Reflashed demo GTi anyone

[FLOSPOLOGTI]

I took a Gti for a test this week and believe the test (demo) car had been reflashed. It went I believe too hard for a stock car (comparing to reflashed Polo Gti that a mate let me drive on the same afternoon - eg I drove it to the dealer and back again).

This is not the first time I have come across this happening. A friend brought a VW based on its performance as a demo (he was comparing to another brand car with same drivetrain)...he later found out the Dealer principles car (ie the demo he test drove) had been 'flashed'.

You could see it as a bonus ..or......perhaps a little misleading

[Cam]

Seems unlikely, but plausible I guess.

Its either been flashed, or because its a demo its been thrashed since new and just goes really well?

[Mk6 GTI]

I took a Gti for a test this week and believe the test (demo) car had been reflashed. It went I believe too hard for a stock car (comparing to reflashed Polo Gti that a mate let me drive on the same afternoon - eg I drove it to the dealer and back again).

This is not the first time I have come across this happening. A friend brought a VW based on its performance as a demo (he was comparing to another brand car with same drivetrain)...he later found out the Dealer principles car (ie the demo he test drove) had been 'flashed'.

You could see it as a bonus ..or......perhaps a little misleading

flashed???

[Greg Roles]

Expose your arse briefly to the car. Easy.

[elisiX]

It's certainly possible but I would think unlikely.

[gerhard]

I took a Gti for a test this week and believe the test (demo) car had been reflashed. It went I believe too hard for a stock car (comparing to reflashed Polo Gti that a mate let me drive on the same afternoon - eg I drove it to the dealer and back again).

This is not the first time I have come across this happening. A friend brought a VW based on its performance as a demo (he was comparing to another brand car with same drivetrain)...he later found out the Dealer principles car (ie the demo he test drove) had been 'flashed'.

You could see it as a bonus ..or......perhaps a little misleading

Unlikely - flashed Polo not that quick, or perhaps had a torn DV.

What was wrong with asking the dealer " is this GTI flashed?" - then you might have got the answer.

[Corey_R]

I agree it would be misleading if the dealers were flashing their demo cars and not informing prospective buyers. However, I'd ask the dealer if you're not sure. If you still don't believe that dealer, then go to another one

[whiteVR6]

Its quite common for dealers to sell flashed cars . Some inform customers and others dont . Once you drive a few of the same cars its easily noticed .

[Maverick]

Its quite common for dealers to sell flashed cars . Some inform customers and others dont . Once you drive a few of the same cars its easily noticed .

What benefit would the dealers derive from spending $1000-2000 on flashing cars before delivery with or without telling the customer? I've never heard of a dealer doing this unless the customer has requested and paid for the service.

[anthony_VWJET]

a) What benefit would the dealers derive from spending $1000-2000 on flashing cars before delivery with or without telling the customer?

b)I've never heard of a dealer doing this unless the customer has requested and paid for the service.

a) Easy.. a Sale.
b) Just because you've never heard of such things, doesnt mean dealers dont do it, dealers will do ANYTHING to get the sale.

[Calais]

I believe there are limits to what a dealer will do to car that in standard form has apsolutely no trouble selling itself (mk6 waiting lists anyone?).

Like has been posted before, I'd find it hard to understand why a dealer would flash a car, and invest in something that unless disclosed, wouldn't return a cent to the business.

I'm happy to be proven wrong though, maybe one of the dealers who post on here could clarify if it might be an emerging industry practice? (albeit an unethical one).

[gareth_oau]

sounds very misleading to me. i'm sure consumer affairs would be interested to hear about it

[gareth_oau]

in fact, if its true, then buy a standard one, and then get the dealer to reflash fro free or you will dob him in!!

[Calais]

sounds very misleading to me. i'm sure consumer affairs would be interested to hear about it

I was thinking along these lines too. I'd be pissed if I was sold a car that had been modified without my knowledge, and in being modified, would void my warranty without even knowing it.

[NickZ]

Go to another dealer and take one for a test drive, that will probably best answer your question. If a dodgy tactic is being used, it would not be common enough that you would get it twice I hope.

A flashed polo gti should be quicker than a stock golf gti, so you should have noticed it being a little slower, especially as the polo feels faster than it is.