A km 0 car is, generally speaking, a car that has already been registered (normally by the dealership) but has had minimal use and very low mileage.
This makes it attractive in terms of price and availability, but it also opens the door to misunderstandings: the customer sees it as “brand new”, when in reality it already has a registration date and, sometimes, some administrative history.
As a dealership, this article aims to show you how to educate the buyer (and avoid “surprises”), and how to build trust by getting everything tied up before signing.
Error 1: Not checking the registration date when buying the car
This is the classic mistake. In a km 0 car, the registration date may be earlier than the sale to the end customer. And that affects, above all, the manufacturer’s warranty, which is often considered “already running” from registration.
How to fix it when putting the car up for sale:
State on the spec sheet and in the offer: date of first registration and “remaining warranty”.
Clearly explain the difference between:
legal warranty (conformity) and
commercial/manufacturer warranty (brand policies).
About legal warranty in Spain: since 1 January 2022, the minimum legal warranty for consumer goods was extended to 3 years, and for second-hand goods a shorter period can be agreed but never less than 1 year.
(In km 0 there may be case-by-case situations depending on how it has been used and how the transaction is classified; that is why it is key to explain it in writing.)
Error 2: Confusing “km 0” with “nearly new”, “company car” or “demo”
Many buyers put everything in the same basket. But it is not the same:
A km 0 car is registered by a dealership and has almost no use
A demo vehicle that has been driven around may have passed through many hands
A nearly new car has generally had a previous owner
Some media outlets explain these differences and why they change price, conditions and expectations.
How to fix it in your dealership:
Label your units with a clear definition: km 0, demo, company car, nearly new.
Accompany the label with 2 fail-safe data points: date of registration and actual mileage.
Error 3: Buying on price without validating the exact equipment
In km 0, the customer usually buys what “already exists”: colour, wheels, pack, upholstery… And there is no custom configuration. The mistake is to assume that “because it is that model” it comes with X equipment.
Here are two things you have to do so it does not create friction for your customers:
In the spec sheet, list the actual equipment (not the model’s generic one).
If there is an optional pack (ADAS, multimedia, seats…), state it explicitly and include photos.
Error 4: Not asking for the unit’s usage details
A km 0 car can have 30 km… or 150 km… and those kilometres may come from logistics transfers, test drives, small demos, etc. Generally, this is not usually a problem for closing a sale, but the customer gets annoyed if they find out late.
Here are two tips to save yourself problems:
State where the kilometres came from: “Km 0 unit registered by dealership, kilometres from transfers/test drives”.
If there was demo use and quite a bit of it, do not call it km 0.
Error 5: Not checking the tyre and battery “age” in units that have been standing for a while
In km 0 the car may be “as new”, but it may have been stationary for months. That can affect the battery condition, the tyres (flat spots, ageing) or fluids and delivery checks.
To avoid problems of this kind, ideally you should have a vehicle delivery procedure to check batteries, pressures, tyre dates… Likewise, if you have carried out repairs or changes, it is always good to mention them on the vehicle sheet.
Error 6: Not understanding taxes and thinking “being km 0” means transfer tax like a used car between private individuals
Here concepts are often mixed up. Taxation depends on who sells and what type of transaction it is:
Second-hand between private individuals: normally transfer tax (varies by region).
Purchase from a professional: may involve VAT (or specific schemes for used vehicles).
A km 0 sold by a dealership is usually treated as a professional transaction (and the customer expects a “final price” with everything clear).
To solve this, always present an “all-in” price and make it clear, in writing, exactly what it includes (for example: registration already completed, transfer if applicable, and administration fees). If there is any cost not included, state that too to avoid misunderstandings.
And if you offer a different price with finance, explain it plainly: what the cash price is, what the financed price is, and what conditions apply (minimum amount to finance, term, and whether there is an arrangement fee or other associated costs). This reduces doubts, haggling and later claims.
Error 7: Not asking in writing what the price includes
In used cars or km0 cars, the buyer is not just looking at the number: they are trying to understand “what’s inside”. If you do not put it in writing, typical doubts arise (“does it include transfer?”, “is there extended warranty?”, “does maintenance come in?”, “will you deliver it to my home?”) and, when it comes time to close, the misunderstanding turns into conflict.
To save yourself problems with your customers, include in the offer a short and very clear block (6 lines is enough) with “includes / does not include”. It is what avoids arguments and helps you sell with more confidence.
