Demo Vehicle Questions

[shawtski]

Hello,

First post. Looking at a 2020 Caddy XT4, which is being sold as a demo vehicle. The XT4 has 2100 or so miles. We noticed a rear bumper lower panel was loose on one side and a minor scratch. Should the dealer be responsible to replace this?

Also, thinking about rust proofing. Is it worth the $$ to get rust proofing? If yes, there are oil and wax based applications. What is better?

Thanks!

 

[CKN]

Hello,

First post. Looking at a 2020 Caddy XT4, which is being sold as a demo vehicle. The XT4 has 2100 or so miles. We noticed a rear bumper lower panel was loose on one side and a minor scratch. Should the dealer be responsible to replace this?

Also, thinking about rust proofing. Is it worth the $$ to get rust proofing? If yes, there are oil and wax based applications. What is better?

Thanks!

I guess calling the car a demo means it was never titled. I wouldn't buy the car unless the damaged was fixed. You didn't say where you are located as far as rustproofing is concerned. Oil-Dexos labeled-what ever brand. Wax depends.

I'm getting a vibe that you may want to take someone who has some experience buying a vehicle and the negotiation process involved.

 

[Zee09]

Yes
No buy unless fixed

 

[4wd]

Some of the “demo” units with that kind of mileage is a manager perk vehicle … I bought one used by a business manager after meeting him and seeing he was likely mid 70’s … “reading“ the tires helps

 

[shawtski]

Located in upstate NY. This is a premium luxury version.

 

[ecotourist]

I know someone who bought a demo vehicle. A few months later they were in a fender bender and a lot of body putty fell out. Obviously it had been in a significant crash - though it was almost new. They talked to a lawyer who said there was nothing they could do - as a demo they had bought a used vehicle.

I would want to make some serious enquiries about the history of a demo. Has it been in any crashes, had any body damage? What was it used for?

 

[shawtski]

The carfax does not indicate any serious concerns. With only 2100 miles tho, is it possible that the vehicle was mis-used?

 

[daves87rs]

The carfax does not indicate any serious concerns. With only 2100 miles tho, is it possible that the vehicle was mis-used?

I would guess that it has seen quite a few test drives as well. That alone can be good or bad. Depends on how the test drivers are. Most abuse it a bit to get a feel if they like it or not.While chances are good it should be okay-you just really never know. I would get that panel checked for sure....

 

[Tdbo]

Yes
No buy unless fixed

I would also add the word properly to the second sentence.
Make sure they don't half rump the repair to pad their profit margin.

 

[fsdork]

The carfax does not indicate any serious concerns. With only 2100 miles tho, is it possible that the vehicle was mis-used?

You may not see an entry on carfax if the vehicle was damaged during its life as a demo, then sent to the dealer's body shop for repair. Not to say that is likely to have happened, just that carfax isn't perfect.

 

[ls1mike]

My Malibu was a Demo with 4600 miles on it titled new. I am at 67,000 miles now. Not back to shop once and no issues.
My Caprice was GM police Demo. I picked it up with 12,000 miles. I am at 60,000 miles no issues. Cam swap and exhaust 400 RWHP.

If they fix the bumper I wouldn't lose any sleep. I am sure my Caprice was hammered for 12,000 miles.

2100 miles? It would have had to have lived a rough life to have many if any mechanical issues.

What engine in the Cadillac?

 

[SatinSilver]

Very common for Cadillac to offer demos and wouldn’t hesitate considering one. After a few months you’ll likely forget about it. Plus it probably saves 10k or so off msrp of a ‘21.

Yes dealer should fix the two issues you mention quite easily. An oil or wax anti rust should be good. Just make sure it’s not one of those thick black tar like undercoating products which can do more harm than good.

Cadillac does a lot of corporate events, PGA tournaments, maybe some tennis events as well and offer the cars to vips, clients, etc.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Definitely make them fix it if you plan to buy.

 

[jstert]

i would ask dealer to cpo it.

 

[cb_13]

Is it their responsibility to fix it? No. There is a reason you won't be paying MSRP for it and that's because it has been driven already as a demonstrator.

Should you try to work the repair in to buying it or get more money off of it as a result? Yes, yes you should.

 

[ryster]

Is this a previously untitled/unregistered demonstrator being sold as "New" with a discount? If so, you are entitled to the full 4yr/50K mile bumper to bumper warranty. You will want to make sure the warranty is recorded as such that you will get a full 48 months or 52,100 miles. Since it is still new, the dealer has a way to make sure the system reflects this.

If this is a previously titled/registered vehicle, request for it to receive the Cadillac CPO warranty since it will have already been placed in service and the warranty will have already started from the date it was first registered.

In both cases, request that the rear bumper lower panel be fixed before you sign anything or agree to purchase it.

 

[CKN]

i would ask dealer to cpo it.

That's a $300.00 cost-incurred by the dealer. It's another point up for negotiation.

 

[shawtski]

Thank you all for your replies. Things to think about! Purchasing a vehicle is a royal pain to deal with.

 

[SatinSilver]

Waiting till the last day or two of the month can help negotiations drastically. The process can be fun. But I know what you mean about being painful.

 

[CKN]

Waiting till the last day or two of the month can help negotiations drastically. The process can be fun. But I know what you mean about being painful.

This car has been a "demo" (is a year old) and it's got cosmetic issues. The dealer (apparently) has decided it's time to sell it. It won't help the dealership hit any bonus numbers with the factory-therefore it doesn't matter what time of the month should the OP decide to purchase it.