Is there anything wrong with a floor model?

[bja68]

I came across an Accord coupe, that is a floor model. It has ~20km on it and has been always inside the dealership. Is there anything wrong with getting this car? Should i expect for more discount beside invoice price and factory rebates?

Thanks!

[win-star]

there are nothing wrong with floor model, unless you don't like the wear and tear of people opening and closing the doors.

My brother has 2 cars that he bought floor models (2000 Acura TL and 2003 Civic DX) and both is nothing wrong since day of purchase until now.

[pulpman07]

With floor models, try to push the dealer harder on lowering the price.

[m4gician]

Heh, push but don't shove. Remember...be a good human being first, then negotiate

[bythehour]

Take a good look at the seats for wear and tear, esp if it's leather. Check out all the switchgear as well, see if any are loose.

I've found it hard to get a big discount on floor models. They tend hold the position that these cars are "new", even though they've probably had hundreds of people sitting in them.

[Avatar]

My last Integra was a floor model. I thought it's better than one sitting outside under sunlight, rain and snow because the floor model is always kept at showroom condition.

[number8888]

My main problem with floor models is that hundreds of people have sat in that driver seat. A seat that has been used that many times is technically not new. Not to mention people opening every compartment and touching every nook and cranny in the car, would worn out the interior slightly faster.

[TT333]

My last Integra was a floor model. I thought it's better than one sitting outside under sunlight, rain and snow because the floor model is always kept at showroom condition.

My main problem with floor models is that hundreds of people have sat in that driver seat. A seat that has been used that many times is technically not new. Not to mention people opening every compartment and touching every nook and cranny in the car, would worn out the interior slightly faster.

Both valid points. Pretty much, if the car is in perfect shape still, then no nothing is wrong with a showroom model.

[jasonkwan86]

My main problem with floor models is that hundreds of people have sat in that driver seat. A seat that has been used that many times is technically not new. Not to mention people opening every compartment and touching every nook and cranny in the car, would worn out the interior slightly faster.

If anything take a look and see if there is any real wear and tear to see how well the car holds up to people sitting in it lots of times. Cuz honestly, your going to be doing the same, so at least you can see how it holds up in the future. One thing you might want to check for is a dead battery, or one with a low charge as it hasnt been driven in a while. Also for scratches along the car from people walking around it. You can also ask how long the car has actually been in the showroom, but you probably can't get a better deal on it based on the fact that it is inside.

[rogerrabbit168]

unless you are getting some kind of discount, or if there are no other available

my brother also bought a floor model because of the limited color selection, but it was only on the floor for a couple of weeks, so not much problem there

[bja68]

My last Integra was a floor model. I thought it's better than one sitting outside under sunlight, rain and snow because the floor model is always kept at showroom condition.

i was thinking the same thing too ... however ppl getting in and out of the car just bothers me.
The car's exterior and seats looks fine no rough ups or scratches.
Still wondering if the dealer can go below cost

[Nukey]

I wouldn't get it unless you can get it for cheaper than a new, off-the-lot car. How much cheaper is personal preference, but I'd want some discount. Why pay the price of a new, nearly untouched car for a car that's been sat in hundreds of times, and has been poked, prodded, and manhandled by everyone who walked in off the street?

If you do get a showroom car, just inspect it very thoroughly.

[tyfriend]

Floor models are extremely easy cars to negotiate on.

Since it is a floor model it is not new. This is because customers open, close the doors put their hands on the paint, touch the seat, steering wheel, shifter. Basically it has been harassed. There is a very high probability that you can find some sort of nick or blemish. In short there must be imperfections within a floor model. Perhaps not also visible to the naked eye but they are there. You are always entitled to a discount on floor models.

[poker838]

I guess it all depends on how they've been treated in the showroom.

Some units will have nicks and scratches from all the touching or even swirls as the dealership will ahve to clean them so much more often. Sometimes you'll notice the interior will have scuff marks from shoes and etc. Having that much traffic could also provide the opportunity to damage ... so just have a good look at the car before you buy.

There probably won't be any significant, material, issues though.

coincidentally - i just bought a floor model last Saturday. It got moved onto the floor on Friday afternoon. I hope they did move it out Monday morning as I wont be picking it up for another few days =\

[Vladimir]

I think it is perfectly fine, however I don't think I would take it unless there was an incentive to do so (try to get pdi+freight takin off (or equivelent $ value), maybe free extended manufacturers warranty, etc)
I mean why take one that has been sat in dozens (if not hundreds) of time, if you can get one brand new for same price

[upupnorth]

I am looking at a floor model because it's the only red car left at the dealer. My dilemma is that it has a bunch of extras I am not interested in and do not want to pay for. Yes I think because the '10 models are coming soon and it's a floor model I think it also fair to pay below msrp for a floor model. Any suggestions for a strategy? Would it be ok to proceed as follows: dealer invoice - $500 (factory to dealer rebate) + 0% for upgrades I am not interested in + reasonable profit = negotiating price?

