to sell older cars with higher mileage because they lose their value over time. This fact may inspire them to give you a better deal without much haggling.

Beyond these additional perks, customers can also ask dealers a wide variety of questions that may help with adequately pricing out their future car, add-ons, and other amenities. When purchasing your new vehicle, here are a few questions or subjects to talk with the car dealer:

Potential dealer add-ons that can be placed on the car that is for sale
Documentation fees that may be calculated into the final price of the vehicle
The arrival, availability, and/or delivery information for the vehicle
The number of miles on the car once the owner receives it
If the vehicle you are searching for is available with your desired amenities

The Break-In Period for New Cars

Technology has evolved, and the way new vehicles are handled has begun to change drastically. The old methods of manufacturing cars are falling away, and new procedures are taking their place.

Previously, manufacturers had a rule of thumb for new vehicles with low mileage. New cars had a break-in period before traveling long distances. This process was so vehicles could be long-lasting, safe, and secure for all owners, drivers, and passengers.

Nowadays, new vehicles do not require a break-in process. Some car manufacturers and dealers will recommend specific procedures and tips for helping your vehicle remain long-lasting and in excellent condition.

Depending on your preference and the car you are purchasing, it will be up to you to talk with your car manufacturer to find out more information. Although the break-in process isn’t as necessary as it is with older vehicles, it is still a process that some people may consider checking up on.

In Conclusion

Purchasing a new vehicle can be both fun and stressful. Having the proper knowledge and asking the right questions can make the process easy and enjoyable.

Cars that have less than 200 miles may be considered new by the car world, but new cars with more than a couple of thousand miles can still be a great choice for any purchaser.

Finding the right deals, knowing what you want, and choosing correctly can make a world of difference. Enjoy the ride and relish your new vehicle of choice as you make a great purchase.

RELATED POSTS:

SHARE ON:

By Car Roar