BrooksLC

So, my car is leased. I intended to put money down right after to buy the car. I've done plenty of cosmetic/audio things. The only performance mod I've done is put it on RSR Super Down springs. I've kept stock springs.

The dealership contacts me saying they've been alerted of some modification to the car, which breaches the contract and now they want me to bring it in so they can assess and charge me what "it would cost to restore the vehicle" since I do not own it.

I was under the impression that as long as it is reversible, it is doable to a lease.

Super bummed.

Don't know where I'll go from here.

EndlessRed

nope. you can't modify it as long as it's a lease. you don't own the car as long as it's a lease term. sorry but you brought this on yourself.

Sh1nra

How did they find out?
If possible, are you able to put back the stock springs on before you bring it in?

BrooksLC

yeah, imma call around tomorrow and see what i can line up. not sure how they found out....

jkeifer3

If you've ever had the car serviced by a Lexus dealer that's how they found out.

DaSyce

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like a scam; you can do anything you want to the lease as long as you restore it before the term ends. You don’t own the can, but neither does the dealership, car belongs to the leasing bank / Lexus Financial Services. LFS is a separate entity from a local, privately run Lexus dealership

Upon returning the lease, you are responsible to restore it to factory condition. I would tell the dealership to back off and not to worry about my lease as it will no longer be serviced by them.

jjscsix

I agree. This sounds really bizarre to me. The first order of business is to read the contract though and see if you really are in violation of the terms.

SC300Es

Plenty of people that lease and mod on this board. Never heard of any issues before.

praetor

Shouldn't be a problem until you turn in the car but you have to read the fine prints of the contract. Dealer could legally be entitled to penalizing you for mods.

ItzFilyO

Are u still leasing or it's done? and u said ur gonna buy it? If ur buying it then don't worry about it.

I've modded all my leased cars and traded in like that without putting back the OEM parts and the dealer who bought it never said anything. Some dealers, however, won't take it if I don't put back the OEM parts. Returning it to the bank will be a different story though, u have to put it back to stock.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

First time hearing this. I know many people here did more than just springs, they changed bumpers, exhaust, brakes on their leases with no problem.

ItzFilyO

Which dealer is this? so I can avoid it.

LexRuger

That doesn't sound right. I have put wheels and subs in 3 leased cars and they never came at me with this BS. I know other people that lease and mod and they've never had any problems either.

I thought the most they can do is refuse warranty work if the part was altered due to aftermarket parts? Some new law perhaps?

ItzFilyO

I have asked a Toyota Master Tech regarding the warranty work on a modified car. He said as long as the aftermarket part isn't causing the problem they will fix it under warranty.

Say u lowered ur car and ur engine blew up, they can't blame the lowering springs for it. But if u turbocharged it and ur engine blew up, then ur outta luck.

BrooksLC

I'm not sure how it's transpired, haven't had it serviced there since lowering.
Just taking springs off tomorrow to avoid any drama and hopeful to sell them. They were so great, I'm truly bummed. They made the car look and feel so good.
It'll be hard having a car I can't touch. Still a beauty.