Also, if you offer extras (polishing, tyres, warranty extension, home delivery), separate them from the base price. That way the customer understands what the car is “as is” and what is an optional pack.
Error 8: Not making warranty and after-sales conditions clear
In used-vehicle sales, it is not enough to say “it has X years”. The customer wants to know how an issue is handled and what they can expect in practice: where it is repaired, timeframes and what counts as wear and tear. If you do not make it clear, the conflict appears later.
In Spain, since 2022 the minimum legal warranty for new goods is 3 years, and on second-hand goods sold by a professional to a consumer it can be less, but never less than 1 year. In km 0 there is often confusion because, sometimes, the manufacturer’s warranty has already started: what matters there is to explain the dates and the “remaining” period in writing.
To solve this, provide a simple explanation and a clear terms document (no fine print), with these points:
Duration and from when it starts
What it covers and what it does not (include a wear-and-tear section)
How to make a claim/process it (contact, appointment, documents)
Where it is repaired (own/workshop partner/network)
Indicative timeframes
If there is a manufacturer’s warranty: start date and “remaining”
There is an article below so you can find out about the limits of the legal warranty.
Error 9: Not reviewing the contract/offer before paying a deposit (and then asking for impossible changes)
A very common mistake in km 0 is to leave a deposit “on impulse” and then try to change things that are already fixed: colour, upholstery, wheels or equipment packs. In most cases that cannot be done, and it is not the dealership being stubborn: the attraction of km 0 is precisely that it is an already defined unit, available and with a keen price.
To solve it at your dealership, the deposit should only be taken once the customer has validated in writing the essential details of that specific unit:
Full unit specification (engine, trim/variant and actual equipment)
Clear list of included extras (without “or equivalent”)
Registration date (or if pending) and how it affects the warranty
Purchase conditions: final price, what is included, payment/finance method and reservation policy
Error 10: Not making a “perfect” handover
In a km 0 car, the purchase is often very emotional: the customer feels they are getting a practically new car and expects an experience to match. If the handover is improvised or something is missing, that moment cools off and what was meant to be excitement turns into distrust.
To have a proper process and make a good impression, standardise the handover in three simple steps:
Handover note in writing: Have a clear check sheet signed off with: exact mileage, number of keys, documents handed over, accessories (wheel, kit, cable, etc.), vehicle condition and observations, if any.
Short but complete explanation: Spend 5 minutes going over maintenance and servicing (when the first one is due), basic operation of the car (connectivity, ADAS if applicable) and, above all, how the warranty stands: what it covers, how long it lasts and how to handle an issue.
Follow-up and review at the right time: After 48–72 hours, get in touch to check everything is fine and ask for a review once the customer has already enjoyed the car. That timing usually gives better ratings and less friction.
How Dealcar helps reduce these errors (without sounding like a “sales pitch”)
Dealcar fits best when you present it for what it is: a way of organising the work so the result is consistent, regardless of who handles the transaction.
On the one hand, it helps you keep complete and consistent listings across the whole stock: actual equipment, registration date where applicable and clear conditions (what the price includes, reservation, delivery, etc.). That reduces typical doubts and avoids back-and-forth with the customer.
On the other hand, it centralises the information and documentation for each unit so the team works with the same criteria: what state the car is in (ready to publish, reserved, pending, ready to deliver), which papers are missing and which proofs have been uploaded. The practical effect is simple: fewer lost messages, fewer “I’m missing a document” situations and fewer repeated mistakes.
When the process is organised and the information is presented well, the customer decides with less friction and the dealership gains something you notice quickly: trust, time and control.
Common questions when buying a km 0 car if you are a dealership
What mistakes do people make when buying a km 0 car? Not checking the registration date, assuming equipment it does not have, not understanding the warranty (legal vs manufacturer) and not putting in writing what the price includes.
Is a km 0 car new or used? It is usually a car registered by the dealership with minimal use. It is considered “almost new”, but because it is registered it may have particularities (registration date, manufacturer’s warranty already running).
What happens with the warranty on a km 0 car? There may be a difference between the legal warranty (conformity) and the manufacturer’s warranty. In Spain the minimum legal warranty was extended to 3 years (and on second-hand goods it can be less, minimum 1 year). Also, in km 0 the manufacturer’s warranty may have started with registration.
What taxes are paid when buying a km 0 car? It depends on the transaction and the seller. Between private individuals, transfer tax usually applies (varies by region); with a professional there may be VAT or other used-vehicle schemes.
