New car odometer mileage

analogman · 07-25-2019, 02:05 PM

[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!

SouthArk370Z · 07-25-2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogman

... The salesman was forthright enough ...

analogman · 07-25-2019, 02:32 PM

SouthArk370Z, I'm totally with you on what I suspect your feelings are towards most car salespeople. Forthright and honest are not words I'd use to describe them. I've had some horrible experiences with salespeople, and my experiences with Nissan salespeople has been the absolute worst (followed closely by Honda).

But this guy could have lied, or more likely could have just said nothing, claimed ignorance. At least he had the decency to tell me what happened. The CarFax didn't offer any explanation, just showed the work that was done.

CRiZO · 07-25-2019, 02:38 PM

224 miles isn't new anymore. I'm guessing the staff used it personally.

SouthArk370Z · 07-25-2019, 02:38 PM

I'm still willing to bet a dollar to a donut it's not the truth.

Break-in for modern engines is not as critical as it was 30+ years ago - materials and manufacturing have come a long way. As long as the engine wasn't abused, you should be okay.

I'd still shop around until you find one you are more comfortable with.

CRiZO · 07-25-2019, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogman

my experiences with Nissan salespeople has been the absolute worst (followed closely by Honda).

Samesy. I ended up not even buying from Nissan because of it. After I gave up on Honda.

mults · 07-25-2019, 02:42 PM

Quote:

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!

Another reason for some added mileage may have been from the dealer buying the car from another city or state...no biggie in my mind.

If you are worried about any "abuse" before you buy it, have the dealer give an extended warranty (above and beyond the normal 3/36)... Today's engines are less susceptible to damage from improper break-in procedures. However, let the dealer worry about it IF the time comes.

I bought my 2010 40th with 9000 miles in 2011 from Kansas City (I'm in Cleveland, OH) and I have had ZERO issues since then. Just my $.02...

analogman · 07-25-2019, 03:26 PM

FWIW, I talked with someone else at the dealership, who told me they got the car from another dealership. He said it was driven "over 100 miles" from there to them, and that it was never used as a demo at either dealership.

It might be true. CRiZO, I think you're right. Staff at both dealerships probably used the car for more than just moving it around the lot.

It's a new 2018 Sport Tech, 6 speed, in the color I want, which I'm able to get for $29,999. I'm trying to not be too paranoid. I've been looking for close to a year, and there aren't a ton of new Sport Tech 6 speeds in the color I want out there, and this is the best price I've been able to negotiate. But, I trust most car salespeople about as far as I can fling a 370Z with my little finger...

DOOMMONKEY777 · 07-25-2019, 03:38 PM

Check if rear diff bushing is popped, if u see a dry run of black streak on diff cover, it was abused for 224miles,go back to the dealer and demand a fix and a life time free tiers. Lol.

crazy4oldcars · 07-25-2019, 04:02 PM

My '16 NISMO had 180 miles on it when I bought it in November 2016. (It also had been storm damaged, but that's another story.)
IMHO, 224 miles wouldn't be a big deal over a 2 year period. I was offered a significant discount due to the repairs made to my car. They also threw in an extra paint warranty and a few other odds and ends. I was happy with what I got for what I paid. I still am.
Bottom line, if you aren't comfortable now, you probably won't be later. Don't lose patience if it isn't exactly what you want.

Kirk B.

cv129 · 07-25-2019, 04:19 PM

A dealership let me keep a fully loaded 370z for a few days while waiting on the one I really wanted. I didn’t beat on the car, didn’t even drive it everyday, but still put close to 100 miles on the car (round trip to and from the dealership was already 40 miles).

Hotrodz · 07-25-2019, 04:30 PM

I don't know, like someone else said you pay your money and you take your chances even with a new car. The Z has a number of things that can go bad right now like the clutch but if you got a warranty you should be good to go. Try negotiating for longer warranty of free maintenance for 3 to 5 years. I bought my 2010 from Carmax in in 2012 with 9k or so on it and drove it like I stole it from the get go and never had an issue. It was boosted for five years with no more issues other than stuff from track abuse that needed some tweaking or upgrading. The VQ is a solid motor and if the car is everything you want go for it and don't look back.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

busterbull · 07-25-2019, 05:37 PM

just my 2 cents, keep shopping

mishuko · 07-26-2019, 12:50 PM

Move on.

My BRAND NEW 2019 MY (production 2018) i got in sep had 12KM (7.5miles) 3.5 km were probably the dealer sine the reseter had that. Find a newew one!

Ghostvette · 07-26-2019, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mults

Another reason for some added mileage may have been from the dealer buying the car from another city or state...no biggie in my mind.

If you are worried about any "abuse" before you buy it, have the dealer give an extended warranty (above and beyond the normal 3/36)... Today's engines are less susceptible to damage from improper break-in procedures. However, let the dealer worry about it IF the time comes.

I bought my 2010 40th with 9000 miles in 2011 from Kansas City (I'm in Cleveland, OH) and I have had ZERO issues since then. Just my $.02...

