Hello Forum,

Long time no post, I just wanted some advice for the community on an issue we're having with MINI financial services. We returned our 2017 Mini Countryman S almost 6000 miles under the mileage limit (mostly due to COVID) and seemingly in excellent condition. It was inspected by both a tire shop and the local dealer prior to returning the vehicle. Both gave the "good to go" thumbs up so we returned it. I received a bill a few weeks later for $2219.68 from MINI for "excessive wear and tear" due to a tiny ding in the windshield they say needs full glass replacement + glass sensor, front brakes, and routine maintenance that was not done. Keep in mind I had the dealership look it over prior to returning it and they never mentioned any of this. Of course when I go back to them they say it's out of their hands, it's a corporate decision now.

I wrote an official letter to dispute the charges and they knocked off ~$600 for "good will" but we still owe over $1600.00 in order to close out this lease. I did and online search and found other manufacturers doing this but hadn't seen much from MINI trying to pull a stunt like this. I'm wondering if this is a last ditch attempt to get as much money as possible from their customers as they are likely in dire straights financially. It's truly unfortunate as this is our 4th MINI and likely our last. I sure as hell won't be buying/leasing anything new again.

Anyway the point of this post is... is there anything else we can do and is this a common practice from MINI? If so, caveat emptor for anyone else looking to lease a new MINI, set aside a few thousand dollars for when you return it.

 

Sorry for this mess - it can be infuriating. I leased cars form over 30 years - many brands including Audi's, VW's, Nissan's etc. While I never had the situation you describe, I learned a lot over the years. All the lessons came after the experiences. In your case, you would gave been served well to have MINI send an independent assessor to your home to examine your car for compliance with MINI lease turn-in standards. They go over everything and would have checked the brakes, glass, tires, etc. Unless your lease required you haver the car serviced at a dealership (I have never heard of that), the most you would have to do would be to show receipts from who did your service. In my car, I like wrenching on stuff so I would do the oil changes and keep the receipts for oil and filter. I was NEVER asked to produce them though. Depending on the length (miles / months) of your lease, I doubt there was any other service requirements. My last lease was for a '17 VW Golf R - over 40K new. with every option. The windshield cracked and required replacement. I had it replaced before turning it in and it only cost me my deductible which was $500. New from the dealer was $1900.

I think you have a case if you wanted to pursue it. Brake pads last 50K unless you are a maniac, excessive wear and tear is vague and you can require them to spell it out for you and the windshield OEM price can be checked by a reputable body shop. Sorry for the disaster though.