Not sure why, probably preconceived ignorance, but I have a bias against demo vehicles.See them in a similiar category to ex rental cars. I have it in my head that demo vehicles are driven hard, not as looked after compared to a second hand vehicle. Think it has to do with a mate from yonks ago that worked for a dealership, used to drive the demo vehicles like he stole them. Anyone with experience around demo vehicles, are my fears completely unfounded?
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Demo vs Used
- Thread starter Sepeng
- Start date
Fazda
Honorary Master
Not at all - a demo should be as good as a new one in real terms.
We will sell a demo from day one, so the chances of it being thrashed are almost nil.
The only demo vehicle that we do have, that has been driven hard is the WRX that I drive, and when I do a demo in it, I drive it until it is warm, and then I control the driver as far as I can, with respect to driving it hard.
Normal demo's should be fine, however.
Our WRX that was the demo when the 2010 shape was released had a particularly hard time from the beginning, however, I sold it to a friend after being very careful to tell him that it had been driven hard, and 4 years down the road, he's done over 100 000 km and the car is running perfectly.
Very often cars that are driven hard from the beginning loosen up better than the gently driven ones, and reward you with better performance and decent fuel consumption.
So, what I am saying is that a demo should be fine, and remember it is also still covered by manufacturer's warranty so all should be well.
Final word - anyone who has been to a car manufacturing plant will know that the last point on the manufacturing conveyor belt is the point where the car is rolled on to a rolling road, switched on and taken up to maximum revs in each gear - all with an ice cold never run before engine! If the engine copes, it's considered to be OK after that!
We will sell a demo from day one, so the chances of it being thrashed are almost nil.
The only demo vehicle that we do have, that has been driven hard is the WRX that I drive, and when I do a demo in it, I drive it until it is warm, and then I control the driver as far as I can, with respect to driving it hard.
Normal demo's should be fine, however.
Our WRX that was the demo when the 2010 shape was released had a particularly hard time from the beginning, however, I sold it to a friend after being very careful to tell him that it had been driven hard, and 4 years down the road, he's done over 100 000 km and the car is running perfectly.
Very often cars that are driven hard from the beginning loosen up better than the gently driven ones, and reward you with better performance and decent fuel consumption.
So, what I am saying is that a demo should be fine, and remember it is also still covered by manufacturer's warranty so all should be well.
Final word - anyone who has been to a car manufacturing plant will know that the last point on the manufacturing conveyor belt is the point where the car is rolled on to a rolling road, switched on and taken up to maximum revs in each gear - all with an ice cold never run before engine! If the engine copes, it's considered to be OK after that!
dlk001
Executive Member
I don't think the fears are unfounded because I have been driven in demo cars and have driven them as loan cars. Some of them are driven with less care e.g. no consideration for engine break in period.
I think there is risk-reward in buying a demo or used car. If you get a good discounted demo, then its worth it. Demo is lower risk because you have many kilometers to drive her on service plan and warranty.
I think there is risk-reward in buying a demo or used car. If you get a good discounted demo, then its worth it. Demo is lower risk because you have many kilometers to drive her on service plan and warranty.
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dlk001
Executive Member
Final word - anyone who has been to a car manufacturing plant will know that the last point on the manufacturing conveyor belt is the point where the car is rolled on to a rolling road, switched on and taken up to maximum revs in each gear - all with an ice cold never run before engine! If the engine copes, it's considered to be OK after that!
Good point. I have noticed the same thing and often ask myself why do they still insist on a break in period?
Mine was a demo vehicle. It seems the boy racers at the dealership bashed the underside and then tried to make me pay for the damage at the first service. I would suggest you get the vehicle checked by an independent party (e.g. the AA) from top to bottom before you commit. However, aside from that, no problems and a normal warranty applied.
Fazda
Honorary Master
I personally drive all of my demo vehicles for the first 1600 km before I let anyone touch them.
Having said that 90% of the modern cars can be driven normally from Day One - at Subaru we try and keep the people under 4500 rpm for the first 1600 km, but it really makes sweet blow all difference.
The BIGGEST thing with a new engine is labouring it i.e. changing gear too soon, or not changing down when going up a hill. It is better to rev it rather than drive too gently.
Bona Botse
A little insight goes a long way
I love demos because they're usually loaded to the brim with extras .
.furpile
Expert Member
It also depends on who drove it. Not all demo's are driven by prospecting customers, some are used by staff as daily drivers. Then its basically the same as secondhand (unless they drive it like a "rental").
Well it's not their vehicle, so might not treat it the same as if they owned it.
But all things considered, seems as if it's pretty much the same risks as buying used.
