My wife and I are about to place an order for an ALL4 Countryman that we plan to lease. Both of our MINIs have had Hella driving lights that I installed myself and was very pleased with. I would like to have driving lights on the Countryman, but I can not swallow $675 plus the install cost.

How have people handled mods on a leased vehicle? I am not concerned about my install, but I do think that the grill needs to be trimmed for the brackets. Any issues with turning it in? Thoughts?

Thanks!

-Jac

 

If you leave them on the car when you turn it in, you probably won't have a problem. If you take them off and the person who checks your car in at lease end sees the trimming on the grill, you'll get charged to replace it, and what they charge you will be astronomical. It's possible that you can include them in the lease and residualize them if you have the dealer install them. Then you'd only pay for a percentage of the cost. ask the finance person at the dealer.

 

great answer - thank you!

 

IMO include them as part of the lease or don't do it. Returning a modified leased car could be pricey when/if they charge you to remove and repair the car. The lease document is very clear about modifications to the car if they decide to be picky at the lease end.

The only modification I did to my leased MINI was a grill badge holder and a second set of non-run-flat winter tires and wheels. Both easy to remove without any modifications to the car.