Imagine Sarah, who had her heart set on a brand-new SUV but found the sticker price—even after rebates—just out of reach. While browsing the lot, she noticed a model from the current year that looked identical to the new ones but was listed for thousands less.
But the experts say to keep these points in mind: * Verify the car's history: Ask the salesperson for details about the car's use. Buying a Used Car From a Dealer - FTC Consumer Advice
While some new models had waitlists, this one was ready to drive home that day. Can Buying a Demo Car Save You Money? on Edmunds.com buying a program car
Since the car was so new, Sarah still had a significant portion of the manufacturer’s warranty left.
The price was roughly 20% lower than the identical new model sitting nearby. Imagine Sarah, who had her heart set on
Sarah was hesitant. "Is it just a beat-up rental?" she asked. The salesperson pulled the Carfax report , which showed the car had been part of a corporate fleet and followed a strict, documented maintenance schedule. Because it was a current model year, it still had the "new car" smell and the latest tech features that she didn't want to sacrifice. The Benefits Sarah Found:
Her salesperson explained it was a —a vehicle typically used by manufacturer representatives (sometimes called "brass hats" or executive cars) or returned from short-term fleet leases or rentals. Unlike "demo cars," which dealers use for test drives and usually have under 3,000 miles, this program car had about 8,000 miles on the odometer. Buying a Used Car From a Dealer -
Buying a "program car" often feels like finding a hidden middle ground between a brand-new vehicle and a typical used one. The Story: The "Near-New" Gamble