buying an autoshow demo

[penga25]

so i found a fully loaded perisian gray 3.8 RWD for sale with 34 miles. its sold as used because it was titled by Hyundai and used for "training engineers or an autoshow" from the pictures i've seen online it looks to be in new condition but i can't go to the dealer since its about 800 miles away. its $38k!

from my research this looks like a great price to me but i've also been at autoshows and am weary theres a bunch of scratches and staines, etc i cant see from the pics.

what would you all do? its basically a (mechanically) new ultimate for $38k but i would hate to fly to the dealership and NOT drive back with a car because it was a floor model of the autoshow and not one of those ones that get spun around with a hot chick next to it.

 

[Ernie3647]

First you’re aware that for that much money you would like to know all there is about this car which means a in person visual inspection. You did not state the specifics of the car such as model and configuration. Be aware that recently there have many posts on the site of purchases for 37 to 38 thousand on 5.0 V8 models (If that’s your preference) posted so I would I would look at the “Price paid for 2015” thread for reference.

 

[penga25]

you are correct, i forgot to mention the full details (mainly year).

its a 2016 ultimate rwd Persian gray/black combo with 34 miles for sale before any type of negotiating for $38k.

i did see new 5.0 going for around the same price in the price paid thread. my concern was the autoshow aspect of it, if it was local i would have probably already bought it upon a close inspection, but now that i would have to fly to see it i wanted feedback from the folks here on thoughts of a car title by Hyundai for show purposes

 

[halveb]

Perhaps someone close to the car could examine it on your behalf, either a professional or friend?

 

[Comp1]

Several years ago I was looking for a very specific Volvo V70 and I found one in Detroit (I'm in Nashville). It had the options I was looking for and then some. When I contacted the salesman he said the car was built by Volvo specifically for the Detroit Auto Show but arrived too late to be added to the show. I explained how "particular" I was about my cars and asked him to verify that it was not on the show floor. I also indicated that I would not accept the car if I felt it had scratches/dings/wear consistent with a show car. We wrote the paperwork up, I flew to Detroit, they picked my up at the airport, I inspected the car (and bought a few accessories) and drove it home. I purchased a one way ticket but I had checked into buying a return if need be. It was a great experience and a little bit of an adventure. But I go to car shows a lot and I've seen the damage that can occur. If I were you I would get something in writing about how many shows the car has been in and ask for very detailed photographs of seats, door panels etc., and write into the contract that the sale is contingent on your approval of the condition. But be mentally prepared to fly home without a car if you are the least bit disappointed.

 

[danygenesis]

The price for a 2016 3.8 Ultimate with just 35 miles is very good but being an autoshow demo could have some tear or paint/trim damage. You need to see it in person. I would not trust anybody to do that for me, not even the wife.

 

[XPO439]

I remember a while back when I was shopping for a genny, came across a Casablanca White 5.0 online and called the dealer. Salesman, young guy, told me the car was sitting in the showroom, impeccable condition, 30 miles on the ODO, yadidida. So I drove an hour there to check it out with the wifey. It was indeed on the showroom, nice and shiny.

First thing we saw, well the wifey did, was damaged leather on the driver side where the thigh bolster is. Hard not to miss it, it's right there in your face. Car battery was dead, they had promotional boxes and shit all on the roof of the car. I told him to get his boss, dude came out like he was doing me a favor by selling me that car. We argued, like going at it. He was telling me I wouldn't find another car in a perfect condition like the one he had infront of me. I told him, your leather is ugly as shit, replace it and maybe I might bite.

The 20 or so minutes that we were arguing, I see, in the corner of my eye, an overweight lady opening the door, and literally slammed her ass on the bolster while she tried to squeeze into the seat. Mind you, she kicked just about every panel of that car going in. She had flip flops on, so I can only imagine the crust of her toes inside a car that I would potentially purchase. To make matters worse, she kicked the door again coming back out, leaving a nice scuff mark on the plastic. She literally got out the car by grabbing everything that she could get a hold of. AH! So there's the damage! I paused the argument and stared at her until she made it back out safely. The sales manager still trying to sell me the car...

Lesson learned, ALWAYS check these cars out before you purchase. He was willing to give me $40K out the door for it, which made the car like $35K-ish selling price. I still passed it up. Just not worth it.

Hope this rant helped lol, gets me furious everytime I talk about it.

 

[Pamplona/Beige]

Two thoughts, one is that it is a demo vehicle regardless of whether it was driven or an indoor demo, still a demo. Secondly, if the price reflects what a used model compares to, then there is value there because mechanically it is brand new.

It becomes a matter of personal choice. Can you live with a few blemishes and save thousands or is it important that the car be flawless and you'll have to pony up the money and then the minute you drive it the blemishes will begin.

 

[Mark_888]

Since the car is being sold as used, it does not have the 10 year - 100K mile extended drivetrain warranty for original owners only, unless they are willing to sell it as CPO certified. A dealer that sells a car as CPO has to pay Hyundai Motor America about $1000 to cover the extra warranty.

 

[penga25]

might be a dumb question but the 0% finance for 60 months advertised with Hyundai right now, does that apply only to new cars or CPO as well. i'm guessing not for used right? i've never bought used before...

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[jimb100]

I remember a while back when I was shopping for a genny, came across a Casablanca White 5.0 online and called the dealer. Salesman, young guy, told me the car was sitting in the showroom, impeccable condition, 30 miles on the ODO, yadidida. So I drove an hour there to check it out with the wifey. It was indeed on the showroom, nice and shiny.

First thing we saw, well the wifey did, was damaged leather on the driver side where the thigh bolster is. Hard not to miss it, it's right there in your face. Car battery was dead, they had promotional boxes and shit all on the roof of the car. I told him to get his boss, dude came out like he was doing me a favor by selling me that car. We argued, like going at it. He was telling me I wouldn't find another car in a perfect condition like the one he had infront of me. I told him, your leather is ugly as shit, replace it and maybe I might bite.

The 20 or so minutes that we were arguing, I see, in the corner of my eye, an overweight lady opening the door, and literally slammed her ass on the bolster while she tried to squeeze into the seat. Mind you, she kicked just about every panel of that car going in. She had flip flops on, so I can only imagine the crust of her toes inside a car that I would potentially purchase. To make matters worse, she kicked the door again coming back out, leaving a nice scuff mark on the plastic. She literally got out the car by grabbing everything that she could get a hold of. AH! So there's the damage! I paused the argument and stared at her until she made it back out safely. The sales manager still trying to sell me the car...

Lesson learned, ALWAYS check these cars out before you purchase. He was willing to give me $40K out the door for it, which made the car like $35K-ish selling price. I still passed it up. Just not worth it.

Hope this rant helped lol, gets me furious everytime I talk about it.

Yes, always look at a car before you buy it. However, keep in mind that in many states, a car being sold as new can have thousands of dollars of damage repaired before that repair needs to be revealed to the buyer.

Many dealerships stupidly (imho) leave damage hoping buyer won't notice or that buyer will buy for less of a discount than repairs cost.

Bottom line, the car you buy may have and 100 fat ladies in and out of the drivers seat and, if the dealer has cleaned it up properly and repaired any damage to the interior, you would never know.

I suppose ignorance is bliss.

 

[Mark_888]

might be a dumb question but the 0% finance for 60 months advertised with Hyundai right now, does that apply only to new cars or CPO as well. i'm guessing not for used right? i've never bought used before...

You need to ask the dealer to be sure.

 

[Mark_888]

...100 fat ladies in and out of the drivers seat and, if the dealer has cleaned it up properly...

What are suggesting those fat ladies did, poop in the car?