A km 0 car is, generally speaking, a car that has already been registered (normally by the dealership) but has had minimal use and very low mileage.
This makes it attractive in terms of price and availability, but it also opens the door to misunderstandings: the customer sees it as “brand new”, when in reality it already has a registration date and, sometimes, some administrative history.
As a dealership, this article aims to show you how to educate the buyer (and avoid “surprises”), and how to build trust by getting everything tied up before signing.
Error 1: Not checking the registration date when buying the car
This is the classic mistake. In a km 0 car, the registration date may be earlier than the sale to the end customer. And that affects, above all, the manufacturer’s warranty, which is often considered “already running” from registration.
How to fix it when putting the car up for sale:
State on the spec sheet and in the offer: date of first registration and “remaining warranty”.
Clearly explain the difference between:
legal warranty (conformity) and
commercial/manufacturer warranty (brand policies).
About legal warranty in Spain: since 1 January 2022, the minimum legal warranty for consumer goods was extended to 3 years, and for second-hand goods a shorter period can be agreed but never less than 1 year.
(In km 0 there may be case-by-case situations depending on how it has been used and how the transaction is classified; that is why it is key to explain it in writing.)
Error 2: Confusing “km 0” with “nearly new”, “company car” or “demo”
Many buyers put everything in the same basket. But it is not the same:
A km 0 car is registered by a dealership and has almost no use
A demo vehicle that has been driven around may have passed through many hands
A nearly new car has generally had a previous owner
Some media outlets explain these differences and why they change price, conditions and expectations.
How to fix it in your dealership:
Label your units with a clear definition: km 0, demo, company car, nearly new.
Accompany the label with 2 fail-safe data points: date of registration and actual mileage.
Error 3: Buying on price without validating the exact equipment
In km 0, the customer usually buys what “already exists”: colour, wheels, pack, upholstery… And there is no custom configuration. The mistake is to assume that “because it is that model” it comes with X equipment.
Here are two things you have to do so it does not create friction for your customers:
In the spec sheet, list the actual equipment (not the model’s generic one).
If there is an optional pack (ADAS, multimedia, seats…), state it explicitly and include photos.
Error 4: Not asking for the unit’s usage details
A km 0 car can have 30 km… or 150 km… and those kilometres may come from logistics transfers, test drives, small demos, etc. Generally, this is not usually a problem for closing a sale, but the customer gets annoyed if they find out late.
Here are two tips to save yourself problems:
State where the kilometres came from: “Km 0 unit registered by dealership, kilometres from transfers/test drives”.
If there was demo use and quite a bit of it, do not call it km 0.
Error 5: Not checking the tyre and battery “age” in units that have been standing for a while
In km 0 the car may be “as new”, but it may have been stationary for months. That can affect the battery condition, the tyres (flat spots, ageing) or fluids and delivery checks.
To avoid problems of this kind, ideally you should have a vehicle delivery procedure to check batteries, pressures, tyre dates… Likewise, if you have carried out repairs or changes, it is always good to mention them on the vehicle sheet.
Error 6: Not understanding taxes and thinking “being km 0” means transfer tax like a used car between private individuals
Here concepts are often mixed up. Taxation depends on who sells and what type of transaction it is:
Second-hand between private individuals: normally transfer tax (varies by region).
Purchase from a professional: may involve VAT (or specific schemes for used vehicles).
A km 0 sold by a dealership is usually treated as a professional transaction (and the customer expects a “final price” with everything clear).
To solve this, always present an “all-in” price and make it clear, in writing, exactly what it includes (for example: registration already completed, transfer if applicable, and administration fees). If there is any cost not included, state that too to avoid misunderstandings.
And if you offer a different price with finance, explain it plainly: what the cash price is, what the financed price is, and what conditions apply (minimum amount to finance, term, and whether there is an arrangement fee or other associated costs). This reduces doubts, haggling and later claims.
Error 7: Not asking in writing what the price includes
In used cars or km0 cars, the buyer is not just looking at the number: they are trying to understand “what’s inside”. If you do not put it in writing, typical doubts arise (“does it include transfer?”, “is there extended warranty?”, “does maintenance come in?”, “will you deliver it to my home?”) and, when it comes time to close, the misunderstanding turns into conflict.
To save yourself problems with your customers, include in the offer a short and very clear block (6 lines is enough) with “includes / does not include”. It is what avoids arguments and helps you sell with more confidence.
