Why buy a demo car in South Africa? You’ve had your eye on that sleek, brand-new car for a while, and you’re nearly ready to make the leap and buy one. But what if you could get that car for less than the advertised price? We’d all jump at the chance to save money, especially when buying a car. These savings can translate into tens of thousands of Rands, not just a few hundred.1
Suppose you’re confident that you want a new car or you’re focused on a particular new model on the market. In that case, we recommend buying a demo model instead of making a big purchase on a completely new one. A demo car is almost like buying a new car. Let’s explore some of the reasons in favour of buying a demo car. 1
Demo Cars Receive Top-Notch Care
Reputable dealerships prioritise ensuring their demo cars are always in impeccable condition, providing potential buyers with the ultimate visual and driving experience. While demo cars aren’t entirely untouched like brand-new ones, they are consistently well-maintained and thoroughly inspected before being sold. 1
Lower Mileage on Demo Vehicles
Most dealerships only retain their demo vehicles once they have logged around 5000 kilometres, sometimes even less, but never more. When you opt for a demo car, you can rest assured that the mileage is still relatively low, with any wear and tear during this time being minimal. 1
No Worries About Factory Defects
Occasionally, cars pass the quality testing phase but develop unexpected issues during early use. Few things are as frustrating as finally acquiring the car you’ve longed for, only to break it down within the first week. A demo car significantly reduces this risk. If a vehicle has a factory defect, it will most likely surface during the initial period when the dealer can promptly address and rectify it. This means any potential issues the car may have had will have already occurred and be taken care of before you take ownership. 1
Reduced Depreciation
As you may know, buying a brand-new car loses a substantial part of its value shortly after purchase. When you receive the keys and drive off for the first time, your vehicle’s value has depreciated significantly. A brand-new car can lose around 15 to 30% of its sales price value within the first year of ownership alone, and this depreciation continues as the years pass. Opting for a demo vehicle means that a significant portion of this initial depreciation has already occurred, resulting in a reduced purchase price reflecting the car’s current value. 1
Enjoy All the Benefits of a New Car
If you decide to buy a demo car, you still receive the remaining service plan and warranty initially provided for that vehicle, but at a reduced cost. Unlike with used cars, you’ll likely have many more years and kilometres to enjoy before needing to budget for a car service or parts replacement. 1
Virtually Indistinguishable from Brand-New Cars
The two will be virtually indistinguishable whether you choose a brand-new car or a demo model. You enjoy all the benefits of having a new car without paying the full price of a new car. Show your new vehicle to any friend or family member, and they’ll almost certainly believe it’s fresh off the factory floor, except for the reading on the odometer. 1
Likely to Include Extra Features
Dealers often equip demo cars with additional features to showcase the full range of options available to potential buyers. These extras may encompass an upgraded sound system, premium seat upholstery materials, steering control buttons (replacing a standard steering wheel), and special paint finishes on the bodywork, including metallic and pearlescent colours, which typically come at an extra cost. 1
Disclaimer
This article is about buying a demo car in South Africa. 1
Are you ready to explore the possibility of a demo model? What about your possibilities regarding car insurance?
There are many options when it comes to car insurance companies in South Africa? What about PMD, which offers affordable car insurance with useful, unique benefits such as fixed premiums* and a reducing excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Please get professional financial advice from a certified financial advisor to ensure you select the appropriate financial services product.
- Source:
- 1 https://www.motusselect.co.za/blog/reasons-why-buying-a-demo-car-is-the-same-as-buying-a-new-one
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.