New car odometer mileage

Originally Posted by analogman

[There was a very old thread on this, I thought I'd start another one with the same question]

How many miles would you consider acceptable for a new car?

I've found a "new" 2018 370Z I'm interested in buying. I'm happy with the price, but just found out it has 224 miles on it. The dealer has no explanation for how those miles were accumulated, other than they've had the car for almost 2 years. I'm assuming it's a combination of test drives and people at the dealership taking the car home.

I'm very sensitive about breaking in an engine properly. Normally I wouldn't give a second thought to 224 miles on a 'used' car, but I can't help but wonder how those miles were put on. Test drives and yahoos at the dealership going for joyrides aren't the best way to break in an engine.

I'm also sensitized by a used car I recently looked at. It was a 2016 with only 2,000 miles. I was initially very excited about it, then saw on the CarFax that the clutch, flywheel, and transmission were all replaced - at 100 miles.

The salesman was forthright enough to tell me the story. Apparently, the buyer's son took the car out one night and decided to teach himself how to drive a stick, and have some fun with a friend at the same time. After less than 100 miles of that kind of abuse, the clutch and transmission were shot. They buyer paid to have everything replaced, but then in disgust sold the car back to the dealership, who put another 2,000 miles on it.

I try not to be paranoid, but I can't help but see similar treatment for the 224 miles on this car.

What do you all think? Would you accept a new car with 224 miles?

Thanks!