So this actually happened back in september, but I'm killing time imagining accessories I would add to my MINI when I was reminded of this.

I have a 2013 MCS I got bought back in august and I had some accessories installed by the dealer in Sept. I dropped my car off, and was about to grab the keys to the loaner when they ask for my signature when they realize I'm not 25 (I'm 23 - was 22 in august). They said it was part of their insurance policy that people under 25 can't drive loaners. After a lot of hee-hawing they just had some 19 yr old intern kid drive me to work and don't give me a loaner. (odd that the 19 year old kid can drive the cars...but I, who just dropped $26k+ on a brand new car can't).

So I'm curious - does this mean for basically the entire length of my 3yr warranty, any service I need done at the dealer I won't be able to get a loaner?

I know in MA (and maybe most states) it's harder to rent a car under 25 but most places will let you (I've rented before - for a price $$$) - so I was just a little shocked that this never came up while purchasing my car. They'll take my money, but I miss out on the convenience of a loaner. It's not the end of the world, just a minor annoyance.

 

That's weird, I'm 23 and they didn't give me grief on it at all. I know all of them too so that might give me a hand up. Sorry to hear that.

 

It's not the dealer's fault....its their insurance company.

Every dealer is different....it is usually 21 to get a loaner at most places though.

 

I manage the car fleet at my work and we have several cars available for employees to use for work related trips. Our insurance company specifically states that no one under the age of 25 can use these cars or they won't insure the car or driver in case of an accident. I would assume the dealership has a similar policy that if they loan you a car and you crash it, the insurance company has zero liability and will deny any claim from your accident.

If the dealership complies with their insurance policy, you're out of luck on getting a loaner unfortunately...

 

+1. It's based on their insurance. You can try a different dealer and see if they have the same issue.

 

Feel your frustration man, I dropped 36k on mine and no loaner for me.

At least they provide a free enterprise rental which I'm fine with. It's better than nothing.

 

Yup, I was 24 when the insurance companies moved it from 21 to 24 and suddenly found myself in Texas for work trying to rent a car to find me an apartment for my relocation. Sucks to find yourself stuck at the airport.

 

It really depends on the dealer/ their insurance I suppose, had my car in and I asked how old do you have to be to get a rental, they said 21. One more year hahah.

 

Ive gotten that before but there are places that will lend out loaners. I had brought my E46 in for a recall last year at age 23 and got a BMW loaner. I find its weird to have this tho and I would honestly be mad to since they obviously knew how old you were when you bought the car from them and now all of a sudden its an issue.

 

I was 22 when I took my car in for the timing chain problem and they gave me a loaner with no hesitation. I don't know, maybe it was because I was a girl, but all they told me was "all we care about is the tank is fuel, so have fun". Had way too much fun with that car

 

Apparently being able to consumate a legal contract for $26K dollars lends no merit towards signing another one to borrow a car. Conflicting and somewhat of a disservice IMO. And if your **** about your MINI, pick up and drop off service of your car via a 19 year old tends to only rub salt into that wound.

The employees are probably under separate policy, nice to see your dealing with it aok though. .