I considered putting this in the TSX forum, but thought it was generic enough to put in here.


I've got a little problem right now.
I went in for oil change and fluid check and was told that I need to have the steering rack and pinion replaced. It's under warranty and everything so that's not the problem. The problem is, is that the service guy told me that once I drop the car off, that it takes about 2 days to complete the service, and that he can't give me a loaner because I'm not 21. I won't be able to be home long enough to leave my car there and if nothing else have my parents get the loaner and me drive one of their cars till probably Thanksgiving or Christmas time. I'm in school so I can't just go without a car (being that I'm a little way from the campus).

What are your suggestions.
I think on Tuesday, I will call the office in the town of my school, and see what they say, and if they have the same 21 y/o policy, I'll call corporate and see if I can't get something resolved. Does that sound reasonable? Anybody have any luck with just sweet talking the service managers? I understand why they wouldn't want to loan out a car to anyone under 21, but how the hell else am I supposed to get my car in for a warranted service?

I'm old enough to buy a car.
I have the title to the car.
Yet, I can't get a loaner so warranted service can be performed.


Suggestions other than what I said?

 

Its all about their insurance company's policy. Ask for a car rental. Acura will pay for it.

Quite a few dealerships won't loan cars out to anyone under 25

 

How is that different from a loaner?
I know a lot of rental companies won't rent out a car to anyone under 25, but I didn't know a lot of acrua dealerships did that.

 

Rental, as in Enterprise or someone else who possibly doesn't have an age restriction. I THINK Enterprise is 21+ though. Acura will pay for it until the repair is complete.

 

yup, you have to be over 21 to get a loaner car.

under 21 ftl.

 

Are you positive about this?

 

If you can't get anything covered by Acura, can't you just cab it, bus it, cycle it, rollerblade it, or hitch a ride with friends? ....It's only a few days?

And no, most places won't sway from their policies just because you try to sweet talk them or compare the ownership of your car to their rental/loaner rules, unless you get a manager who is willing to take that responsibility should anything negative happen.

It's two days....won't be so bad. Think about it, some people at your school prob don't have a car at all and seem to manage okay.

 

Sure, I could cab it something similar, but you can be sure as heck I would bill Acura. Again. I'm old enough to own the car, but I can't get a loaner to get it in for warranty covered service. That .

 

or not, their responsibility is to repair your car under warranty, not to worry about how you are going to get around (considering you do not meet minimum age requirement for loaners - for everyone else there are loaners). Would you argue at a rental car agency about not renting to you too, even though it's policy? Sometimes things suck, but you've just gotta deal with it sometimes; you're only talking about two days. They are trying to cover their asses with the insurance companies, likely due to higher incidents of damage and accidents of younger drivers.

You can try real hard to sway them, and who knows, maybe you'll find someone who'll give. But my point is, if no one budges, understand why and move on.

 

No. Because I wouldn't need to rent a car unless I was on vacation by myself, which I wouldn't because of this reason (age minimum). My point being is, I just find it amazing how they will take your money as quick as they do, but won't supply me with adequate transportation when I need an repair that requires an extended amount of time.

 

Yes I am. I had my timing belts done on my TL twice now. In both cases for whatever reasons, there were no Acura loaners and they offered me a rental car instead. No charge. I was given a purchase order made by the service department - you give that to the rental agency and no money comes out of your pocket. Its paid for by Acura corporate.

 

Had this happen once as well. The dealer had an agreement with a rental agency just around the corner.

 

Yeah, I can understand it is frustrating. Some dealers/car companies don't offer loaners at all....so, it's not always common practice anyway. See what you can work out, but just don't count on it working in your favour - and be really appreciative if it does. Good luck.

 

Kinda OT, but did your steering feel different? For some reason, my steering has gotten really heavy recently...but i'm not sure if its my 19" wheels (2" taller, 1" wider) with 245s (vs. 235 stock) or if the steering rack is going out...I do drive my car pretty hard and its deff something I want replaced before my warranty is out.

 

Loaners are a courtesy. A dealer doesn't have to give you squat when you drop your car off for service. And I would say 99% of dealers will not give loaners to anyone under 21, some even under 25. This is purely due to insurance, so if you want to be pissed at someone, be pissed at people your age who can't drive. Not at the dealer who has liability issues to worry about.

 

Have you done a power steering flush?

 

Not yet...i'll get that done and go from there I guess!

 

it may cost you to get the rental, but if you have state farm you can rent a car at 18

 

interesting. This never happened to me so it's new to me. I always call in few days before I go in, so never had that issue before. Since I went there a lot, they know me well enough to provide me the any loaner I want.

 

Yeah, every dealership is different. Some don't give ANY out, others gave me a TSX, some have given me an RL for 3 days

 

No.
It's been noticeably squeaking, say when I'm backing out slow and turning.
For the longest time, I thought maybe it was just the tires on the pavement, but I guess not. It's not noticeable at higher speeds, just when at slower speeds.

 

Isnt it actually illegal to give loaner cars to people under 21? I wanted to fly somewhere and rent a car but I was told it would actually be illegal for them to rent me a car.

As far as your dealership ever other dealer I have been too no matter what compnay has the same rule.

 

Tsol

 

i think acura's TLC statement says loaners are available to ages 25 and up only. so some dealers offer free rental from enterprise but free rental is totally up to dealers

 

How does that work?

 

The issue really is the insurance that underwrites the loaner. I bet they have 21 as a minimum, just like most rental car companies.

Do this: Research rental car companies and see who does rent to an 18 y.o. and see if the dealer will pay for that. I bet they will if they are a good dealership.

my