Took Her Old BMW for Maintenance, Got a $50,000 Loaner So Nice She Didn’t Want to Give It Back
Took an Old BMW for Servicing, Got a $50,000 Loaner She “Didn’t Want to Return”
A female driver was surprised to receive the keys to a brand-new luxury BMW when she took her old car in for servicing—making her suspect it was a dealership tactic to encourage upgrades.
A Surprising Dealership Experience
Ava Brinton shared the moment with her 3,571 TikTok followers (@avabrinton), showing off the $50,000 loaner she received while waiting for her car repair.
In a 7-second video, Brinton filmed the car’s premium interior, highlighting its upscale space and modern dashboard.
“Guys, this is my loaner while my car is getting fixed,” she wrote in the caption.
The clip quickly went viral, amassing over 1 million views and 192,500 likes.
Brinton revealed that her car was a 2015 BMW 328i, while the loaner was a 2023 BMW 330i.
“My car is worth about $10,000 to $13,000, while this one costs around $50,000 to $55,000,” she explained.
The Difference Between the Two Models
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 BMW 330i has a starting price of $43,295, which can go up to $57,845 depending on trim and features. It has an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 26-29 MPG, offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and provides a cargo capacity of 13-17 cubic feet.
Meanwhile, the 2015 BMW 328i has an average market price of around $13,051 (according to TrueCar.com), with a smaller cargo space of 10-13 cubic feet and an all-wheel-drive system. Both models can accommodate up to five passengers.
Brinton jokingly commented in her video, “They’re definitely trying to get me to upgrade,” along with a laughing emoji.
A Clever Tactic to Encourage Upgrades?
Many viewers agreed with Brinton’s theory.
“I swear this is their sales strategy.”
“I once got a loaner while my car was in the shop. Less than a week later, I bought a new car.”
“They do this on purpose! Loaners are like a test to see if you’ll upgrade.”
“I loved my loaner so much… I ended up buying it.”
Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car
According to The Boston Globe, there are a few key things to check before renting a car:
✔ Vehicle Maintenance: Rental companies must ensure the car is in good condition. If roadside assistance takes over 90 minutes, leave the keys inside and request a refund if you find another transport option.
✔ Roadside Assistance Plans: These usually only cover lockouts or running out of fuel—mechanical issues are the rental company’s responsibility.
✔ Insurance: In case of an accident, the renter is responsible, and personal insurance will cover costs. Check your policy before declining rental insurance.
✔ Car Inspection: Before driving off, take timestamped photos of the vehicle to avoid being blamed for pre-existing damage.
✔ Fuel Policy: Return the car with the same fuel level as when you received it to avoid extra charges.
✔ Choosing a Reputable Company: Compare ratings and reviews to find the best service provider.
Brinton’s story has sparked discussion, raising the question: Are dealerships using loaner cars as a smart tactic to push customers toward an upgrade? Have you ever experienced something similar?
In the 7-second video, Brinton pans across the car’s interior, highlighting its upscale design and high-tech dashboard. “Guys, this is my loaner car while mine’s being worked on,” she captioned the clip.
The video quickly went viral, racking up over 1 million views and 192,500 likes. Brinton revealed in the comments that her car is a 2015 BMW 328i, while the loaner is a much newer 2023 BMW 330i. “My car is probably worth around $10,000 – $13,000 now, while this one costs about $50,000 – $55,000,” she explained.
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 BMW 330i starts at $43,295 and can go up to $57,845 depending on the trim and options. It has an EPA fuel economy rating of 26-29 MPG, supports both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and offers a cargo capacity of 13-17 cubic feet.
Meanwhile, the 2015 BMW 328i has an average price of around $13,051, according to TrueCar.com. It has similar fuel efficiency, a cargo space of 10-13 cubic feet, and an all-wheel-drive system. Both models seat up to five passengers.
Brinton jokingly captioned her video: “Who let me drive this thing? They want me to upgrade,” followed by laughing and crying emojis.
A Sales Tactic in Disguise?
Many viewers agreed with Brinton’s theory.
“I swear this is a marketing trick.”
“I once had a loaner car while mine was being repaired. Within a week of getting my old car back, I bought a new one.”
“That’s exactly the point! Loaners are like a test drive to make you want a new car.”
“It’s genius—I loved my loaner so much, I ended up buying it.”
Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car
According to The Boston Globe, there are a few key things to check before signing a rental agreement:
✔ Vehicle Condition: Rental companies are responsible for keeping cars in good working order. If you have to wait more than 90 minutes for roadside assistance, leave the keys in the car and demand a refund if alternative transportation is available.
✔ Roadside Assistance Packages: These often cover minor issues like locking your keys in the car or running out of gas, but mechanical problems are usually the rental company’s responsibility.
✔ Insurance Coverage: Any accidents will be charged to your personal insurance, not the rental company. Make sure your policy covers rental cars before declining additional insurance.
✔ Pre-Rental Inspection: Take photos of the car (with timestamps) before driving off to avoid being charged for damages you didn’t cause.
✔ Fuel Policy: Return the car with the same fuel level as when you received it to avoid refueling charges.
✔ Compare Rental Companies: Some offer better warranties or customer reviews than others, so do your research before choosing.
✔ Keep All Correspondence in Writing: Use email or text to document any rental agreements or issues in case of disputes.
Source: The Boston Globe