China’s Zero-Mileage Car Crackdown: What You Need to Know in 2025

You’re scrolling through a car listing site, and there it is—a sleek, brand-new-looking electric vehicle with zero miles, priced way below market. Sounds like a dream, right?

But in China, these “zero-mileage used cars” are causing a stir, and the government’s stepping in with a crackdown in 2025.

I’ve been following the auto world for years, and this move’s a big deal. Let me walk you through what’s going on, why it matters, and how it might affect you—whether you’re hunting for a deal or just curious about the car market.

What’s a Zero-Mileage Used Car?

Picture this: carmakers in China are under pressure to hit crazy sales targets. To move inventory, some register new cars, put plates on them, and sell them as “used” at a discount.

These cars haven’t been driven a single mile, but they’re not technically new anymore. It’s a sneaky way to boost sales numbers or dodge taxes.

I read in Reuters that this trick’s been fueled by a price war and too many unsold cars—think millions sitting in lots.

A buddy of mine in Beijing thought he scored a killer deal on a “used” NIO EV, only to find out it was pre-registered and came with a shorter warranty. That’s the kind of mess China’s trying to clean up.

Also Read: Kia Sportage Black Edition vs MG HS vs Hyundai Tucson — Which SUV Truly Rules the Road?

Why’s China Cracking Down?

In July 2025, China’s industry ministry said enough’s enough. The government is now taking steps to stop the resale of cars within just six months of getting them registered.

The People’s Daily called it a “shady pricing game” that screws over buyers and muddies the market.

Why’s this a problem? These cars can have hidden issues—shorter warranties, unclear resale value, or even liens. Plus, they make it hard to trust what’s really going on in the auto world.

How Does This Affect You?

If you’re eyeing a Chinese-made car like a BYD or Tesla rival, this changes things. In China, those too-good-to-be-true deals might dry up, and prices could nudge up as carmakers adjust.

Globally, it’s a mixed bag. Some of these zero-mileage cars get shipped to places like Russia, slipping past stricter rules in Europe. If you’re in a market flooded with Chinese EVs, you might still spot these deals, but you’ve got to be careful.

Last year, I assisted a friend in inspecting an unusually low-priced imported electric vehicle that seemed too good to be true.

We dug into the paperwork and found it was pre-registered—saved him from a headache. That’s the kind of thing you need to watch for.

Tips to Stay Smart

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of poking around the car market:

• Check the Car’s Past: Always run a vehicle history report. Look at the registration date and ownership history to spot red flags.
• Ask About the Warranty: Make sure the car’s warranty is intact. Pre-registered cars might not get full coverage.
• Keep Up with News: Sites like VenoHub have the latest on market shifts. Staying informed about the latest developments can help you make more informed and confident decisions.

Why It Matters

China’s auto market is huge, and with millions of unsold cars (3.5 million in April 2025, per the China Passenger Car Association), this crackdown is about building trust.

For you, it’s a reminder to stay sharp—deals that seem amazing often have a catch. Got a story about a car deal gone wrong or a tip for spotting legit ones? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!