[WantBMW]

Hi All, I just posted another topic under pricing but I am also trying to get advice on owning a loaner car, good or bad experience from those who had bought one. Thanks for your help and suggestion.

I am new to this board, hope I am not troubing you all for this question (may be stuipd to you).


Here is the post about the pricing:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349845

Thanks again

[200Duece]

Never heard or seen any problems with loaner cars. most of the people that drive the loaners from the dealer are respectful to them. and they are financially the dealers responsibility while they are in loaner service so they are well looked after.

[TommyK]

^ +1

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Working at a dealer for 4 years, I can tell we used to love ripping around the loaner cars LOL.

In colder climate areas they tend not be warmed up properly and gone WOT right away.

I work next to a BMW dealer that will remain nameless, I hear them start cars in the morning at 25 degrees temp, and just rip out of the parking lot.

My .02 from personal experience.

Use your best judgement.

Trust me, don't buy a loaner car.

[memex01]

Originally Posted by 200Duece

most of the people that drive the loaners from the dealer are respectful to them.

Are you from a parallel dimension?

[kgb1637]

A loaner to me is kind of like a no holds barred test drive.

[zzzbullseye]

I bought a loaner in October, it was in great shape and I have had no problems, although it may be too early to judge pass/fail. The predominant feedback you'll receive on this board will no doubt be to not buy a loaner.

Good luck.

[jetblk328i]

I'm considering a loaner GLK, luckily, the dealership certifies its loaners so theres a little more peace of mind there

[Bulldog 6]

I wouldn't buy a loaner car. From my conversations and experience most people drive loaners hard so I am sure they are not properly broken in. I have seen posts here about people modding loaners too. Stay away...far away.

[Brey335i]

Originally Posted by kgb1637

A loaner to me is kind of like a no holds barred test drive.

+ 1 on this

[sbux]

unless super cheap...stay away....they are mean to be beaten hard...

[jetblk328i]

Well i think the car in question matters as well. At my dealership, there are a few 7 series loaners for those who have a 7. no offense to 7 drivers but, I think these guys may be more likely to take it easy on the car.

Honestly, i like to have some fun with a loaner...

[Gavin@MMW]

I will say this, I have an 07 328, and I have beat on it pretty much since I got it. It runs better then when I bought it brand new. Ive modded it, and canyon drive it every chance I get. and it wont die.

I only service it at the dealer, and they always give me a loaner. With said loaner, I am not the most careful person maybe, perhaps I dont slow down fully for speed bumps, or raised railroad crossings.. but is its CPO'd i know this, the engine wont die on you. So if its a good deal, get it. You might luck out and get the senior citizen loaner or something

[WantBMW]

Thanks for replying, here is the post I created about the price of this car, is it a deal?
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349845

Thanks again....

[jlstyle]

I guess it all depends.
I doubt MB S or E class or high class lexus loaners being harrassed much by those fairly calm and old people. But 3 series?? I don't know. I can only assume it being driven much harder.
I mean I beat the total shit out of my loaners. They aren't any different from rental cars.

Also....all the loaners only serve up to 2500miles or less. Usually 2000 miles are their max. So it has matured it's whoreness and is not considered fresh anymore and on sale before it gets too old and depreciate like crap.

[jetblk328i]

I think the deal is good, but i would make them certify it.

[200Duece]

Originally Posted by memex01

Are you from a parallel dimension?

almost

90% of the people that drive BMW's aren't on this board and most have also worked hard for thier cars. And for that fact will respect other peoples cars wether it be a dealer loaner or in a parking garage.

I know that I am always careful when I open my door in crowded area's I guess I have a glimmer of hope for mankind

[jayely1]

some of you guys say people are respectful of loaners??? What fantasy world are you living on? STAY AWAY..

[oldkingdom]

Originally Posted by 200Duece

almost

90% of the people that drive BMW's aren't on this board and most have also worked hard for thier cars. And for that fact will respect other peoples cars wether it be a dealer loaner or in a parking garage.

I know that I am always careful when I open my door in crowded area's I guess I have a glimmer of hope for mankind

I'm with you.

[s3touring]

wantbmw,

sorry for the long reply, but just went through the mental gymnastics you're wrangling with...hope you get something out of this.

well, there are people who drive the life out of loaners. perhaps i'm in the minority, but my wife and i don't. in the end i think it depends on your relationship to your dealer. i have a wonderful relationship with them - no - not perfect, but definitely people who were strangers 9 years ago are now folks i enjoy visiting when our bmws throw hissy fits.

(don't laugh, but except for 2x, i have returned my loaners washed and vacuumed. seriously. and i have NEVER bought a car from them, just the way it turned out, but have been servicing them there. they actually know they can turn around and hand the keys over to the next client without being embarrassed by the car's condition.)

there are also lots of women who drive bmws - who i don't think stomp on their loaners.

i say that so you know there are some who respect someone else's property. that's not to say we don't enjoy it. we were stuck with a 7 for a month when they messed up my e46 m3's wheels...so we took it on our long vacation, and had a chance to play with all the gadgets and gizmos.

i guess i happen to respect and like a lot of the guys and gals there - porter to owner. it's the least i can do.

now having said all that, i found myself in very much the spot you were in shopping online. numbers-wise, it looks like a killer deal.

my '09 328i: 19k miles, corporate car. all options, except sport. close inspection - my gut tells me a lady drove it. good - when it went to manheim auction, it had a condition report score of 4.9 out of 5.0, which was awesome. BAD - the oil was dirty. i confirmed with my dealer (hope you have one, if not - find one you want to work with, introduce yourself to the service manager, try looking for a center of excellence, ask around for a referral.) that indeed even though the service light should have come on around 15k miles for the oil change, it was not done. GOOD - it is all documented. yes, got a killer price that i am very happy with. (msrp 9 months ago was almost 49k, paid 33.3k)

cpo does not kick in till it's almost out of the 4yr/50k.

BOTTOM LINE: don't worry, because you have the 4yr/50k, and even the 6yr/100k. document everything that is out of the ordinary, just in case, and bring it up to your service advisor, God forbid you have to lemon it. it does not hurt if you showed up once in a while with a couple of the costco pizzas for the guys and gals. between the warranty and being in good favor with a few guys will take care of everything.

let us know if you got it!

ps: don't forget - a bmw is built for spirited driving. it can take quite a bit of 'beating,' for lack of a better word.

[mmm def]

Well..I'm sure I'll get flamed..but i KNOW I am not the only one to do this...I drive loaner cars VERY hard, like to test them out. Actually, I abuse them. It's not nice really.