Demos - opportunity or avoid?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: WA
I got 18% off msrp on my brand new 2015 white/Cabernet gs350 f sport. Demo isn't a bad deal as most people dont beat on the gas pedal when test driving a family sedan, but I would only take a demo for a killer deal such as 22% + discount. Remember, the warranty doesn't start until the car is registered to you so you're covered if anything goes wrong. When i was shopping around i found that the demos werent being offered at low enough lease rates for my liking. Good luck!
As an individual who has seen first hand how demos are treated, I wouldn't recommend buying one. Lots of folks like to punch it when the engine is cold, not to mention, all of these cars are run on 87 octane during those 5k miles.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: ny
Most demos in my area had 40-300 miles on them.... so they won't have that much permanent abuse to them, if any at all. Putting 87 octane in your car for a few tank fills won't have a tangible effect during the ownership period for the average American (5-8 years). I've had several Lexus and always put in 87 gas and the vehicle's ran like gems. Most people who lease or own a car, keep it for 30k -120k of its lifetime so beating on it for a few hundred or even a few thousnad miles shouldn't matter. Most drivers of a $60k family sedan are older more mature people who have families and not drag racing a lexus with their kids in the back seat or risking their life. People act as if every person who drives a demo or loaner is doing donuts and neutral drops at 5k rpm.
Last edited by DVADER; Feb 15, 2016 at 06:25 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13,614
Likes: 2,914
From: Texas
So, you are saying that your Lexus dealership uses incorrect octane gasoline in the majority of the models they demo and sell (because most Lexus vehicles require premium octane gasoline)? You do realize that doing so is against the recommendation of Lexus? You do realize that an engine calling for premium octane gasoline will retard the timing due to the engine's knock sensors, which will cause the engine to stumble, hesitate and not make the power it is designed to have? And, you think your Lexus dealership is okay with this happening? Do they use 87 octane in the GSF and LFA too? Sorry, but I don't believe it!
So, you are saying that your Lexus dealership uses incorrect octane gasoline in the majority of the models they demo and sell (because most Lexus vehicles require premium octane gasoline)? You do realize that doing so is against the recommendation of Lexus? You do realize that an engine calling for premium octane gasoline will retard the timing due to the engine's knock sensors, which will cause the engine to stumble, hesitate and not make the power it is designed to have? And, you think your Lexus dealership is okay with this happening? Do they use 87 octane in the GSF and LFA too? Sorry, but I don't believe it!
It's also worth mentioning that not all Lexus models require 91+ octane, but the higher compression engines i.e. the 2GR in the GS350, takes the higher octane. The lower octane won't necessarily damage the engine, but it won't be running to its full potential. It's just piece of mind knowing your engine has maybe only had one tank of 87 octane since new, as opposed to 5k miles worth.
Last edited by ThomasGS4; Feb 15, 2016 at 08:23 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 345
From: In your head
So, you are saying that your Lexus dealership uses incorrect octane gasoline in the majority of the models they demo and sell (because most Lexus vehicles require premium octane gasoline)? You do realize that doing so is against the recommendation of Lexus? You do realize that an engine calling for premium octane gasoline will retard the timing due to the engine's knock sensors, which will cause the engine to stumble, hesitate and not make the power it is designed to have? And, you think your Lexus dealership is okay with this happening? Do they use 87 octane in the GSF and LFA too? Sorry, but I don't believe it!
The idea here is if the vehicle ecu is smart enough to retard timings what damage could possibly occur
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 127
Likes: 15
From: Fl
Exactly when does a new car become a demo? My 450H sat on the lot for about a year and a half before I bought it off the showroom floor. It had 122 miles on it. Would you consider it a demo or new. If I do see a new car on the lot that I am interested in, that is the one I want to test drive. Surely that would not then be considered a demo with one test drive if it is not purchased.
Tom450, it is possible that your GS was used for brief test drives (not a dedicated demo) for those interested in the GS450h, used for promotional purposes and was displayed at an event, or dealer trade. That would explain the 122 miles v. the typical ~8 miles.
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