I was at the Lexus dealership the other day and got a 2019 NX as a loaner. I was not impressed with it to say the least. I know its a curtesy so i appreciate it either way, but I was wondering which loaner car from dealerships do you guys despise the most?

 

 

 

I used to hate being given a 1 series BMW (go figure the 1M has a cult following and extremely $$$$$, worth more than a M2). One time it was even worse and they gave me a 128i convertible. Just to show you how long ago this was, I remember driving to an area of a Pathmark parking lot, unused because it was far from the entrance, and I put the top down and up, wanted to see how it operated. Some woman cruises by, and says, "Nice car!" embarrassing

Then, another time I drove to work in a black 328i with halogens, and a coworker says, nice car! I had to let her know this is not mine, it's a loaner. I would not buy an automatic with halogens and leatherette. But the worst was a Mini, which was not from the dealer but Enterprise.

The best were 8 cyl X5, 550, 430i was ok believe it or not, 335d was awesome, 335i, etc. If you catch my drift, I don't prefer to take stripper cars, but I get it, it's a courtesy and some of it above I'm being facetious. Once I got a 328i E92 coupe, with 27 miles, but it had been sitting and was covered with pine needles all over. This hadn't gotten the software update, so everytime I went to use the heated wheel, it turned off. wipers, defrost, rear defrost, headlights, guess there was too much draw and the IBS/DME decided that heated wheel was least necessary and cut it off. Went on forum and people said software update fixed it.

 

Since we're talking about loaners, BMW would be a poor example because as long as you have a pulse, you get a loaner. I do about $40-$62 of work per year a the local dealer, and they always issue a loaner, not even a question. There is nobody sitting in the lounge even though it's a new modern facility with free snacks, designer water, croissants, etc. Contrast that to Lexus, the times I peered in and the one time I went, it's hard to find a place to sit there are so many people waiting.

Do you ever "demand" a loaner? I did several times with GMC because they waste so much time with their incompetency. One time we were given a Buick Encore, brand new off the lot, but as luck would have it, we had guests coming in from out-of-town. It felt like one of them foreign movies (Jules and Jim come to mind) where everyone piles into a diminutive car (baby seat too). Then they went the opposite way and gave us a brand new (latest gen) Suburban. Too big for our driveway. Just right is the Tahoe equivalent.

 

I own a 2014 Gs F-Sport. The drivers seat on the NX was not comfy, the interior looked nice but felt cheap, and it felt a little sluggish at take off. Reminded me of the Is 300 f sport loaner they gave me the time before. This is just my opinion so no one take it to heart.

 

You have a mid to higher level Lexus. Just me, they should not be giving you an entry level 4 cyl. car. But that's up to the dealer I suppose. As soon as that vehicle is out of warranty imho go the indie route...

 

Well none of my local dealerships have any Gs as loaner cars. I usually get an Rx. The new ones are pretty nice. They really improved over the previous generations. If its not an RX then it's typically an ES. My GS has warranty until 2022 so I'm not too worried about it. This is my third Gs and i have never had an issues with my previous 2008 and 2001. Yeah i like to DIY for a lot of the simple things. Only thing i have to do myself at the moment are Oil changes.

 

I bought my first and only Lexus from a Toyota dealership. Before I closed the sale, I pointed out a minor dent or something that I wanted them to fix, and had them put it into the paperwork. When I went to pick up the car the next day, the dent was not repaired. They gave me a beat up base model Toyota Echo for the day while they fixed it. What an absolute POS. I never went back to that dealer.

The one time I actually had to take my old Lexus to a Lexus dealership, it was for a water pump recall. They shuttled me to and from work, and I had my car back before the end of the work day.

 

My dealer used to have a variety of CTs, ISs, ESs, NXs, and RXs. Lately it is all RXs with a few NXs tossed in.

I actually really enjoy the NX when I have one as a loaner, but everyone will be different.

 

My local dealer has the ES, RX, and NX in their fleet. They seem to stop well optioned cars, with nav and the such.

I remember when I purchased my 4GS in 2012, they had a policy where GS loaners were off limits to anyone under 25. I found it funny, considering I owned one lol.

 

I remember that at some point, seems like most car dealerships put their names on the back windows, to indicate the vehicle is a courtesy loaner. I like that so my coworkers don't think that I downgraded. (just joking) It's actually good marketing, dealer name, and if you drive that make, you're reminded they have a fleet of loaners.

That joker near me who told me I can't park near his house (hahahahahaha), and where another neighbor now has 5 cars and parks 3 permanently in front of his house, he had a Cayenne S loaner. I know his secret, he acts all that when it comes to German cars and his ability to work on them. His buddy who coincidentally owns a shop where I took my Maxima, said, "I helped him restore the 914. Did almost all of it. He helped."

 

I drive a '16 RX and have always gotten an RX loaner. Most are pretty well optioned probably for resale. When I had my LS, I usually got an ES loaner.

 

 

So if I had a 2019 LS hybrid, and it needed work, you guys mean I would drive off in a NX or a RX? Not trying to be a snob, but there should be something where I am treated like I own the flagship.

That's what so different about BMW. I drive in with a 2007, leave with a 2018, and when I come back, pay them the $42.40 for the state inspection, get my car and return the loaner. They don't say this guy has a 2007, he is treated worse. Just like if I had a 7 and not a 3, I am treated better. And heaven forbid if I pull in with an M car, that's bucket wash only. They make a distinction, which to me is normal.