Would you buy a demo? Plus winter storage question.

[Kuri]

I can assure you the 3k I saved, Not worth it. I've spent over 3k+ in repairs from a faulty weld at the clutch pedal assembly, but got reimbursed by SOA. Worn Clutch at 29k, had to eat that plus I had a bad out of spec clutch from SPEC, So I had to pay for double install at COBB Plano

[pche]

"Demo" to me is a car that the owner/manager drives as a company car. They can be had with great discounts and usually not driven much and always kept up with service. If that's what you mean, I don't see anything wrong with it. You could also ask who drove it and talk to him or her and get an idea of how the car was driven.

A "used" one on the other hand should be gone through with a fine comb by a 3rd party. Like everyone said, a used sports car typically was used for intended purpose.

[Hanni_0176]

The biggest problem with demo cars is not so much about being driven hard, as much as it is about being driven hard when the engine is cold.

When someone comes in for a test drive, the engine is cold. How many of the people who come in for a test drive are going to drive around gently for 10 minutes before beating the car up? No... more than likely, the car is getting abused as soon as it pulls out of the lot. This is even worse during the winter, when oil temps start at around 30 degrees (or less), and takes a full 15 minutes to get up to 185 degrees.

I'd never buy a demo, period. It's almost as bad as trying to buy a rental car. It's just not a good idea, unless you're getting it for a fraction of the current blue book value.

[BRZfan]

Her is my checklist, but for INDOOR storage. Maybe it helps.

Originally Posted by FJ/BRZ

I have the opportunity to pick up a demo for about 4.5k$ off MSRP. (Haven't negotiated a final price yet so I'm sure it can be less). Making the lease payment option quite attractive. I would lease with intention to buy. Car has 9000Kms (5500ish miles). If I were to purchase instead of lease, I'd have to sell my current vehicle which I'm not sure I'm willing to do. 2007 FJ Cruiser which I'd rather keep as a winter car. Winters here are just awful and I'm not sure I want to be driving a BRZ in 30 inches of snow lol. I figure buying demo is like buying used? What do you guys think?

One problem is I plan on storing the subaru in the winter outdoors as my house doesn't have a Garage, and since winter is already upon us, it's too cold to set up a car shelter. Any recommendations? The car comes with winter tires... So I could technically drive it for this winter alone, then be better prepared for next year. I'll have my FJ for bad snow days....dunno

[FJ/BRZ]

Originally Posted by BRZfan

Her is my checklist, but for INDOOR storage. Maybe it helps.

Thx for the link. And thank you all for the advice. I decided to pass, I'll just wait till after winter and buy new. Why take a chance.

[poundsand]

Originally Posted by pche

"Demo" to me is a car that the owner/manager drives as a company car. They can be had with great discounts and usually not driven much and always kept up with service. If that's what you mean, I don't see anything wrong with it. You could also ask who drove it and talk to him or her and get an idea of how the car was driven.

A "used" one on the other hand should be gone through with a fine comb by a 3rd party. Like everyone said, a used sports car typically was used for intended purpose.

i'd much prefer a used car owned by a private party than one given to a manager of a lot to drive. one of them has at least a possibility of the person caring about the car.

[N_A]

My buddy was a technician at the dealership and he said this happens all the time. The porters would drive the crap out of the customers' cars. One reason why I'm nervous every time I take my car to the dealer.

Originally Posted by poundsand

ha, yeah. i learned to drive stick as a lot boy. and by learned, i mean i taught myself with no input from anyone else.