What are the benefits of leasing a Demo car?

Ask the Hackrs Used Cars
42

I’m searching for an i7 fully loaded this way (Demo/loaner) too. I’m in Nor Cal and would love to see the best way to search all of the possibilities across the country.

43

Leasing a demo car can be a smart move if it’s in great condition, the price is really a big pro. Warranty usually still applies, but double-check the terms since the clock might’ve started when the dealer first used it. As for returns, it’s the same as any lease. Just make sure you get all the wear and tear info up front!

45

and @Enzo7, see here. also, you can ctrl+F search N/A. N/A under vehicle use implies it was a demo or loaner car.

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46

here is one in AZ. check with the dealership, but N/A usually means it was a demo or loaner.

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47

I was checking a retired loaner that had a scratch at the door.

How would that work when returning the lease?

Is there anywhere in the contract to note existing damage to the car?

48

Have the dealer fix it or give you “we owe” with scratch noted.

49

You negotiate a larger discount knowing you may have to pay damage charges later, or preferably you just have the dealer fix the scratch before you take delivery (or shortly after).

If the scratch is large enough then you would be charged the same amount, regardless of whether the scratch happened while you were driving or was already on the car when you took delivery.

There is nowhere to note existing damage on the contract and there’s nothing a dealer can give you saying the damage was there that is going to matter at lease end.

1 Like
50

That’s what I was wondering.

Thank you.

51

What I struggle to figure out in this situation is what to expect in terms of % savings for a demo car (currently considering one with 1,400 miles) as opposed to brand new?

And how do you compare that % off MSRP savings for the demo with what you might be able to negotiate % off new, you know what I’m saying?

52

There’s no way to really quantify it unless there’s:

  1. Published numbers on how demo mileage reduces the residual (from what I know, MB publishes this, GM does not)
  2. Known rebates on retired loaner/demo/courtesy vehicles.

The rule follows that you will definitely be able to negotiate a much better lease on a “used” car vs a brand new one regardless of the drop in residual value.