Also, if you offer extras (polishing, tyres, warranty extension, home delivery), separate them from the base price. That way the customer understands what the car is “as is” and what is an optional pack.
Error 8: Not making warranty and after-sales conditions clear
In used-vehicle sales, it is not enough to say “it has X years”. The customer wants to know how an issue is handled and what they can expect in practice: where it is repaired, timeframes and what counts as wear and tear. If you do not make it clear, the conflict appears later.
In Spain, since 2022 the minimum legal warranty for new goods is 3 years, and on second-hand goods sold by a professional to a consumer it can be less, but never less than 1 year. In km 0 there is often confusion because, sometimes, the manufacturer’s warranty has already started: what matters there is to explain the dates and the “remaining” period in writing.
To solve this, provide a simple explanation and a clear terms document (no fine print), with these points:
Duration and from when it starts
What it covers and what it does not (include a wear-and-tear section)
How to make a claim/process it (contact, appointment, documents)
Where it is repaired (own/workshop partner/network)
Indicative timeframes
If there is a manufacturer’s warranty: start date and “remaining”
There is an article below so you can find out about the limits of the legal warranty.
Error 9: Not reviewing the contract/offer before paying a deposit (and then asking for impossible changes)
A very common mistake in km 0 is to leave a deposit “on impulse” and then try to change things that are already fixed: colour, upholstery, wheels or equipment packs. In most cases that cannot be done, and it is not the dealership being stubborn: the attraction of km 0 is precisely that it is an already defined unit, available and with a keen price.
To solve it at your dealership, the deposit should only be taken once the customer has validated in writing the essential details of that specific unit:
Full unit specification (engine, trim/variant and actual equipment)
Clear list of included extras (without “or equivalent”)
Registration date (or if pending) and how it affects the warranty
Purchase conditions: final price, what is included, payment/finance method and reservation policy
Error 10: Not making a “perfect” handover
In a km 0 car, the purchase is often very emotional: the customer feels they are getting a practically new car and expects an experience to match. If the handover is improvised or something is missing, that moment cools off and what was meant to be excitement turns into distrust.
To have a proper process and make a good impression, standardise the handover in three simple steps:
Handover note in writing: Have a clear check sheet signed off with: exact mileage, number of keys, documents handed over, accessories (wheel, kit, cable, etc.), vehicle condition and observations, if any.
Short but complete explanation: Spend 5 minutes going over maintenance and servicing (when the first one is due), basic operation of the car (connectivity, ADAS if applicable) and, above all, how the warranty stands: what it covers, how long it lasts and how to handle an issue.
Follow-up and review at the right time: After 48–72 hours, get in touch to check everything is fine and ask for a review once the customer has already enjoyed the car. That timing usually gives better ratings and less friction.
How Dealcar helps reduce these errors (without sounding like a “sales pitch”)
Dealcar fits best when you present it for what it is: a way of organising the work so the result is consistent, regardless of who handles the transaction.
On the one hand, it helps you keep complete and consistent listings across the whole stock: actual equipment, registration date where applicable and clear conditions (what the price includes, reservation, delivery, etc.). That reduces typical doubts and avoids back-and-forth with the customer.
On the other hand, it centralises the information and documentation for each unit so the team works with the same criteria: what state the car is in (ready to publish, reserved, pending, ready to deliver), which papers are missing and which proofs have been uploaded. The practical effect is simple: fewer lost messages, fewer “I’m missing a document” situations and fewer repeated mistakes.
When the process is organised and the information is presented well, the customer decides with less friction and the dealership gains something you notice quickly: trust, time and control.
Common questions when buying a km 0 car if you are a dealership
What mistakes do people make when buying a km 0 car? Not checking the registration date, assuming equipment it does not have, not understanding the warranty (legal vs manufacturer) and not putting in writing what the price includes.
Is a km 0 car new or used? It is usually a car registered by the dealership with minimal use. It is considered “almost new”, but because it is registered it may have particularities (registration date, manufacturer’s warranty already running).
What happens with the warranty on a km 0 car? There may be a difference between the legal warranty (conformity) and the manufacturer’s warranty. In Spain the minimum legal warranty was extended to 3 years (and on second-hand goods it can be less, minimum 1 year). Also, in km 0 the manufacturer’s warranty may have started with registration.
What taxes are paid when buying a km 0 car? It depends on the transaction and the seller. Between private individuals, transfer tax usually applies (varies by region); with a professional there may be VAT or other used-vehicle schemes.
