Are you looking for a brand new car and wanting something that passes the odometer check? Do you wish there were a way to invest in a brand new car, such as a Kia Rio, that had truly never been used?
If so, then you need to learn how to check and see if a new brand car really isa brand new car. Even if it's the cheapest brand new car on the lot, you want to inspect it to make sure. But how?
See below for an in-depth guide on how to check into the brand new muscle car that you desperately want and make sure that it truly is a brand-new car.
Check the VIN
One of the biggest fears for those that want to shop for a new car is that the vehicle they end up purchasing has some wear and tear.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, unethical car dealers can place the word "new" on any brand new muscle car, Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent, or any other model you might be looking into, even if it's had a previous owner.
Sadly, many car purchasers end up falling for this trick because they don't take the time to perform proper research.
Contrary to popular belief, the odometer reading doesn't always tell the tale. Some dealers perform odometer fraud, especially on digital odometers, to give you a misconception that the car is new. This is what's referred to as Odometer rollback fraud.
Instead, the best way to ensure your future car really is new is by checking the vehicle history report. You can use sites such as EpicVIN to look into the vehicle's history and make sure that everything checks out.
Be sure to see if the odometer check on the vehicle history report lines up with the mechanical odometers of the cars you're looking into. As you can see from our sample report, we offer a lot of quality information for you to make a confident purchase.
Have a Professional Take a Glance
Oftentimes, the cheapest cars are the ones you should be most skeptical of. That's not to say that all great deals are a sign of sketchy activity, but if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Every state in the USA deals with salvage car issues. These are cars that have been considered a total loss, yet have been stolen by someone that then tries to hide the vehicle's flaws and resell it for a profit.
Unless you have a background in car mechanics, you might not know what to look for. For example, you won't be able to identify issues with the automatic transmission, speed manual transmission, cylinder engine, and so forth.
Before you purchase the brand new car, request to have the car inspected by a car mechanic that you trust.
If the car dealer has nothing to hide, then they'll be perfectly fine with this request. If they're hiding something, then they may get defensive and try to close the sale before you take it to the shop.
Understand the Meaning of "New"
The term "new car" is vastly misunderstood by most car buyers in this day in age. You'll never find a car that has zero miles on its odometer reading when you go to test drive it. If it is, then run for the hills.
In fact, a car can legally be declared a new car, even if it's had a previous owner. In California, a car dealer can call it a new car as long as the odometer reads 7,500 or less.
Think of buying a brand new car like buying a home. Even if the house has been used as a rental unit before and the tenant moves, the house is still highly valuable. The same goes for a new car.
For all you know, that new car may have been engaged in a leasing contract with a security deposit on it. There's a story behind every new car. It's best to understand that story before you purchase so that there aren't any unsuspecting surprises after you drive it off the lot.
Give It a Thorough Glance
Once you understand where the brand new car has come from, verified the odometer reading, and had a professional inspect its functionality, all that's left is to inspect it for yourself. Start by looking at the exterior for things such as:
- Dings or scratches on the body
- Door lines and panel gaps
- Lights all function properly
- No rust on the outside or under the car
Once you've looked into the exterior, it's time to pop the hood and keep an eye out for things such as:
- Noticeable cuts in the wiring or connections
- Condition of the car's battery
- Condition of all four tires
- Cracks or scratches in the windows
- Fluid levels
- Cleanliness of the engine
Of course, always take any car you're looking into for a test drive. Get a feel for the wheel and pay special attention to the car's interior, maneuverability, handling, acceleration, braking capabilities, cabin sound while on the highway, etc.
Invest in the Brand New Car of Your Dreams Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to make sure that a brand new car is actually new, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Be sure to use our free odometer check as a resource while you search for your next car. Remember, you need to check the odometer of any car you're interested in purchasing.
We hope that our free resources and vehicle history reports are a valuable asset to you during your car search. Happy shopping!
