After numerous enterprise rentals, I finally made a reservation ahead of time for a MINI loaner. Unfortunately I did not get a MINI loaner, but instead got the next best thing. Well, it's actually way better than a MINI; a 335i with Sport and Premium packages and automatic. I'd much prefer a stick with this beast, but the auto is actually pretty nice. Thanks Assael BMW/MINI!

 

Nice, I ended up with a dirty Clubman with some hideous graphic work on the sides from Mini of Mountain View.

 

I'm heading up to MINI of Mountain View on Monday. I'd love to get a Clubman as a loaner. Last time, I was offered a Ford pickup and had to pay $10 per day to upgrade it to Honda Accord (only other car available).

 

I've gotten a bare bones Nissan Sentra and a Chevy HHR :(

 

Can you expect to get a loaner from any Mini dealership, or only from the one it was purchased at?

 

I think it depends on the dealer and its policies. I bought mine from East Bay MINI but have all my service done at Mountain View, and Mountain View has always been happy to give me a loaner.

 

I got a loaner today. They were out of MINIs so they gave me a Chevy Cobalt. It smelled like it was loaned to an Avon lady. I had to drive it with the windows open the perfume was so strong. I punched it to get on the interstate and almost had to take a nap waiting for it to get to speed.

 

All my loaners have been Minis. 2 Coopers and a Clubman.

 

i have always gotten mini's except once when i went to enterprise and got some big ford SUV.

 

When I went to test drive a MINI a week ago, I saw they were giving someone a 2009 335i loaner!

 

The only bad thing about the 335i is it's missing its NAV DVD, so I can't see how I like the NAV system, but whatever, that thing is insane with traction control turned off once it hits peak boost!

So far I've gotten the dreaded aforementioned cobalt (which had coffee stains and smelled like well used socks) from this dealer as an enterprise rental and a 328i rental from another dealer. It's definitely worth finding a local dealer who does loaners!

 

Mini of Pittsburgh only uses Mini's for loaners.
The cars are supplied from the dealer, but come from Enterprise.

So far I have had 3 loaners.

MY Cooper.
PW Cooper.
And just returned a LB MCSa today! The only thing that kinda sucks is I already have a LB Mini, was hoping for a red one to see how the color "fits" on me......

 

Did you purchase your MINI from Monrovia/Assael?

They told me they only offer loaners to people that buy from them, and tried to use that as incentive to order from them. Ultimately, another dealer offered a better price, so I skipped MINI of Monrovia and drove a little further for my order. I'm just curious because I'll be taking my MINI to Monrovia for service...

 

I was given a 335 as a loaner when I took my wife's BMW 530 in for service this spring. I was in a hurry and didn't notice the 335 badge and hit the accelerator only once before I felt like I was going to be sitting in the back seat from the acceleration. What an incredible engine!!!

I sold my 2000 BMW 323 convertible when I ordered my 2009 MINI S Convertible in April. Still love the BMW's and if I could have found a used 335 convertible at a reasonable price the MINI would have had some competion in my decision.

The MINI however is as much fun as I have had in any car and I don't regret the decision but the guys at BMW have built a remarkable engine in that 3.5L twin turbo!

 

I did, but they didn't ask anything out of the ordinary when I scheduled it. I'd just call them and try to schedule a loaner regardless and see if they say anything about it. You could also do South Bay which will give you a bone stock 328i rental for free, but it's a little far from the SGV. Most dealers seem to give loaners regardless of where you buy from my experience, you just have to schedule ahead of time.

 

In regards to loaners, I am 18. I cannot rent a car in Ny until I'm 25, and being that I'm the registered owner of my soon to be MINI and the sole insurer, would there be a problem with a loaner should my car need to be at the dealer?

 

Depends on the dealer insurance policy and dealer policy, but most require you to be 21

 

The Mini dealer is Las Vegas doesn't do loaners (at least that is what they told me). The part I don't understand is the fact that you actually call BMW to make service appointments and they do offer loaners.

The last time I took my 335 in for service they gave me a X5, which is what I'm going to get for my wife next year. They were going to give me a 135, but it wouldn't have worked with the baby seat (rear facing) so I passed. They were also going to give me a X3, but they didn't have any.

I'm fortunate enough to have a 3rd car so I will not be put out too much when I have to take the Mini in for service, but I will have to go through the hassle of having my wife follow me to the dealership.

 

My dealer will almost always put you in a loaner mini or have enterprise come get you for a free rental. Things like that keep me going back to my dealer (bought 2 cars so far). Prestige Mini in Mahwah NJ

 

i usually get a reg. mini....but once got a focus from enterprise...it was pretty bad