As you search for the most affordable vehicle that your money can buy, you may run into the option of purchasing a ‘demo vehicle’ for a fraction of the price. By and large, demo vehicles can seem like the best of both worlds… they have all the appearance of a brand-new vehicle, they come with a full manufacturer warranty, and they usually carry a lower price tag than a model straight off the line.
So, with all those benefits, why would you not simply purchase a demo vehicle? Surely if you are opting for a pre-owned set of wheels, these are the best to choose from?
Well, before you jump into a demo deal, there are a few things every smart buyer should understand about these vehicles.
What Is A Demo Vehicle, Exactly?
A demo (or demonstrator) car is usually a model that the dealership has been using for test drives, display purposes, or transport for sales staff. Generally speaking, a demo vehicle is a current or very recent model and has never been privately owned. That said, it has been driven, and often the mileage on these vehicles sits at around between 2,000 and 15,000 km.
All in all, nothing about this gives pause for concern. However, it’s vital that you take a closer look at the demo you have in mind.
You’re Getting A Discount For A Reason
Demo cars can offer great value, but you need to keep in mind that these vehicles are not new in the strictest sense. The discount you are getting is reflected in the mileage, wear, and limited choice you’ll have in terms of colour, trim, or optional extras. If you are flexible and want a newer car without paying full price, this could be ideal – but go in with realistic expectations.
The Warranty Might Already Be Ticking
Even if a demo car hasn’t been registered yet, the manufacturer warranty period could very well have started when the dealership first began to use it. Ask exactly when the warranty clock started and factor this information into your decision.
You don’t want surprises a year down the line.
Always Ask For A Full History Report
Just like with any pre-owned vehicle, it is of the utmost importance that you have access to the car’s full service history. You also need to pay attention to signs of previous damage – either visually or in the vehicle history. While most demo vehicles are well cared for, taking a look at the history report will provide peace of mind – especially if the car was used frequently for test drives.
Negotiate Like You Would With Any Other Car
Demo cars aren’t sacred. You can (and should) negotiate on price, request extras like a service plan or roadworthy certificate, and compare it against new and used models. A lot of buyers assume that demo vehicles aren’t up for negotiation, but you can and should treat this like a smart business deal and not just a discount that you’re lucky to get.
The best dealerships won’t dodge these questions and requests – they will welcome them. This is one of the signs that you are in the right hands. If you find that a demo vehicle is not the right choice for you, then make sure that you view credited vehicles that have undergone rigorous testing. A great example would be AA Certified Dealers, who offer vehicles that have been put through a 125-multi-point check, so that you can be completely assured that your secondhand purchase is a wise one.
If you’re ready to buy a pre-owned vehicle with confidence, then click here to find a AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer close to you.