What is an Ex-demonstrator Car?

Are you wondering if buying an ex-demonstrator car is a good deal? 🤔 An ex-demo car is a model that’s been on display and has been taken out for test drives by other customers. While the ex-demo car has maybe covered a few thousand miles, it’s still in great condition and dealerships sell them at a discount. If you’re thinking of getting an ex-demonstrator car, here’s what you need to know. 

Why do Dealerships Sell Ex-demo Cars?

Car dealers want to acquire the latest models and place them in their showrooms. To do this, they first have to remove the older models by selling them at a discounted price. Usually, ex-demo cars are high-spec models since car dealers want to be able to show the best packages and options to buyers. Imagine getting upgraded infotainment and other nice features at a lower price. 

Should I Buy an Ex-demo Car?

You might be hesitant to buy an ex-demo car since it’s already considered “used.” However, these models are normally kept in great condition. You can expect them to not have any dents or damage. But just to give yourself peace of mind, it’s still advisable to inspect ex-demo cars thoroughly before you make the purchase. It’s possible that the car may have picked up some imperfections while they were taken out for test drives. 

Typically, ex-demonstrator cars have covered a few thousand miles but it would be much less compared to secondhand cars of the same model. So we can say that they’re much “newer” than their used counterparts in the secondhand car market. If you plan to sell the car in the future, you might be able to get a better selling price from it since it hasn’t covered as many miles as a typical used vehicle. 

Things to Remember Before Buying One

An ex-demo car seems like a great option but you still need to weigh the pros and cons of buying an ex-demonstrator car before purchasing one. Here are some of the disadvantages to consider. 

Fewer Choices

For every dealership, there are only a few ex-demo cars to choose from, especially if it’s a small car dealership. The best way to save time while shopping for an ex-demo car is to go online and search for dealerships selling ex-demonstrator cars. When you’ve narrowed down your choices, you may then visit the dealership to inspect the vehicle up close. 

Remember That They’ve Been Driven

Depending on the model, some ex-demo cars may have more mileage covered than others. This is true for more popular models. If you think this is something you are not comfortable with, then maybe it’s better to buy a brand new car than go for an ex-demo vehicle. But if you want something that’s not as expensive as a new car but in a much better condition than a used vehicle, then ex-demonstrator cars are definitely something to consider. 

The Warranty Could Be Dated

Keep in mind that the manufacturer’s warranty begins as soon as the car has been registered to the dealership. When buying an ex-demonstrator car, it’s possible that it’s been in the showroom for a couple of months already. This means that the warranty is already a few months in and you haven’t even been able to drive the car yet. Some buyers might be discouraged by this fact while others wouldn’t mind it at all. Nevertheless, this is something that you need to be aware of and a factor to consider when buying an ex-demo car. 

How to Check an Ex-demo Car

When buying an ex-demonstrator car, check it thoroughly as you would any secondhand vehicle. Whilst they are typically in better condition than used cars, it’s still important to do the essential checks to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are the key checks to perform when buying an ex-demo car. 

Engine

As the heart of the vehicle, it’s crucial to make sure that the engine is in good condition. There shouldn’t be any leaks in, around, as well as under the engine. It’s expected that an ex-demo car is well-maintained but it’s still worth checking the car for any faults and flaws. 

Gearbox and Clutch

For this check, you’re going to have to take the car for a test drive. You won’t be able to check the gearbox and clutch just by looking at them. It’s important that you know what it feels like to control them. The gearbox should be able to engage all gears quietly and smoothly. If you hear any noise or it behaves in a strange way, then something’s wrong. 

Tyres

Remember that ex-demo cars have been used so it’s important to check the tyres as well. Even if they have less mileage covered than a typical secondhand vehicle, you still need to look for any signs of damage. Do this for each wheel including the spare. See to it that they aren’t bent and that they don’t have dents in the rims. If there are any, then they would need repairing or even replacing. 

Documents

Typically, since you’re buying the ex-demo car from a dealership, you don’t have to worry too much about the paperwork compared to say, buying from a private seller whom you don’t know. But it’s still part of the checks you have to perform. Check that the details of the vehicle match those recorded on the documents. 

Takeaway

Ex-demo cars are a great option if you want to get a high-spec vehicle at a discounted price. They are more affordable than brand new cars but in much better shape than the usual secondhand vehicles. But before you buy one, make sure that you perform all the necessary checks so that you know you’re getting the best value for your money. 👍🚘