What's a Dealer Demonstrator Car?
Posted in Buyer Advice
What is a Dealer Demonstrator Car & Why is Buying One a Smart Move?
When shopping for a new car, you might come across something called a "demonstrator vehicle" or "demo car." But what exactly does that mean?
There are new cars (which are fresh out of a factory) and used cars (which have been bought and driven by someone else at some point in the past) but a dealer demonstrator is something different.
Demonstrator vehicles are dealer stock that have been registered, but not sold, and are kept at the dealership and used for test drives, customer demonstrations, or special events.
They often come with low kilometres on the clock and have been meticulously maintained, making them an attractive option for buyers who want a nearly-new vehicle without paying the full new-car price.
But why should you consider buying one? Here's what makes a demonstrator and three big reasons why buying a demo vehicle is a smart choice.
What Makes a Demonstrator?
Dealer demonstrators cannot be more than two years old (from its build date) and cannot have over 5000kms.
If the vehicle you’re looking at is anything other than this, it’s not a dealer demonstrator, and is just a used car – which is fine too, you’ll just have to perform your pre-purchase inspection a little more thoroughly.
Warranty
Demonstrator models will most likely come with their new car warranty, however, this warranty period begins when the car is registered.
This means you may miss out on a portion of the new car warranty although, generally, dealerships like to clear out demonstrators within a couple of months, so the warranty won’t be shortened considerably.
It’s fully transferable to you if you decide to purchase but it's worth considering if that’s something that you don’t feel comfortable compromising with on your car purchase.
Options
When you go in to buy a new car, you’re presented with all the options: what colour you want, any additional features or accessories you’d like to add on to a vehicle.
If you want a car built with specific accessories and options, then you’re probably better off talking with a salesperson about a new car – but if you’re generally happy with whatever comes standard on a model of a car, particularly on a top-spec model.
Plus, if there's few options fitted that are usually an additional cost (such as premium paint), then a demonstrator model can save you up to thousands of dollars from a new model.
Why Buy a Demonstrator?
Cost Savings
One of the main advantages of buying a demonstrator vehicle is the cost savings. Demo cars typically come with a significant discount compared to a brand-new model, even though they are only a few months old and have minimal wear and tear. For buyers looking to get more features for their budget, demo vehicles offer excellent value.
By opting for a demo car, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-equipped vehicle with advanced features—often for thousands of dollars less than you would pay for a brand-new model. Plus, since demo cars have already taken a small portion of their initial depreciation, you’ll experience less depreciation compared to driving a new car off the lot.
Low Kilometres, High Quality
Another reason demo cars are a smart buy is that they come with low kilometres, meaning they've been driven just enough to keep the engine running smoothly without adding significant wear. Demonstrator vehicles are usually used only for short trips and test drives, so they still have that "new car" feel. In many cases, you’re essentially getting a car that’s nearly new but without paying the new-car premium.
When you choose a demonstrator, you also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing the car has been handled with care by the dealership. These vehicles are typically kept in pristine condition, so they look and perform like new.
Well-Maintained Condition
Demo vehicles are maintained to a high standard since they represent the dealership’s commitment to quality. Unlike used cars that may come with unknown histories, demo cars are kept in tip-top shape because they need to make a great impression on potential buyers. They come with full service records, so you know exactly how the car has been cared for from day one.
Moreover, because demo vehicles are still relatively new, they are often covered by the original manufacturer's warranty. This means that you can drive away with the same level of protection you'd get with a brand-new vehicle, offering extra peace of mind.
If you think a demonstrator vehicle could be the right choice for your next car, make sure to check out our range of available demo models across all of our Motorama dealerships.
