I kindly but strongly disagree with your interpretation of the "car analogy". Perhaps, I wasn't clear enough. Allow me, please to elaborate on this example. What I was trying to say is following. Say, you have a phone you never abused and used for just two months to talk no more than 2 hours per day after which time it peacefully died (my example). The company is sending you a refurbished replacement you know nothing about: it could have been used for a couple of years, extensively and was abused to the point that it may have numerous hidden issues which are about to start revealing themselves, although they are not identifiable at the time the device is sent to you. Am I clear with my example/assumption? Also, allow me to remind that in my case the phone is still under the manufacturer's warranty since it was in my possession for just two months.
Now, back to the "refurbished" issue. Practically all providers say that they are replacing the faulty devices with new or "like new" ones. This is in the policy of T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.
I am sure we both agree that Amazon is an internationally recognized company. Here are some quotes from their web site:
"General conditions guidelines:
- Refurbished: Use only if noted in the Category-Specific Condition Guidelines. A refurbished product has been professionally restored to working order. Typically this means that the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications. The item may or may not be in its original packaging. The manufacturer's or refurbisher's warranty must apply and should be included in the listing comments. Refurbished items are sometimes referred to as "remanufactured."
- Used - Like New: An apparently untouched item in perfect condition. Original protective wrapping may be missing, but the original packaging is intact and pristine. There are absolutely no signs of wear on the item or its packaging. Instructions are included. Item is suitable for presenting as a gift.
Cell phones and accessories:
- New: The original manufacturer's warranty, if any, should still apply, with details of the warranty included in the condition comments.
- Refurbished: You may use Refurbished in this category. See the General Condition Guidelines for details.
- Used - Like New: The original packaging and all original accessories are intact."
As you see, one cannot use terms "refurbished" and "like new" for the same product - and this is exactly what T-mobile is doing. Allow me please to kindly walk you through this marvelous example of oxymoron. While "like new" means an item in perfect condition with original packaging and no signs of wear with instructions included, the refurbished item is a repaired one. Regretfully, while T-mobile's replacement policy promises its customers replacement with "like new" devices, there are hundreds on-line documented records indicating that the customers were receiving devices with clearly seen signs of previous wear.