I agree. Just bought a 2015 F-Sport demo today - 23% off MSRP. This was the finance manager's car vs one used for test drives. I think for cars that are this well made it is fairly low risk.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

That is what I am saying. Heck, most dealers around the country follow this practice.

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.

 

Does happen. Most dealerships just find the cheapest gas station nearby filler up and bring em on down into their lot.

The idea here is if the vehicle ecu is smart enough to retard timings what damage could possibly occur

 

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.