Should You Buy A Loaner Car

Buying a new or used car is a big decision and may be one of the largest purchases many people make. That makes it exceptionally important to get the best deal possible, and an excellent way to do that is to look for dealer loaner vehicles, which you might have heard called “demo” vehicles. They are a great way to save thousands on the bottom line and can deliver the new car experience at a fraction of the price. Unlike “regular” used cars, loaner vehicles have been inspected and maintained by dealer employees and generally retain most of their factory warranties. Let’s take a deeper dive into loaner cars and explore how they could be the best choice in your next shopping adventure.

Do Loaner Cars Cost Less than Other New and Used Vehicles?

In many cases, yes. Depending on the vehicle, the dealer, and the market, you could see double-digit percentage drops in pricing. We’re not generally talking about worn-out rental cars, either. Dealers’ loaner fleets typically contain their most popular models, and many have compelling features that models in rental fleets don’t.

Make Sure You Understand the Condition of the Loaner Car

Some loaner cars end up with the coveted “certified preowned vehicle” tag, which usually means an extended warranty and thorough inspection. If you’re concerned about the car’s history or condition, asking for a pre-purchase inspection from an outside shop is completely fair. It’s also important to take a look around and note the condition yourself, and understand that the car may have several thousand miles on the odometer before you arrive to look at it 

This is a good time to note dents, dings, interior stains, tire condition, smells, and anything else you might want fixed before your purchase. Some dealers may offer to clean or repair the vehicle, others may offer a credit toward the purchase, and in some cases, you might be on your own. Check the tire condition and eyeball the underneath of the car. It’s ok to discover issues ahead of the sale and bring them to the dealer’s attention.

Potential Challenges with Buying a Loaner Car

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking at a loaner car. If the vehicle has remaining factory warranty coverage, it’s a good idea to understand how long you have before the coverage expires, either through mileage or time. Some automakers have set time requirements that hold cars in the fleet rotation for specific periods, so it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. The other thing to consider is resale value, though dealer loaner cars don’t see the same decreases as rental and similar vehicles.

Buying a loaner car is an important decision, but you don’t have to go it alone. McFarland Chevrolet’s knowledgeable staff thoroughly inspects and services every loaner vehicle, performing reconditioning where necessary. When it comes time to make the call for a new car, come see us.