Real world "end of lease" experiences
Discussion
You'll always get some horror stories, often from people who don't understand what "fair wear and tear" actually means (i.e. It's not what they think is "fair" or "normal", it's all documented as to what's acceptable and what isn't)
Adhere to the guidelines and there shouldn't be an issue. Keep a copy of the servicing paperwork in case of dispute.
Adhere to the guidelines and there shouldn't be an issue. Keep a copy of the servicing paperwork in case of dispute.
Interested to hear these stories as I'm handing one back in January.
One of the alloys is a bit scratched where the wife (honest) touched a kerb and there's a scratch on the trim on the inside caused by a box and an emergency stop.
One of the front tyres is approaching the limit too, I might get a part worn to make sure I don't get billed for a brand new 19" RFT!
One of the alloys is a bit scratched where the wife (honest) touched a kerb and there's a scratch on the trim on the inside caused by a box and an emergency stop.
One of the front tyres is approaching the limit too, I might get a part worn to make sure I don't get billed for a brand new 19" RFT!
I haven't had any bad experiences despite having had 4 leases.
No charges for damage requested at all on 3 of them.
On the last Merc lease BCA didn't inspect the car when they collected due to their own error, so Merc didn't charge. If they hadn't ballsed up I'd have been charged £700, but that would have been fair enough as I had been too busy to get a few defects sorted before handing back... just got lucky with that one.
Just treat the car well, fix things that aren't fair wear and tear as you go along.... then you won't get hit with a big bill at the end.
No charges for damage requested at all on 3 of them.
On the last Merc lease BCA didn't inspect the car when they collected due to their own error, so Merc didn't charge. If they hadn't ballsed up I'd have been charged £700, but that would have been fair enough as I had been too busy to get a few defects sorted before handing back... just got lucky with that one.
Just treat the car well, fix things that aren't fair wear and tear as you go along.... then you won't get hit with a big bill at the end.
We handed our first lease back in September. We had a fiesta when the deals were good and have to say I was really impressed with the whole process.
Admittedly we were careful when driving which paid off and we didn't have bumps, scratches, etc. I also felt it would be nice to clean to it so if there were any scratches they might see it but saw the state of the car and though oh well but nope all good and there were still plenty.of tred on the tyres.
Admittedly we were careful when driving which paid off and we didn't have bumps, scratches, etc. I also felt it would be nice to clean to it so if there were any scratches they might see it but saw the state of the car and though oh well but nope all good and there were still plenty.of tred on the tyres.
truck71 said:
Leasing/PCP has it's appeal but what are people finding at the back end? Is it the hidden flaw or nothing to be concerned about?
Since 2002 I've leased the following:Volvo XC90
Range Rover TD6
VW Touareg 5.0 V10
Audi Q7 6.0 V12
Infiniti FX50
BMW X5 M50D
Range Rover SDV8
Audi S8 (X2)
Mercedes S65 AMG
Not one of them from any of the dealerships was any hassle. I ran over 100K onto both S8's and I'm heading there on the Benz. At the end of PCP if you don't buy the car and it's still in good condition, mileage ETC then you just wave it off for another one. Any damage or mileage either comes out of the guaranteed future value or you pay a fine. For mileage about 8p a mile for mine and my wifes cars. It really depends on what you need. PCP is great if you can keep up payments, it means you get a new more expensive car for in some situations, a lot less money. You can usually haggle a few extras onto the car as opposed to getting the price down. My advice is just to read the fine print, ask the right questions as with any car and budget to make sure you won't appear on "The Sheriffs". Unless you're using the car under your business, then get PCP.
I've never had any problems.
Mini have been my best experience, we handed the car back early with a small scuff on two wheels and a small scratch on one panel. Mini documented the faults but declined to charge us for these two faults as it was under the threshold to make it worth charging.
Mini have been my best experience, we handed the car back early with a small scuff on two wheels and a small scratch on one panel. Mini documented the faults but declined to charge us for these two faults as it was under the threshold to make it worth charging.
M135i, man from BCA came and found 2 kerbed wheels, a graze on the front bumper and a minor dent in the rear door. He commented that it was in 'lovely condition', total charge was £0.
My friends M135i, he had 2 bumpers resprayed and the car looked mint. It drove a bit crap however as he's quite en enthusiastic driver and it had taken its toll slightly. He got charged £300 for 2 poor resprays.
My friends M135i, he had 2 bumpers resprayed and the car looked mint. It drove a bit crap however as he's quite en enthusiastic driver and it had taken its toll slightly. He got charged £300 for 2 poor resprays.
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