anybody understand lease limitations?

[gcb]

does anyone know the limitations that there might be on a new car lease in regards to making any modifications on a new car? Particularily things like changing the exhaust system? or wheels/rims, etc..

I'm thinking unless its an original Porsche item...might it void the warranty or at least the warranty wouldn't cover that part?

must the car be returned at end of lease EXACTLY like it was purchased?

Thanks

[saaber]

Originally Posted by gcb

does anyone know the limitations that there might be on a new car lease in regards to making any modifications on a new car? Particularily things like changing the exhaust system? or wheels/rims, etc..

I'm thinking unless its an original Porsche item...might it void the warranty or at least the warranty wouldn't cover that part?

must the car be returned at end of lease EXACTLY like it was purchased?

Thanks

re warranties -

Don't know about Porsche, but VW varies widely from one dealer to another. One service manager was totally modification friendly (and even a proponent of, including non-vw supplied parts) while another said any modification can potentially void the warranty.

Talk to the dealer service manager and service writer (if applicable). Ask for examples, "have you had any modified cars with a warranty claim?, how did it go", "have you ever had to deny any warranty claims because of a modified car?". Getting real examples will quickly let you know what your dealer's philosophy is. In addition to the dealer's individual acceptance/rejection of mods., some of it is actually out of their control.

For example the dealer may want to get you a new engine but they are required to give out the computer readout. If there are "stage 2" rev.s showing on there, you're in big doo doo and the dealer's hands may be tied.

Don't listen at all to what anyone from the sales side says, including sales managers. Treat it like an opinion from someone who knows nothing and is trying to say whatever they think will make you buy the car, whether it's true or not.

[racer_d]

READ the fine print of the lease agreement. If it is not spelled out what can and can not be done to the car, then its a "gray" issue, no?

And yes, a dealer/bank/manufacturer wants the car returned EXACTLY as it was leased to you. So, if you put on a body kit, special wheels, blah blah, be prepared to remove all items. If, for some reason the dealer doesn't notice these things, you will NOT be compensated for them.

A leased vehicle does NOT need to be serviced at the dealer where the lease originates. (ie, what if you move out of state - you would be expected to return just for service, correct?) so, just because "your" dealer may be agreeable to some modifications, doesn't mean ALL dealers will be, which may cause warranty issues down the road.

Remember the basic of a lease is you do NOT OWN the car. It belongs to the leasing company. You are essentially a "renter" for x months. At the end of the lease you will be required to have the car inspected by the local dealer/appraiser service. They will not every change/defect (ie, worn out tires, paint scratches, dents etc.). Leasing companies long ago got wind of the abuses people would commit and try to get away with. They will charge you accordingly for not returning the car in "like new" condition.

[Sammy]

I had a girlfriend that had a leased vehicle and regardless of the fine print it was a big no, no to have modifications since there is the risk that it will hurt the car or decrease the value (not everyone wants a crazy looking wing on the back of their car). Even upgrading the stereo would be a problem; however, as it was mentioned, you can always put it back to stock.

[gcb]

Thank you all for your input... I'm thinking about powder coating my carrera s wheels...which i don't think (hope) will be a leasing issue.

perhaps a changed exhaust will though??

but that is a great idea about speaking to the service department at the dealership. Unfortunately warranty work has to be done at only this dealer... its the only one in town...

[Lil bastard]

From the start, it's not a really great idea to mod a leased car. Basically, you're sticking your money into someone else's car. And, they have ways of finding out. If for instance you raise yur insurance coverage to cover the mods, they have the right to access the policy, then the dealer service notes may mention this as well.

Now, if you intend to buy the car at the end of the lease - just leasing to keep dwn pymnt. and monthly bill lower, that's a little different. If this is your strategy, get the buyout price in the lease itselfm, so you know ahead of time what it's gonna cost you in x months.

If you're still determined to proceed, there are mods, and there are mods. In the case of the wheels, it would be better to purchase a 2nd. set of wheels and powdercoat them (though powdercoating isn't recommended by any major wheel manufacturer because the heat of the oven can remove the temper of the wheels, weakening them). This way, you can pickup a used set of wheels for less money, store the OEM wheels (and lease the car with the cheaper non-optional, or standard, wheels to begin with, further lowering your pymnts.), and put the used wheels on. When the lease is up, replace the OEM wheels and either keep, or sell your modded ones.

Same with the exhaust, these can usually be switched and returned to stock condition in the future. Adding new cams or pistons are not as easily returned to stock condition. The same goes for many body kits which may require that you drill some body panels, and even if not, can cause damage by rubbing or just uneven fading of the paint, which you would have to pay for once the lease is up.

One final thing to think about. You could look for a late model used car which would cost you less. It could be CPO'd, giving you the warranty you're looking for, often for less or the same money as a lease, except you will own the car. A depreciating asset, but one which will retain some of it's original value (maybe 25-50%) when you decide to sell it or get another car.

Remember, Porsches are expensive cars to own, the maintenance and the parts ain't cheap, in fact, they're d*mned expensive compared to most cars out there (even other sports cars). If you can't afford to buy it, you probably cannot really afford to lease it either. Trying to own a Porsche on a shoe-string budget can diminish the Porsche experience considerably. But, whatever you decide in the end, good luck with it.

[gcb]

Thank you Lil "B",

I really appreciate your opinion and suggestions. You brought up some very good things to consider.