One quick way is also to look at the amount of test drive mileage... if a car is up to 50-60 miles, you know it's been sitting for awhile.. But this obviously shouldn't be the only thing you look for; It's just supplementary information.

 

when i bought my car it was there for at least 6 months. one day i was searching autotrader and found the car and half a year later it was still there. kinda made me nervious about it but it's been almost problem free two years later

 

Just use common sense.

look at VIN + tires manufacture date + delievery. usually within 2 months. VIN is a safer route. Ususally all that should be in chronological order.

Don't trust tires if they're optional wheels. Mileages are not good indicator. I got to test drive my car for 10 miles!

 

If the car you're looking at is Black and it looks gray and covered with webs-then it's been on the lot a while...lol I know there is always one smart a** out of a bunch!