Your Guide To The Pros And Cons Of Buying An Ex Demo Car

Are you thinking about treating yourself to a new set of wheels? Perhaps it’s time to splash out on a family SUV to accommodate the little ones. Or maybe they’ve all grown up and flown the nest, and now’s the perfect opportunity to downsize and reward yourself with that sporty model you’ve had your eye on.

Whatever your situation, it makes sense to at least be aware of all the options available to you. When buying a car, most people make a choice between new models and used vehicles. Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages, but there is a third option that you may not have previously considered.

Ex demo cars could provide the ideal solution. But before you start scouring the dealerships for the perfect model, it makes sense to first figure out a few answers to some key questions. So, what does ‘ex demo car’ mean exactly? Are ex demo cars worth buying? And where’s the best place to buy an ex demo car in the UK? Allow Jardine to help you work it all out…

Ex demonstrator or ‘ex demo’ cars are those which have previously been used in dealerships and showrooms as display models. They may have been driven by other customers and staff for test drives, which means they might have clocked up a few more miles than you would expect from a brand-new vehicle. However, there are plenty of reasons why ex demo cars are worth buying…

Let’s start with the positives, shall we?

The good news is that because ex demo cars have spent a lot of time on display in the showroom, they should be in peak condition. They’ll have been well maintained – both aesthetically and mechanically – in order to encourage a sale, so you can be confident when buying an ex demo car that it should be in tip-top shape, with no faults or issues for you to worry about.

On top of that, a lot of dealerships will be keen to show off the very best versions of the models they’re selling, so you may find that ex demo cars boast top-class features and tech built in. These specifications may not come as standard with a lot of models in the range, so it could pay to go for an ex demo car and benefit from all the optional extras.

Usually, the two advantages listed above would come with a caveat – a higher purchase price. However, buying an ex demo car is slightly different to plumping for a brand-new model, in that it has already been driven and tested out. That equates to a lower price, which in turn means you could drive away knowing you’ve picked up an incredible deal on a high-quality vehicle.

Of course, it’s important that you’ve weighed up all the pros and the cons of buying an ex demo car. Here are some of the negative factors you might want to consider.

One of the potential disadvantages of buying an ex demo car is that you may have a smaller range of vehicles to choose from. Larger dealers will offer hundreds and even thousands of new and used cars, which means that even if you have a specific model in mind, you’re more than likely to be able to find an option that suits. With ex demo cars, meanwhile, it’s probable that you’ll be choosing from a much more limited selection.

Most ex demo cars are only used as display models for a few months, but even in that relatively short period of time they can clock up the miles – especially if they’re a popular choice for other customers. If you want your vehicle to be brand-new and fresh off the production line, then maybe buying an ex demo car isn’t the way to go.

Another factor to consider is that any manufacturer’s warranty will start as soon as the vehicle is registered to the dealership. So, if you’re buying an ex demo car that’s been on the showroom floor for two months, it’ll be two months into its warranty before you’ve even had a chance to take it out for a spin. It may not be enough to put you off making a purchase, but it’s something you’ll need to be wary of further down the line.

Buying an ex demo electric car is just as safe as opting for a petrol or diesel engine. The models will have been equally well cared for and checked and tested to the highest standards. In fact, there are plenty of benefits to buying an ex demo EV.

One obvious advantage is that electric vehicles are much better for the environment, while the government offers a maximum grant of £2,500 (figure correct as of March 2021) to put towards the purchase price in order to incentivise more drivers to go electric. And the global push for reduced carbon emissions has encouraged manufacturers to increase their focus on EVs, which means a far wider range of models for you to choose from.

If you do your research, you may be able to secure an even better deal. For example, if there are new releases due out soon, it’s likely that dealerships will want to shift the existing models in order to display the most recent versions. So, if new launches are expected in the coming weeks, that could be the best time to buy an ex demo car.

And the good news is that you can pick out your next set of wheels without even having to leave the comfort of your own home. The coronavirus pandemic, combined with a wider trend of changing customer behaviours, means buying online has become increasingly popular as the convenient option for car-lovers across the country.

Have you weighed up all the pros and cons of buying an ex demo car? If you’ve decided it’s an option you’d like to explore further, come to Jardine Motors. We have ex demo cars for sale across dozens of dealerships dotted throughout the country, boasting some of the finest brands – from Aston Martin and Audi to McLaren, Mini and Mercedes-Benz.

There’s nowhere better to buy ex demo cars in the UK, so why not get in touch and see if we can help you find a top-class vehicle at an excellent price.

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