"smart doesn't offer loaners"

Pasde2 · 10-21-2008, 05:11 PM

Has anyone needed to leave their car with the dealership and gotten a loaner? CT-Hartford said they do as long as you have the extended warranty. Boston-Sommerville says "smart doesn't offer loaners", regardless of warranty. The service guy said "what's the extened warranty got to do with anything, it's not as good as the regular warranty".

Bumbee · 10-21-2008, 05:58 PM

when i bought bumbee last week, i had to sign an "acknowledgement" that they have no loaners.

orangecones3 · 10-21-2008, 06:02 PM

Few things to note:

They (M-B dealers) sure like to push their extended coverage (as do any other dealer for any other brand) so that is why they said "Buy it, or bad service for you to make you want to buy it" ... most let you buy it up to a year after purchase, some go as far as the expiration of the factory warranty being your cut-off point (aka..go there when you have 23999 miles on the odo).

Again, M-B dealers being M-B dealers, you get 1 of 2 things:
1) snob approach -- they are used to dealing with $60k+ cars and customers who can afford them demanding respect. Thus when you bring your $15k smart it...they look less than favorably on you.
2) they perfected the art of top-notch customer service and treat everyone with A+ service and respect.

If you read the forum both cases are seen documented. Some people report getting C-class loaners, while others are told to call a cab.

smartette · 10-21-2008, 07:14 PM

I was provided a smart loaner from smartcenter Louisville while they were fixing my sunshade. Very pleasant experience (though I was already spoiled by the comfort package in my passion and found the stock cabrio less comfy; who knew I could fall so fast?).

Pasde2 · 10-22-2008, 05:33 AM

Maybe in the future there will be some orphans not sold, that those who don't have loaners can have 1 or 2. Or there must be more involved with handing out loaners. These dealerships have multiple areas, selling a huge range of vehicles. New, used and preowned BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Lexus, Maybach, Mercedes, Mercedes Benz, Pontiac, Porsche.... plus the rest of the alphabet.
Oh well, I hope I don't have too many visits to the mechanics for repairs. I will find out Monday how long the air bag light will really take. Fortunatley I need to travel 3 hrs for work in the same direction and the dealership is 2/3 on the way, so I don't end up losing a days pay!

I should invent a folding alluminum trailer, drop the smartie off, fold the trailer and put it in the back volvo. Or some kind of compressing boat trailer...........

chieftmc · 10-22-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrapin

......I should invent a folding alluminum trailer, drop the smartie off, fold the trailer and put it in the back volvo. Or some kind of compressing boat trailer...........

Just like Trailer In A Bag - Motorcycle Trailers - ATV Trailers - Trike Trailers

rawlusÂ® · 10-22-2008, 05:55 AM

loaners are nice, but i don't expect them. i've never had one from a stealership on any other car i've ever owned so i guess perhaps i'm not spoiled by the practice.

paroyboy · 10-22-2008, 06:35 AM

I dont think any car company "gives" out loaners, I think its up to the dealer. My Toyota dealer will give out a loaner if its a warranty claim and it will be more than a few hours or if its shorter, a shuttle service. I had a water pump replaced in my Prius and they gave me an Avalon for two days. They only have one Prius mechanic and he was tied up. Nice car but VERY thirsty! They get around the whole liability thing by having an Enterprise Rental Car office right at the dealership. Youre not actually driving one of their cars or under their insurance.

**Wdhitch** · 10-22-2008, 07:17 AM

If it's a warranty issue then it's in the warranty... if the dealership has to keep your car overnight they have to give you a loaner... I saw the language when we picked up the car... I'll try to find it when I get home...

Bumbee · 10-22-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wdhitch

If it's a warranty issue then it's in the warranty... if the dealership has to keep your car overnight they have to give you a loaner... I saw the language when we picked up the car... I'll try to find it when I get home...

not if they have you sign one of those acknowledgments. it's an addendum to the contract. it has no impact on me, so i didn't care.