When looking for a car at a dealership, you may think that your only two options are new or used cars. But there’s actually a third for some – demo cars.
So what’s a demo car, where can you find one, and are they actually worth buying compared to a new or used vehicle? Let’s find out.
What is a Demo Car?
Demo cars are showroom vehicles used for test driving new and limited inventory models – sometimes, they even function as short-term commuter cars for employee business.
They generally have less than 3,000 miles on them when sold, but they rarely get registered. This means demo cars are legally new but sold as if they’re used cars, giving buyers some unique advantages when purchasing them.
But does that actually make these cars worth buying? Especially if you’re looking for a new vehicle, it depends on a few key factors.
Are Demo Cars Actually Worth Buying?
Compared to new cars, the main advantage of a demo car is in pricing. Since they’re considered new vehicles, they’ll be eligible for new vehicle specials and may provide better incentives like interest rate reductions.
But because demo vehicles have miles on them, their price will be reduced from the get-go – you can save thousands of dollars on a car that’s only downside is that it’s been driven before.
Compared to used cars, demo cars are often newer model years. They have less wear and tear and more optional features that may not be available for used models. They’re also likely treated better since they’re used to make a good impression on test drivers and don’t leave the showroom often.
In theory, a demo car has the best of both worlds! But there are a few other things to consider.
Special Circumstances and Considerations
For people interested in new cars, remember that demo vehicles don’t give the same flexibility of customization. They’ve also been driven by others and may have miles and minor wear and tear that new cars wouldn’t have.
The miles on a demo car at the time of purchase are also counted in the warranty, which means you get a shorter warranty time.
For those who mostly buy used cars, know that demo cars are often more expensive than used vehicles and are harder to come by because there are fewer of them in general.
They’re also usually part of a new model’s limited supply, so new car buyers will want a demo car if the rest of the new cars run out quickly.
Where to Find a Demo Car
If you’re interested in purchasing a demo car, contact your local dealership to find out if they’re currently using or selling demo vehicles. If they are, head down to test drive one for yourself and find out how much you can save on a demo compared to new and used cars!
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