What is the boards opinion on mods to a leased car?
The first one that I am considering is window tinting. That is technically reversible, but if the dealer doesn't care than I would just leave it on. Do you think that would be an issue if I decide to turn it in?
What about mods like a CAI? I would take it back off if I turn it in, but has anyone ever had an issue with something like that?
All second hand information from listening to podcasts (Adam Carolla's Car Cast, The Smoking Tire). Both Bavsound and COBB all build their kits with leased vehicles in mind. Car Cast had the owners of Bavsound (BMW speaker upgrades) and they straight up said their customers buy their kits, install them and then toss the factory ones back in when they return their lease.
The Smoking Tire crew are leasing a Fiesta ST and their car is a dev vehicle for COBB's various stage upgrades. Again, they're keeping all the factory parts and once the lease is up will be returning it to stock.
Wheels and tires are easy.
Not a lease, but similar: We had a professional sports player have his car repossessed, and it went to auction. It probably had about $15,000 worth of upgrades to it between the wheels and stereo. It was enough that we actually contacted this player and asked if he wanted to have this all removed and given back to him, he said no just go ahead and sell it.
I tried to make this a one-off where we sold this inventory separately, but unfortunately various regulations wouldn't let us do that. So some dealer is making a huge profit on that.
Wheels and tires are no brainer easy. Window tint is probably OK.
When you start getting into engine, suspension, brake mods you start rolling the dice a bit. If you can return the car to stock with zero indications it had been done, you may get away with it. Just be sure to understand exactly what your lease contract says about stuff like that, 'cause if you get nailed you can be sure they'll point to that contract.
You can always mod it and if you have positive equity in the car trade in it on something else before the lease is up. You get some money back and dont have to worry about lease stipulations.
Dry nitrous kit of course.
Universal, so you can put it on your next leased car when you trade this one in.
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