I went to the local mini dealership last year so i could test drive an automatic mini, since i didn't know manual then. I was only 18 when i went up there, and they said i couldn't test drive the MINI. My boyfriend was of age, so they said that since he was with me, i could do it. I fell in love Almost a year later i randomly bought a mini, and it was a manual. The 5 spd is extremely plush in the 04 mini's, and i've only driven one S before, but it had some mods to it. I want to go to the dealership one of the many days i'm there for service and test out an MCS for fun (and every other mini i can get into :P) while i wait... but i'm still only 19!

Since i had so much trouble just being able to test drive the mini the first time around, do you think they'd cut me some slack and let me test one out since i BOUGHT a mini from them? When they were about to lend me a rental while i was in the shop, they were reminded of my age, and they rushed finishing my car before the others so they wouldn't have to give me a rental. I'm going to ask next time i go in (this week most likely ) but i figured i'd ask ahead of time anyhow :P

 

I think a lot of states have actual laws on the books preventing people under 25 from renting cars, but I don't know if those rules extend to dealer loaners or not. If not, I would certainly think that having bought a car there would strengthen your case!

 

Hmmm....I think in Cali you cannot rent a car if you are under 25. At least that used to be the case. As far as test-driving, I would think that anyone with a valid driver's license and with a salesperson could test-drive a car. That is odd!

Maybe they thought you were 12??? Tee hee!


Clover

 

Yeah.


I was 20 and got to test drive a Mini no problem.

When my Mini had problems, my dealership sent me to Enterprise. They rent to under 25ers. They had a BMW prepped for me, since they didn't have any Mini's for rent, though I got shafted. They couldn't rent me a BMW. I had to drive a Neon. 21 is the youngest Enterprise will do for Luxury cars.

 

I WISH I still had that problem!!

 

they didnt even ask me my age

 

Nor mine....!!!!


Clover

 

It is all insurance. Dealers should ask for your proof of insurance, if you have that they have no reason to deny you a test drive, unless you are sketchy or drunk. Age should not be an issue, they should worry about your insurance and your ability to purchase the vehicle. I had some trouble when i was test driving cars for my boss because people knew I could not afford the cars I was test driving (Mercedes S class and the like) but once they understood that if I liked the car my boss would buy one they handed me the keys.

 

I was 18 when I purchased my MINI and also test drove it on my own, they took a copy of my license. Also when my trans failed and I needed a car they said too bad I wasnt old enough. Well after my mother called and did some screaming they looked up BMW's policy on a loaner car for a MINI and 18 years old is sufficient so long as you have insurance coverage. Apparently this has to do with MINI being marketed toward younger folks.

 

After i was hit in a parking lot, i had a rental from enterprise. My dad came with me cause i needed a ride, and he made sure they didn't hassle me. They wouldn't believe i was able to have a LICENSE, but i ended up in a neon also.

Wait til they see my long list of repairs i need when i take it in this week... it's doubled since last week when i scheduled my appointment. Wonder how they'll fit it all in a day.

HANG ON... i'm co-signed with my dad on the MINI... maybe they'll rent to him, and put me as another driver? When i test drove, they let just me and my boyfriend take the car for a spin without sales people... but when my mom and her boyfriend test drove, her b/f drove, salesguy was in the front seat, and they crammed my mom in the back.

 

They copied both me and the b/f's licenses as well before testing. They didn't ask about insurance, but i guess they just put it as my boyfriend was testing, and i'd like to see how it rides as well.

I can't wait to ask if i can test one out... on the grounds i was able to buy one from them, they have ALL my info on file, how can they say no? Thanks for your advice guys :D

 

For the car rental places it's typically an insurance issue and not a local law... Especially in California.

At 20 I was able to rent a car several times at SFO. Ordinarily they wouldn't rent to me... But military traveling under orders got me the car...

As for the test drives, the age limits may be a insurance issue, but I doubt it. If the dealer refuses you a test drive due to your age, they're taking a stupid gamble. Odds are they probably think that they are weeding out the kids who aren't serious customers but are just coming to get the chance to play in a MINI...

 

Hey I'm 20 and legally I still can't get a rental car from the dealership

I'm even on my 2nd MINI.

 

We have some friends whose son is attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, where he will soon graduate with a Bachelor's Degree and a Commercial Pilot's license.

He recently (as co-pilot) flew a commercial airliner worth however-many zillions of dollars, loaded with real-live human passengers, all the way across the country, only to be told he couldn't rent a Ford once he arrived at his destination. Too young.