It's true that a traditional break-in is less necessary today because of closer-tolerance manufacturing, but some common sense and restraint is still necessary for the first 500 miles or so......see my post just above.

 

This is the same issue behind the "new" LFAs that had hundreds if not thousands of miles on them that were being sold by various dealers - they were dealer-purchased LFAs that were never registered or titled (or at least with non-dealer titles).

Doesn't the COO or other such document for every new car list the car mileage when it's shipped? That would be the best way to determine any test drive miles or other usage. While on the topic, LFAs were delivered with hugely varying miles due to pre-delivery testing at a small test track on the Motomachi grounds, but every LFA had a certificate indicating the mileage that it left Motomachi with.

Also while on the topic, when I toured the LFA factory with Haruhiko Tanahashi, I specifically asked about break-in period. Every LFA was limited to 7.4k redline until 310mi on the odometer anyway, but I wanted to know if I should further be easy on the car, both prior to the 310mi and after. He said the only thing important was to vary the rpms, i.e., don't cruise at a constant rpm for extended period of time. As far as pushing the engine he basically said to have at it after the 310mi.

 

This answer depends as well. Some evaluation vehicles are pre-production, in which case these vehicles are actually not allowed to be sold and are eventually scheduled to be crushed/destroyed.

Others do eventually make their way through to being sold. Most will likely get some parts replaced as part of reconditioning for sale as used, but some might not.

 

It varies. I purchased a loaner which was titled as a CPO. But we all have read about "new" demos. My guess is that it's state-by-state.

 

When I was shopping for my truck, I test drove a brand new leftover 2016 F-150(this was in March/April of 2017) so the truck had been on the lot for over a year. It had over 500 miles. I was going to buy it but they wouldn't come off sticker by even a penny.

Truck sat there for several more months.

 

I think most of the posters above me got it.

Dealers have it down to a science.

New vehicles are legally new until titled, so it could have any amount of mileage as long as it has not been registered. Have seen dealer principals/mgers/family/special events Lexus throws use them as company cars etc etc and still sell it new since again no title.

Any mileage accumulated is discounted at a fixed rate on the final price (dont remember the mileage rates off the top).

Lexus dealer test drive vehicles have ranged from 20-500 miles depending on model.

Buying one with any miles depends on your choice. If you dont want a vehicle with "excess new miles" soo many others are available.

 

Thats the issue. Dealers think that fixed rates are fair, and most folks leverage/believe that there are 500 unknown driven miles to get a greater discount. When the discount is paltry, why bother? Havent really seen any deal that made a demo cheaper.

 

To me it was hilarious because the truck was over a year old at this point, and after they refused to budge I just went elsewhere where I could get a much better deal.

 

IME BMW is more than willing to cut a sweet deal on a loaner car. The truck market has always been bizarro land OTOH, particularly with trucks that are “almost new” or lightly used that go for full price.

 

^true most BMW loaners are great discounts. However more exception to the rule. Back in June I came across a GX MY20 untitled, GM had been using it. 5000 miles on it, they were doing $.90 a mile discount on it and calling it new so applicable for mfg discounts. Compared to a new GX same trim, it was more expensive by a long shot.

Dealers response was essentially take it or leave it...

 

To agree on the sentiments expressed above, there is no strict guideline on what is defined as "new". I used to work in F&I (Finance dept) at a car dealership, and the only requirement some lenders (not all) mandated was under 5k miles to get "new" interest rates. I've seen new cars that the owner/GM/manager drives with almost 10k miles sold as new.

 

A vehicle can be sold for whatever U will pay for it. I bot a 2004 Pontiac Gr. Prix with 8k on from the dealer that got it from GM. I technically am the 1st owner, but of course I didn't pay anything close to a new car price. It's all relative.