Loan cars

[KPKalle]

(Thought about putting this under dealer feedback but I think this is more general.)

I've had my MC in at BMW since Tuesday to have a roof rack fitted - something I hesitated over but decided it was necessary since we do need the extra baggage room from time to time. Anyway they estimated about a day's work and kindly gave me a demo S as a loan car. Come Wednesday they still weren't ready. Same story Thursday. No real problem here since I was happy driving around in the S.

This morning I got a call saying that they'd damaged the roof of my car while drilling out the rack mountings It was going to the bodyshop to be fixed up and re-sprayed - marked urgent!! However, could I come in and swap the S for something else since they need to use the loan car? Sure, I said thinking they probably only had one S to tempt potential buyers with.

It turns out the 'something else' is a rental car. Ok fine, I think. And I have to pay the insurance. Well I rather thought they would cover that, but alright. And finally they give me the keys to a BMW 320 something or other. Hmm, well I'm game for a laugh and was by that time just wanting to get on with it. I did want to speak to the salesgirl about all this but she's not in today so I decided to go.

On the way home I thought well I have to pay the insurance for each day my own car is away (ok only £5 per day for perhaps a week - excess reduction). And I'm really not happy with the BMW. It feels like a big fat slug. Nice and smooth and the engine growls a little but can't corner worth a damn and I found it to be uncomfortable to drive.

I'm not sure what my ultimate point is here but I feel pretty disappointed. I would have been happy to have any MINI model as a loan car. But in the Beemer I feel no pride nor enjoyment. I certainly don't want to just go out for a spin for no real reason as I would with my MC.

Oh and if you're wondering, I have been assured the damage to the roof of my MC will in no way reduce its value. I do plan on getting that in writing!!

[simeds]

i had the roof bars fitted on my mc as I too need extra space, we're a one car family, but I was never happy about having holes drilled, also after 8 months the plastic covers for the mounts went a yellowy colour after 8 months, but I then traded in for MCS. This time I've opted for the mont blanc system , no drilling and cheaper too. Think they should have given you loan car for duration f.o.c as its their balls up.

[Damo]

Pay for a loan car, stuff that. You shouldnt have to pay a penny for their mistake!!!!

[Ezzer]

"Pay for a loan car, stuff that." .......... try moving to Switzerland!!! Have to pay for everything! 3 time warrenty work now and had to pay or be stranded! Always get those crappy 316i compact or 320i.......

Thrashed the 320i for miles and it was much better after!

[Intrepid]

Sounds a bit harsh - if they've messed up the job leading to longer time in the shop then they should give you a 'courtesy' car - which should be free to you... they've deprived you of your car due to their incompetence, so they should compensate you.... not to mention the heartache they've caused you by hurting your Mini!

Where's the love BMW?!

[Ginger]

My Cooper went into the bodyshop on Monday for some warranty work, they gave me a One courtesy car - but I had to insure it myself!
G

[Minnie Mouse]

On the numerous occassions Minnie has been back to the workshop I have been given some load of rubbish to drive...the last time was a tank in the disguise of a 51 Corsa....it was terrible. Oh did I complain! Anyway, got car booked in for next week for some modifications to be done and been told it will take 3 days (have no idea why!!) and I am getting an 04 One but on my insurance again!!

Anyone know where I can find out the techy terms for the mods I am demanding. Accelorator and gear box problems. Was told what they were but now can't remember.....yeah I am silly I know!!

Wrong thread for the last bit I know but just wondered in passing

[petsounds]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ezzer

"Pay for a loan car, stuff that." .......... try moving to Switzerland!!! Have to pay for everything! 3 time warrenty work now and had to pay or be stranded! Always get those crappy 316i compact or 320i.......

Thrashed the 320i for miles and it was much better after!

You should feel fortunate to get a 316 or 320! American dealers will send you to the local rent-a-car agency, where your choices are basically all American-made cars like the Chevy Malibu or Ford Escort. BMW drivers might actually get a BMW loaner, but MINI drivers have no such luxury.

[Smurfn]

I think warranty work and their stuffups should automatically equal a free courtesy car. Thankfully I have always gotten free loan cars for warranty work, and even for services etc. Usually another MINI, but occasionally a BMW 318.

[KPKalle]

I suppose I wasn't thinking just about the insurance, more about the security one feels driving. This 320 feels like a lump campared to a MINI.

And of course I do think they should replace like with like (as regards loan cars). I'd rather be driving a MINI than a BMW - jeez my parents drive BMWs

Here (Sweden) they say "När du älskar att köra" - "when you love to drive". Bullskit - talking BMW!

[thrilhouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by petsounds

You should feel fortunate to get a 316 or 320! American dealers will send you to the local rent-a-car agency, where your choices are basically all American-made cars like the Chevy Malibu or Ford Escort. BMW drivers might actually get a BMW loaner, but MINI drivers have no such luxury.

That's somewhat of a blanket statement. I had my MC in for scheduled service and warranty repairs about three weeks ago. The service that should have taken 1.5 hours instead took nearly 6 hours. I was told the MINI loaner was out for the weekend, so they handed over the keys to a 330ix (probably because I live about 200 miles from my dealership), totally free of charge.


Postscript: The 330 was a smooth, fast, tight-handling car, and I was initially excited at the prospect of driving a BMW...but I was soooo happy to get my MC back!