BMW dealer offering 330Li demo car at discount: Is it a sensible buy

This car has been used as a demo car and has clocked 10,000 kms. He says he is offering about 10 lakhs lower than a new car.

BHPian MZee recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

I am looking to return to India after 27 years in the Middle East by December this year. I had more or less settled on choosing a sedan – either a BMW 330 Li or Toyota Camry as they are in line with budget and also my requirement of rear seat leg space.

The BMW dealer in Kochi where I plan to settle down is offering a 2022 model BMW 330 Li M sport with an on road price of Rs 63 lakhs (the split up being:

• ex showroom: 48.83 lakhs, Insurance: 1.36 lakhs, road tax @ 21%: 12.13 lakhs, TC: 48k, accessories and essentials: 70k).

This car has been used as a demo car and has clocked 10,000 kms. He says he is offering about 10 lakhs lower than a new car.

While further negotiation may be possible (he sounded desperate) and a test drive has to be done, the question I wish to ask is whether it makes sense to buy a car used as demo for test drives. The dealer has offered the first 3 months free warranty followed thereafter by regular warranty terms.

Thank you.

Here’s what BHPian V12 had to say on the matter:

I guess majority of the response here will be against buying a demo car. You never know how those 10000 kms were driven and how many people would have abused the car. A 2022 model demo car that has already covered 10000 kms would raise my eyebrows.

A brand new Camry seems to be a better option. Or better still increase your budget and get a fresh out of the oven BMW and save all the tension.

Here’s what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

As expected I wouldn’t recommend buying a demo car and that too which has been driven for 10k kms. The desperation of the dealer is another red flag as 10k kms is nothing for a demo car or the less than 1 year duration.

If you’re looking to buy a BMW then buy one brand new with every possible warranty item added and enjoy it peacefully for the coming years.

Here’s what BHPian the_skyliner had to say on the matter:

You can buy an Audi A6 Technology in that money which is a segment higher than the 3er Li. Contact your local Audi dealer and find out what they can offer.

In any case 63L for a 3er Li TD car which has clocked 10k on the odo isn’t a deal at all. If they offer you the car around 53-55L then only you should consider it. I would still not buy a TD car for that price.

Another option: I know the rear space isn’t great in the new C but do check it out. The interiors of the new C220d are simply outstanding. And you will probably get one at around 63-64L.

Here’s what BHPian DicKy had to say on the matter:

I am guessing this is a returning for good retirement.

If you are okay with the budget for a new 3er Li, then go for a new one. Let this be an occasion purchase. Demo cars are abused a lot. But if this is a car purchase for 4-5 years and you are looking forward to buying other luxury cars down the road, then negotiate hard for a better deal and take all the extra warranties possible.

Safe option would be the Camry for long term use, or if you are okay with a new 3er Li pricing, then take a look at the Lexus ES. Kochi has a reputed dealer and also it will help calm your NRI instincts feeling stupid to buy a Camry for half a crore.

Here’s what BHPian ninjatalli had to say on the matter:

10,000 kms is a LOT! Short answer – I’d stay away.

Long answer: If the discount is luring you, I’d first do a full proper PDI and then also work on the following list:

• Evaluate the time I’d take to get to 10k kms (6 months? 1 year? 1.5 years?) and ask for extended warranty terms for the same period.
• Evaluate the condition of the wear & tear elements (tires, battery, brake pads, etc.) and ask for fresh parts/accessories & consumables.
• Get the first servicing done free off cost before taking the car.
• Push for the maximum possible (officially offered) extended warranty on top of what the dealer is offering you in addition.

Here’s what BHPian rugsrags had to say on the matter:

I’ve found out and am being offered an option of BMW 3ld with 2000 kms on the odo and 330Li with 4000kms on the odo. Now with these odometer readings i’m getting inclined towards the demo cars since i know the discount price will be pretty much better than on new ones. I’m expecting the price to be around 58 onroad instead of 66 on road. This is the unofficial price as i’ll get a final quote once I’ve decided on the model.

I was in the market and on the verge of booking the camry as a no non sense purchase but at around 52 on road vis 58 for a German i’m getting tempted to stretch. Of course my usage is as a secondary vehicle since my garage at the moment only has SUV’s and a lower saloon’s need is being felt.

Since I’ve asked there is also a 6gt available as a demo. Though that will be stretching a lot since the on road for a 6gt is 82. Personally I know people who have used demos from BMW and they’ve faced no issues whatsoever. Both were x1 with 2k and 10k run demos.

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