Why Buy a BMW Demo or Courtesy Vehicle?

Savvy shoppers understand that there is tremendous value in buying a demo BMW, a vehicle that has exclusively been used by the team at Germain BMW South for internal purposes. Those purposes can involve a few different things, ranging from test drives to loaners for guests who bring their primary vehicle in for service. In other words, they’re not truly fresh-off-the-line new, but they certainly aren’t used either. Rather, demos are instead their own unique category sitting between the other two.

Whether you’re a first-time BMW buyer, someone who typically enjoys the advantages of buying lease return vehicles, or a garden-variety commuter, there are tons of benefits to buying a BMW demo vehicle. For one thing, they typically have very few miles on them, under 5,000 in most cases, and are meticulously maintained, given that they’ve only been in the dealer’s possession. They’re also generally from the current model year, meaning that they carry the latest BMW features and trim levels, and likely have plenty of time remaining on their factory powertrain warranties. Then, of course, there’s the financial side of things: the price is usually a substantial discount from the original MSRP, despite there being very little wear on the vehicle, and demo vehicles are often eligible for promotional financing rates.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences between a demo BMW and a new BMW, as well as a demo BMW and a certified pre-owned BMW.

Demo BMW vs. New BMW

Common Myths About Demo Vehicles

Demo vehicles’ relatively recent emergence and unique place in the market has led to quite a bit of misinformation. Here are some frequent errors people make when discussing demo vehicles.

Myth

Demo vehicles are heavily worn from use and have mechanical issues.

Fact

Dealers have an obvious incentive to make sure that demo vehicles are in pristine condition, as they are often a customer’s first impression of a BMW. Accordingly, they’re meticulously maintained and retired after strict mileage thresholds.

Myth

Demo vehicles don’t have desirable option packages, they’re just the most basic version of the model possible.

Fact

Along the same lines as the previous myth, it would be a pretty bad idea for Germain BMW South, or any dealer, to offer test drivers and other potential customers anything less than the best BMW has to offer.

Myth

The manufacturer’s warranty is already gone on demo vehicles.

Fact

Though it is true that the clock on the factory warranty starts from the vehicle’s in-service date, the BMW warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles. Given that the vast majority of demo vehicles are well underneath those limits, most buyers will still enjoy a substantial warranty period.

Myth

Demo vehicles don’t offer any real savings.

Fact

Typically, a demo vehicle has accumulated fewer than 5,000 miles when it’s retired. At that point, the dealer will be motivated to clear it out for new inventory, which can mean a significant discount. Additionally, promotional financing rates for new vehicles will often apply to demos as well, since they have never been registered to a private owner.

Myth

Demo vehicles are hard to sell.

Fact

More and more consumers are becoming aware of the unique intersection of a new car feel at a lower price point that demo vehicles offer, creating tremendous demand for them.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Demo BMW

Convinced that a demo BMW is your best decision? There are still a few things you should check on before committing to buying one.

What is the mileage on the vehicle?

A simple question, but answers can vary significantly based on the car’s role with the dealership — a test drive vehicle, a loaner car, and something used by the general manager will typically involve different totals.

What was the vehicle’s in-service date?

This question mostly has to do with establishing how much time remains on its factory warranty, as its clock begins ticking on that day, not the day you buy it.

Can the warranty be extended?

If significant time has passed since the original factory warranty, it’s possible that the dealer will be willing to include the extra one year of coverage typically given to CPO vehicles.

What is the vehicle’s service history?

It’s always a good idea to check the service history of any vehicle that may be of interest, though in this case, that history should be minimal. All BMW demo vehicles are held to the highest possible standards of care and service, and will be like new when purchased.

Do any incentives apply?

Things like new car rebates and promotional finance rates often apply to demo vehicles because they have yet to be titled outside of the dealership. It’s important to ask about these to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

Why Buy a Demo Vehicle from Germain BMW South?

There’s nowhere in Southwest Florida that understands the ultimate driving machine quite like Germain BMW South. For years, drivers in Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee, and throughout Collier and Lee Counties have trusted us to help match them with their dream ride. We look forward to showing you the unique benefits of a demo vehicle, and how it’s a great way to become a BMW owner!