[Anonymouse]

The thing that makes me hesitate in buying a demo that the public has had access to is that they tend to operate the engine at high RPM/load before it's had a chance to warm up. Any idea of "break-in period" goes out the window. If it's not been driven, though, that's okay by me.

[BradT]

If it was a floor unit used at an auto show, I might be hesitant. On the floor in the dealership, why not?

What are the additional options that have been added?

[upupnorth]

Armrest, usb charger and (I am not sure) rear spoiler. My dilemma is that I am not really interested in these items (and don't want to pay for them) but do want the last red car!

If it was a floor unit used at an auto show, I might be hesitant. On the floor in the dealership, why not?

What are the additional options that have been added?

[tyfriend]

Armrest, usb charger and (I am not sure) rear spoiler. My dilemma is that I am not really interested in these items (and don't want to pay for them) but do want the last red car!

Don't let the salesguy know that.

[upupnorth]

Ooooops! Too late. Ha ha my bad. But seriously I'll take another colour if we can't come to an agreement on the xtras.


Don't let the salesguy know that.

[HP_John]

As long as it looks fine to you, there shouldn't be any issues. Cars that aren't in the showroom are stored in 1 of 2 places, either a warehouse, or outside. There are tons of cars that are stored outside for months, getting exposed to the elements, including snow & rain.

As for discount, it's too easy to not really get a deal. For example, they'll say "OK, the most we can discount on this is $500 + we'll discount another $500 for it being a floor model, so $1,000 total", when in reality, they can discount $1,000 regardless if it's a floor model.

Some people think they've saved freight & PDI, truth is, they probably just discounted less on the MSRP to make up for it.

[DLFB]

20km sounds fine, but the more you wait the more that mileage will go up.

*no I'm not a salesman.

[ES_Revenge]

Floor models are extremely easy cars to negotiate on.

Since it is a floor model it is not new. This is because customers open, close the doors put their hands on the paint, touch the seat, steering wheel, shifter. Basically it has been harassed. There is a very high probability that you can find some sort of nick or blemish. In short there must be imperfections within a floor model. Perhaps not also visible to the naked eye but they are there. You are always entitled to a discount on floor models.

And you think there aren't imperfections you can't see "with the naked eye" on cars that weren't in the showroom? LOL.

Gimme a break. People are getting way to carried away on this one IMO. It's definitely nothing like a demo and stealers get away with selling those for mediocre discounts as it is.

Showroom cars are fine, provided they are new cars and not demos parked in the showroom.

So some people got in and sat in it and fiddled with stuff, so what? If the car passes your visual inspection and nothing inside is broken or worn or anything, then the car is new plain and simple. If you get a discount it won't be anything huge and I wouldn't expect any huge discount either.

Let's not forget also that showroom cars are often very well taken care of--waxed and cleaned often to keep a top shining paint appearance and slick feeling, as well as frequent interior detailing. Most mainstream car makes don't include things like waxing in the PDI, so here you're likely getting a bonus of that buying the floor model. The saying "showroom condition" doesn't come from nowhere you know.

[enforcerviper]

Let's not forget also that showroom cars are often very well taken care of--waxed and cleaned often to keep a top shining paint appearance and slick feeling, as well as frequent interior detailing. Most mainstream car makes don't include things like waxing in the PDI, so here you're likely getting a bonus of that buying the floor model. The saying "showroom condition" doesn't come from nowhere you know.

I (and anyone from autopia.org) would STRONGLY disagree. Dealers take crappy rags to the paint causing swirls and paint problems. Paint on showroom cars are usually in horrid condition. They are used to getting a "rub down" almost daily. Wax? They don't wax anything. If they did, they would do a crap job anyway.

I was at erin park lexus where some teenager was taking an old dirty rag to wipe fingerprints off a black lexus. He was creating all sorts of swirls in the paint, you could see it in the showroom lights.

Also things like the scuff plates will most likley have scuffs and scratches. When I buy a new car, it's supposed to be NEW.

[ottofly]

I (and anyone from autopia.org) would STRONGLY disagree. Dealers take crappy rags to the paint causing swirls and paint problems. Paint on showroom cars are usually in horrid condition. They are used to getting a "rub down" almost daily. Wax? They don't wax anything. If they did, they would do a crap job anyway.

I was at erin park lexus where some teenager was taking an old dirty rag to wipe fingerprints off a black lexus. He was creating all sorts of swirls in the paint, you could see it in the showroom lights.

Also things like the scuff plates will most likley have scuffs and scratches. When I buy a new car, it's supposed to be NEW.

And I would also disagree with you. When I was shopping for my new car a month ago they had a red Vibe in the showroom. You can obviously tell it was detailed polished and waxed at the very least. The paint was super smooth, shiny, and there were no swirls. I would have taken it if it didn't have $6000 of options and that hideous roof rack. In fact, all the models on the showroom were detailed with glass smooth surfaces.

