Introducing the concept of zero miles car in India

A very common term these days, Zero Mileage cars or kilometer zero cars, is in high demand today. But why? What are those? Why do you need them? How is it essential for you?

Well, classification is simpler. There are used cars or second-hand cars, the new cars and then there are zero miles cars.

Used cars: These have had older owners who have registered it and used it for ages perhaps not so long. The car might have seen better days on the highways or even on rough roads. The generic wear and tear are higher than expected and you end up buying one of the liabilities that need to be maintained with a lot of care. It could have run for several miles before it is sold to you.

New cars: Not used since it has been manufactured, this one is customized to suit you too. The new cars also do not have zero mileage criteria because it might have moved around for different purposes such as transportation or washing etc.

Zero mileage cars: These are similar to stock cars or those which are manufactured and sold by the dealerships across the world. Basically, you place an order and you get your car delivered to your doorstep, no questions asked. A change of ownership is practically necessary when a zero-mileage car is purchased or sold.

How does it work?

Dealerships usually register these cars to their own names. Therefore, when you go ahead and purchase the zero-mileage car from the dealer, there has to be a transfer of ownership from the dealer to the new cars owner. There are multiple fraudulent cases which are registered against these dealership model which try to sell off employee cars as zero mileage cars, therefore, buyers are supposed to be slightly on the edge and carefully before making any such purchases. If the odometer reads more than 100km, you got your first red flag.

Why is the demand so high?

Zero mileage cars are usually available at higher discounts and dealerships to tend to aggressively market them to clear out the inventory. However, customers are more interested in buying a new car, an unused car at a lower price which makes more sense from a budget perspective. The dealership wants to clear them out immediately because it costs them major losses when depreciation is concerned.

There are possibilities that certain buyers might be interested in a pre-owned car or a used car at a lower price, which has not been subjected to so much of wear and tear. The offset is lower, and it makes up for a better deal even if the mileage on the odometer doesn’t say zero exactly. However, a used car is more demanding in terms of maintenance which buyers tend to avoid.

Why was this introduced?

Zero miles car is a concept that was introduced in other countries specifically to keep the user’s interest in mind. Imagine you have bought a new car- happiness is not comparable. Now, if that car is available with several attractive discounts and offers, it feels like you have won the lottery, doesn’t it?

The Indian car market, even though late to adopt the concept, has ventured into selling zero mileage cars which have changed the way dealerships operate. The cars are available at a price the buyer wants it to be available, discounts are higher, sales are higher, and everyone is happy because the benefits and profits are across the supply chain.

As mentioned earlier, the zero mileage cars are equipped with all the relevant features that a new car would have. It is equally efficient, effective and cost centric as any new car would be. How great it would be to have something available as a new piece without having to pay a bomb for something you wanted for so long!

India being one of the largest car consumers in the world, still prefers buying second-hand cars or what we commonly call pre-owner cars because of the cost criteria. Most buyers need to satiate the social aspect of the pyramid; hence a car adds more value to the first rung of the ladder being stronger. But when you have constraints with respect to the money, it can get slightly challenging. So much to the point that you might want to deal with mechanical troubles at every given instance. That’s not an attractive proposition now, is it?

Moreover, the second-hand car would have features that the previous owner would have deemed necessary and not specific as to what you would want while owning a car. On the other hand, when you go for a zero mileage car, it is as good as new, it has had lesser kilometer runs, the mechanical parts are smooth and shiny, and, you could customize it when it comes to features or even aesthetics, the way you always wanted your first car to be.

How does it benefit the dealership?

Dealerships register the car in their own name. so technically, they are the first owners. When you purchase it from them at a standardized discounted price, it becomes an attractive place for other new cars buyers to strike a deal at. This helps the sales volume to go up exponentially. It is beneficial for both the buyer and the dealer. As a buyer, you are getting the benefit of getting a car at your desired price and on the other hand, the dealer gets better sales volume and manufacturing company gets their due share eventually. Given that the definition is path-breaking, it is a great deal for everyone involved.

Are there any cons that buyers need to look at?

Making an informed purchase is absolutely necessary when buying a car is concerned. You could end up buying just a dumpster if you are not aware of all you need to know. Always look out for the mileage. Zero mileage is called zero mileage for a reason. It is always listed under the category of new cars. However, the formality would involve transferring of ownership as you do in case of second-hand cars. Do not fall prey to the advertising campaigns which might claim that the dealership has employees car was taken around for maintenance of anything of the sort. Those cars are meant to be listed under the used cars categories. Choose wisely, for your first car is always a fairy-tale.

A brand new car. Available at an Irresistible price. From a top rated authorized dealership. Ready for immediate delivery.