The Lease I assumed on my 05 MCSC is coming to the end and as I always planned I am buying out the lease. The Lease Buyout from BMW is ridiculously simple with the exception that you need to send them a certified check; they don't do wires, go figure. I buyout my lease for $19.9K plus taxes and we are done. In my case since I assumed the lease from the original lessee who was being transferred to China and he gave me $$$ to take over his lease I've made out like a bandit!

However one thing that is weird is that BMW Financial keeps sending me back to the Originating Lease Dealer with comments like; "here's our number but you will probably make out better if you go through the dealer"

Anyway the Dealer made the suggestion that I use the Certified Used MINI Program with the upside that my car would be warranted for 6 years, 100000 miles. But there is a catch... You must have the car inspected by the Dealer and agree to remove any mods and repair any items that are not up to the certification standards, i.e. replace run flat tires that are below acceptable standards with new run flats. So right there it makes no sense for me, but wait there is more... While they won't charge you for being over your mileage allowance or for door dings, etc you will get the special of paying $500 less than the invoiced amount! So I could buy my car from them after returning it to stock for $4500 more and get the Extended Warranty. Easy decision there...

The Dealer still says they can offer me a better Buyout than BMW Financial, but anyone want to take a bet on the fact that my Certified Check will be headed to BMW Financial at the end of the week?

 

You would only need to get the car inspected if you were to get it Certified. Based on the mods you would have to go stock so its not worth it. However, I would still go to the dealer to see how much I can buy the car for. They still might be able do something below the residual value. If they cant then send your check to BMW Financial........it doesnt hurt to try.

 

Best option appears going through BMW Financial and buying extended warranty later, if at all. Don't get me wrong buying a Certifed Vehicle may be a good deal; but not for the original leasee, mods or not....