I got a car that was sitting at a dealers lot for just over a month. The car was clean and washed but the paint was almost as rough as sandpaper. Obviously all the fallout, rain, sand, and other sh*t had baked nicely with the hot July sun. I had to do a full detail including clay to get it smooth again. Anyone thinking a dealer delivers a new car using the Autopia method of washing and cleaning is absolutely delusional. You are getting nothing more then a wash, and some armour all on engine parts unless you pay extra for detailing.

[noel08]

And you think there aren't imperfections you can't see "with the naked eye" on cars that weren't in the showroom? LOL.

Gimme a break. People are getting way to carried away on this one IMO. It's definitely nothing like a demo and stealers get away with selling those for mediocre discounts as it is.

Showroom cars are fine, provided they are new cars and not demos parked in the showroom.

So some people got in and sat in it and fiddled with stuff, so what? If the car passes your visual inspection and nothing inside is broken or worn or anything, then the car is new plain and simple. If you get a discount it won't be anything huge and I wouldn't expect any huge discount either.

Let's not forget also that showroom cars are often very well taken care of--waxed and cleaned often to keep a top shining paint appearance and slick feeling, as well as frequent interior detailing. Most mainstream car makes don't include things like waxing in the PDI, so here you're likely getting a bonus of that buying the floor model. The saying "showroom condition" doesn't come from nowhere you know.

In total agreement with this. People DO tend to get a little a nal when it comes to new cars. Mint condition is fine. But we all have to deal with the real world. So, unless there are some visible scatches and such, I wouldn't exactly lose sleep over it.

YMMV.

[ES_Revenge]

I (and anyone from autopia.org) would STRONGLY disagree. Dealers take crappy rags to the paint causing swirls and paint problems. Paint on showroom cars are usually in horrid condition. They are used to getting a "rub down" almost daily. Wax? They don't wax anything. If they did, they would do a crap job anyway.
Interesting. You may indeed be right then but I can only say from my recent experience at dealerships last year (which was mostly lux car dealerships, admittedly) that I thought most of the cars in the showrooms were pretty well done and taken care of.

I'm certainly no pro detailer either, but I do know how to look for signs of poor washing and detailing habits and I don't really recall any of these cars being in that category. On black cars and under the showroom lighting as you indicate, stuff like swirls should be unmistakable yet I don't recall seeing any excessive swirl marks myself.

If you're saying the majority of people on a site like autotopia would agree with you then I'm not going to argue. People should then be very careful to inspect a car that's been in the showroom, before buying.

What's interesting to note is that if many dealers are so haphazard with their cleaning/detailing procedures, wouldn't that also show up on any car PDI'd at the same dealer? Though I guess at least in that case it's a one-time deal, instead of a daily practice which would lead to more paint damage no doubt.

[gilboman]

The thing that makes me hesitate in buying a demo that the public has had access to is that they tend to operate the engine at high RPM/load before it's had a chance to warm up. Any idea of "break-in period" goes out the window. If it's not been driven, though, that's okay by me.

they don't start or rev the car in the showroom. It's a floor model, not a demo

[Tommy74]

And you think there aren't imperfections you can't see "with the naked eye" on cars that weren't in the showroom? LOL.

Gimme a break. People are getting way to carried away on this one IMO. It's definitely nothing like a demo and stealers get away with selling those for mediocre discounts as it is.

Showroom cars are fine, provided they are new cars and not demos parked in the showroom.

So some people got in and sat in it and fiddled with stuff, so what? If the car passes your visual inspection and nothing inside is broken or worn or anything, then the car is new plain and simple. If you get a discount it won't be anything huge and I wouldn't expect any huge discount either.

Let's not forget also that showroom cars are often very well taken care of--waxed and cleaned often to keep a top shining paint appearance and slick feeling, as well as frequent interior detailing. Most mainstream car makes don't include things like waxing in the PDI, so here you're likely getting a bonus of that buying the floor model. The saying "showroom condition" doesn't come from nowhere you know.


I totally agree - nothing wrong with showroom car. When I went to one dealership in Mississauga all their cars inside were spotless and even locked. Than outside I saw a young "technician" washing all brand new cars on the lot with huge gas power washer at full blast....No soap or anything like that - just water at extreme pressure... I wonder how many of those cars got damaged paint after that.
If you really want that red car - go for it. I bought the floor model too, and no regrets. I'm very happy with it. Just take your time and inspect everything and you should be fine. For the extra stuff - why would you want a car without armrest? It's a great thing to have - you will enjoy it more than that red paint :lol:
Some people get obsessed with buying new car - what if dozen of people sat in it? How long is your car brand new??? Drive it off the lot and try to take it back - you will see how much they will offer for it... What about people buying used cars? Do they ask how many drivers touched the steering wheel or kicked the tire?? Be realistic...