I bought my 2015 Sport Tech 6MT from a dealer in Waukesha WI, with about 14k on the clock. I drove it back to KC over 3 days and haven't had any issues with it. I'd take it as is, maybe see if I could get the price down to around 25K (it's 2 years old after all)....

My 2012 I bought in 2013 with a couple of hundred on the clock. I put 70k miles on it until a teenager in a SUV destroyed it...

07-25-2019, 02:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
analogman Base Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New England Posts: 38 Drives: Actively shopping Rep Power: 7	New car odometer mileage [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!

07-25-2019, 02:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	I'm still willing to bet a dollar to a donut it's not the truth. Break-in for modern engines is not as critical as it was 30+ years ago - materials and manufacturing have come a long way. As long as the engine wasn't abused, you should be okay. I'd still shop around until you find one *you* are more comfortable with. Hotrodz likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

07-25-2019, 03:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
DOOMMONKEY777 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crooklyn Posts: 1,008 Drives: 370Z 6psd-sport-pkg Rep Power: 20	Check if rear diff bushing is popped, if u see a dry run of black streak on diff cover, it was abused for 224miles,go back to the dealer and demand a fix and a life time free tiers. Lol. __________________ Kids don't do Drugs, Drugs are bad, so let the professional druggies do Drugs for you. 537whp/496lb/tq@8-9PSI 93 octane

07-25-2019, 04:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
crazy4oldcars Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: SE Texas Posts: 448 Drives: '16 Nismo Tech Rep Power: 28412	My '16 NISMO had 180 miles on it when I bought it in November 2016. (It also had been storm damaged, but that's another story.) IMHO, 224 miles wouldn't be a big deal over a 2 year period. I was offered a significant discount due to the repairs made to my car. They also threw in an extra paint warranty and a few other odds and ends. I was happy with what I got for what I paid. I still am. Bottom line, if you aren't comfortable now, you probably won't be later. Don't lose patience if it isn't exactly what you want. Kirk B. Hotrodz and old guy like this.

07-25-2019, 04:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
cv129 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,191 Drives: 09 Nismo, 16 Nismo Rep Power: 159827	A dealership let me keep a fully loaded 370z for a few days while waiting on the one I really wanted. I didn’t beat on the car, didn’t even drive it everyday, but still put close to 100 miles on the car (round trip to and from the dealership was already 40 miles). __________________ Setrab \| RE-71 \| SPL \| JRZ \| Nismo \| ARK \| Whiteline \| RacingBrake \| CJM Oil Pan \| Ti shield

07-25-2019, 02:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
analogman Base Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New England Posts: 38 Drives: Actively shopping Rep Power: 7	SouthArk370Z, I'm totally with you on what I suspect your feelings are towards most car salespeople. Forthright and honest are not words I'd use to describe them. I've had some horrible experiences with salespeople, and my experiences with Nissan salespeople has been the absolute worst (followed closely by Honda). But this guy could have lied, or more likely could have just said nothing, claimed ignorance. At least he had the decency to tell me what happened. The CarFax didn't offer any explanation, just showed the work that was done.

07-25-2019, 02:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
CRiZO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 672 Drives: in traffic Rep Power: 20698	224 miles isn't new anymore. I'm guessing the staff used it personally.

07-25-2019, 03:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
analogman Base Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New England Posts: 38 Drives: Actively shopping Rep Power: 7	FWIW, I talked with someone else at the dealership, who told me they got the car from another dealership. He said it was driven "over 100 miles" from there to them, and that it was never used as a demo at either dealership. It might be true. CRiZO, I think you're right. Staff at both dealerships probably used the car for more than just moving it around the lot. It's a new 2018 Sport Tech, 6 speed, in the color I want, which I'm able to get for $29,999. I'm trying to not be too paranoid. I've been looking for close to a year, and there aren't a ton of new Sport Tech 6 speeds in the color I want out there, and this is the best price I've been able to negotiate. But, I trust most car salespeople about as far as I can fling a 370Z with my little finger...

07-25-2019, 04:30 PM	#12 (permalink)
Hotrodz Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684384	I don't know, like someone else said you pay your money and you take your chances even with a new car. The Z has a number of things that can go bad right now like the clutch but if you got a warranty you should be good to go. Try negotiating for longer warranty of free maintenance for 3 to 5 years. I bought my 2010 from Carmax in in 2012 with 9k or so on it and drove it like I stole it from the get go and never had an issue. It was boosted for five years with no more issues other than stuff from track abuse that needed some tweaking or upgrading. The VQ is a solid motor and if the car is everything you want go for it and don't look back. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk UNKNOWN_370 likes this. __________________ *Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX*\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

07-25-2019, 05:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
busterbull Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: So Cal Posts: 335 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 45	just my 2 cents, keep shopping

07-26-2019, 12:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
mishuko A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: bouncin on tigga Posts: 8,062 Drives: '12 Z Rep Power: 9434	Move on. My BRAND NEW 2019 MY (production 2018) i got in sep had 12KM (7.5miles) 3.5 km were probably the dealer sine the reseter had that. Find a newew one!

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