Advice on Demo purchase

[Steve47]

I purchased a demo vehicle in February (from a well known dealer) which seems has had the bumper resprayed, Im still awaiting a formal assesment however the franchise dealer where Im having the vehicle serviced is of the opinion it was resprayed, this was obviously not disclosed, when I enquired about any damage/repair I was assured since it is a "demo" it doesnt have any, as legally a car cant be classified as demo if such is the case.

Do I have any recourse if it turns out the car had previous damage?

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

nope, car dealers will sell cars that been in serious accidents as "pre-approved" as Demos,
read this guys story, makes for shocking reading, as they literally sell death-traps quite regularly
and there is zero recourse

CONSUMER WATCH | Written-off Mini reappears on ‘approved’ dealer floor

Lucian Rajah described a side impact collision in his 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP (R56) as a near-death experience

www.timeslive.co.za

 

[A3@MBB]

The damage could have been cosmetic.
A granny with her purse could have scratched the bumper on the showroom floor for all intents and purposes.

I would be more worried about the mechanical aspect. I've seen "demo" cars red-lined with cold engine and driven as if stolen.

 

[Steve47]

A3@MBB Thank you for your reply. My main issue is that it wasn't disclosed, as I wouldn't have bought the car if I knew, it will also effect resale as the next buyer will err.

 

[epah]

Hi Mnr Hofmyer, This is not unusual at all, It is cosmetic damage on the bumper on a car that was driven by 100's of peope before it was sold to you. Yes they can sell it as a demo. Sometimes touch ups like these happen on brand new vehicles.

 

[Steve47]

@epah, thank you for the reply, I accept that it may be the case.

As said in previous post it was not disclosed after specifically enquiring about ANY repairs done, I even deleted the subsection in the OTP pertaining to the matter (which includes cosmetic repairs)

For context, its a high performance vehicle, with signs of (now) previous damage, makes me very nervous, which is why I bought a demo from a brand dealership in the first place.

 

[epah]

@epah, thank you for the reply, I accept that it may be the case.

As said in previous post it was not disclosed after specifically enquiring about ANY repairs done, I even deleted the subsection in the OTP pertaining to the matter (which includes cosmetic repairs)

For context, its a high performance vehicle, with signs of (now) previous damage, makes me very nervous, which is why I bought a demo from a brand dealership in the first place.

If the damage is clearly visible then I would ask them to replace the bumper completely, It is totally understandable why you would be upset over this. Is it possible to post a close-up of the damage here?

 

[Steve47]

Thank you for the advice

It is currently in for service, thereafter to the bodyshop for a formal assesment.

Basically low gloss and orange peel.


I will report back on the outcome, and post here.

 

[SubtleBeast]

Hi Mnr Hofmyer,

Lol, haha, you're funny

 

[TheChamp]

Is there a legal definition for a demo somewhere and can anyone provide it?

 

[TheChamp]

Thank you for the advice

It is currently in for service, thereafter to the bodyshop for a formal assesment.

Basically low gloss and orange peel.


I will report back on the outcome, and post here.

What does the dealer say, or you haven't brought it up with them yet?