This is how they get you.

[tkaraszewski]

So, fairly recently I found myself the owner of a third-hand Audi Allroad. It's a very cool car, despite it's mediocre gas milage: roomy, comfortable, almost every option or feature you could conceive of in 2002. Backup sensor, tiptronic manual-mode automatic transmission, adjustable height suspension, etc. I paid $8,000 for it. It's a bit old though. It has 90k miles on it, and no bluetooth or iPod integration or navigation. Some parts show some wear. Here it is:



Well, it has a problem. When the fuel tank is totally full, it leaks. This seems bad, and Audi recognizes that, so they issued a recall on the car to fix the fuel tank (by replacing the whole $1,700 tank). So there's this $1,700 part plus about $1,200 in labor that goes into this fix, but because of the recall, it gets fixed at no charge to me.

But since this is an Audi dealership, and they're all fancy, they make sure that when you come in for service, they lend you another fancy Audi to drive around in while they fix your car. So I show up in an 11-year-old station wagon, and what do they lend me while they fix it? This:



A brand new, literally with 3,500 miles on it, convertible sports car. And because they have to order the gas tank and have it shipped, they don't expect my car to be done until Monday. So I'll get to keep it over the weekend.

The whole experience, and especially the free sports car for a week, really does make you more inclined to buy a brand new Audi, I think. I couldn't help but think to myself, "you know, I could bring this back here tomorrow and leave with one of my own if I financed it like a 'normal' person."

I won't do it. I'll pick up my paid-for Allroad and return the TT. Maybe one day I *will* buy a sports car like that, but if I do, I'll pay cash for a used one. But still, I'm sure more than one person has upgraded to a brand new car after driving a fancy loaner for a couple days.

For now, I'll enjoy my free sports car for a week. It's supposed to be 72 degrees on Friday. I'll put the top down.

[Nords]

I don't think I'll ever be mature or responsible enough to own a high-end vehicle...

[Mike]

I wonder what loaner vehicle they'd offer in a colder/crappier weather state this time of year?

[Another Reader]

As my dad used to say, I don't care how much money I have, I don't think I could bring myself to write a check that size for a car.

[GuitarStv]

See, when I get an expensive loaner car it always makes me nervous driving around the city and especially parking in our company's underground lot.  I've very worried about putting a nick or scratch on it somewhere.  Too much stress for me.  Our regular beat up car has enough dings in it that it's not a concern.

[fuzzed]

LOL.  Funny, I got excited when I saw the photo of the Allroad.  My dream car.  I have an 04 Outback, just not as cool as the Allroad.

[adam]

The Ford dealer let my wife borrow a Fiesta when we were getting tires for her Fusion and it was going to take a few days.  Two steps down from her car.  Fusion->Focus->Fiesta.  She kinda liked it though...

Oh, and I'm convinced that was only because I had bought my truck from them the same day, otherwise they would have told us we were out of luck.

[tkaraszewski]

LOL.  Funny, I got excited when I saw the photo of the Allroad.  My dream car.  I have an 04 Outback, just not as cool as the Allroad.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Allroad. That's why I bought it. It's an awesome car and I enjoy driving it. But still, it's a different kind of experience than a two-seater convertible.

[Togoshiman]

You have a $60,000 car for $8000 plus some hefty annual repairs and maintance bills.  I'd be WAY more excited about that than the prospect of having a $60,000 car for $60,000 from the dealer.  And ditto for preferring the Allroad over the TT every single day of the week.

[SMMcP]

See, when I get an expensive loaner car it always makes me nervous driving around the city and especially parking in our company's underground lot.  I've very worried about putting a nick or scratch on it somewhere.  Too much stress for me.  Our regular beat up car has enough dings in it that it's not a concern.

One of the major benefits of owning an older car is not having to get upset about dings.  It saves lots of worry and stress as well as money.

[Matt K]

Man, you're loaner car story is so much better than mine. When I was in university and driving a $500 12 year old Mazda 323 I had to take it into the dealer for some work, they loaned me a brand new Chevy Cavalier. when I came back a week later I said to the owner "Man, that week with the Cav made me love the car."

"I can cut you a good deal on the Cavalier if you want." he replied.

"Sorry, no, I meant I really love my car. That 323 beats the pants off the Cav any day."

...

I'm hoping if I ever have to leave my Subaru at the dealership they'll let me play with BRZ for the day, but I really don't think that'll ever happen.

[ketchup]

I've seen far too many Cadillac Escalade "courtesy vehicles" out on the roads. If someone gave me one of those as a loaner, I'd give it right back to them.  Why would I want one of those? That's not a courtesy at all.

But a sports car I'd probably drive for a week for giggles.

[shusherstache]

When my Honda CRV was plowed into from behind, I was loaned a Jeep Commander since it was also technically in the SUV category.

This is the difference, automotively speaking, of driving a paddleboat versus a yacht, gas usage included. (the hilarity: it had an "eco" option.)

Thankfully my husband and I only had a couple mile commute to the same office complex, so I turned on the (complimentary) XM radio, listened to the 40s radio station and pretended I was in Fallout 3.  I have never been so scared to drive a giant, expensive vehicle but it was a really interesting couple of days of social experiements.

[fuzzed]

Don't get me wrong, I love the Allroad. That's why I bought it. It's an awesome car and I enjoy driving it. But still, it's a different kind of experience than a two-seater convertible.

Oh I understand completely...  I have a want list of very unmustachian rides... :)

[Jamesqf]

I've seen far too many Cadillac Escalade "courtesy vehicles" out on the roads. If someone gave me one of those as a loaner, I'd give it right back to them.  Why would I want one of those? That's not a courtesy at all.

To my way of thinking, it's an insult :-)

[WhatMomWears]

Gee - I've never been offered a loaner vehicle from the Acura/Honda dealership!

But I totally see your point and I'm sure people have definitely come back wanting the TT which is a sweet ride but not worth a paid for vehicle!

[Heather]

Our local country garage used to give me "The Olds" as a loaner when I brought my car in.   It was a massive boat of a car, which smelled like cigarette smoke.  Some pieces were held on with duct tape.
I always enjoyed the experience.