Hey guys. I've read several threads that mention that it's fine to do mods as long as you return the car back to stock when returning it. My question is regarding the appraisal process. I just got a call asking if I would be interested in an early return (6 months away now) and asked if I wanted to come in to get an appraisal on my car. Would I need to take all my mods off for this process before a final decision on whether or not I'm going to return it? I definitely want to return it and get a new vehicle, but my concerns are any additional fees that might come up from minor damages (rock chips) and my high mileage.

Just got exhaust, intake, front lip, spoiler, carbon wrapped interiors, shift **** replacement, and painted calipers.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Since you plan to return the car.. sell me your parts =D

But to your questions, I work at a dealer. And we had a trade in IS with aftermarket lips, side skirts, etc. It doesn't put value on the car, we take them off before selling it as certified pre-owned,

Rock chips is normal wear and tear, they won't ding you on that. However, they will ding you if you went over your mileage that was stated in the contract. Not sure how much per excess mile. Maybe 10-25 cents per mile?

 

Definitely part out your aftermarket modifications. The dealers values them at nothing. They won't hit you for them but they also wont pay you for them. Swap on your stock parts and sell the parts here for a little extra pocket cash.

If you don't have stock parts do some trades with members here and make them cover shipping + a little extra.

 

Thanks guys. Yea I'm definitely planning on taking them off and putting the stock parts back on if I decide to return it. From what both of you are saying it sounds like I can just take my car the way it is for the appraisal process, but I guess I don't know how they would value the car if let's say the stock exhaust or the stock intake are not on the car during the appraisal. How would they know the condition of those parts without looking at them? Should I take the parts with me in the trunk or something? Lol.

Also nathantse, since you work at a dealership, do they usually ding you a lot for painted calipers?

 

That, I don't know. If your just doing an appraisal, go ahead and ask your dealer. Each dealership is different. Some may be more lenient on stuff.

 

Another factor is the dealership you deal with and the person evaluating your car... I have returned lightly modded Lexus vehicles back without a single complaint or even a single cautionary comment about my mods. From my experience, the dealer will prioritize the visual aspects of the car and wear-tear (dents, scratches, tire life, pad life etc) over cosmetic mods unless it's something really appalling to their eyes

Of course, if you plan on getting another Lexus at that dealer, the concern will be moot.

 

i highly doubt the car is worth more than the residual value, so be wary that if they say 'we'll take over the payments' that they don't screw you on the price of your new car

 

Thanks guys for all your input. Just wanted to give you an update in case anyone was curious. They kept calling me to come in so I asked the person if I needed to take my mods off before the appraisal and she told me to just bring it in the way it is. I think the guy only took like 10 mins to look at the car and didn't mention anything about the mods being a problem. They were willing to take the car back the way it is, but I told them I wanted to take my mods off to put on my new one. They are willing to pay the remaining 6 months lease payment for me but I would have to pay for my mile overage. I am currently negotiating with the sales guy to make sure I get a good deal on the next car.

 

they can appraise based off vin site unseen...or they can lowball you by seeing it.

 

this...

if it's not a corporate pull-ahead program, i wouldn't waste my time.

 

Got it! I'll make sure they don't try to screw me on the new car. If they do I'll just tell them I'm going to wait it out.

 

How does one know if it's a "corporate pull-ahead" program?

 

you said you painted the calipers. did you keep them painted on return or change color back

 

Lol I left everything the way it was. And they were willing to take it that day the way it was. But I'm still negotiating with them and think I'll have a final decision on Friday when I go see them again, so I can update you if they give me any issues if I do end up returning it.

 

It's basically when the manufacturer runs the promotion.

example...
BMW USA = okay.
NYC BMW = NOT OKAY