Should You Buy A Loaner Car?

If you’re shopping for used cars, you want to get the most car for your money. Many factors go into this decision, from condition to accrued mileage. When searching through used inventory, you may run across some vehicles that appear to be in excellent condition but have an interesting background that sometimes includes time as a dealer’s loaner car. Here are some things to consider if you’re considering buying one.

Are Loaner Cars Less Expensive Than Others? 

In most 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.

Loaner Car Condition Concerns

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 entirely fair. It’s also essential 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.

What are the Downsides to 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 certain 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.

If buying a loaner car brings up some questions, the good news is that buying from a respected dealer like Chevrolet of Spring Valley makes the process much easier and safer. Our team inspects and completely reconditions vehicles that need it, and you can rest assured that we’ve given your next vehicle the attention to detail and care that it needs to perform at its best.