Lowering a leased car

[DYNAMITE44]

McLean, VA

[mm300c]

I threw coilovers on an Accord that I leased awhile back. About 4 months before the turn in I put the car back to stock and there were no issues.

[Simans82]

Originally Posted by mm300c

I threw coilovers on an Accord that I leased awhile back. About 4 months before the turn in I put the car back to stock and there were no issues.

This has been my same experience. I had a heavily modified VW and never had a single problem upon returning it after the lease was up. Though, I did all the work myself and was able to return it to stock before returning it.

I currently have the 300 suspension torn down awaiting my UAS purchase this winter (the car is sitting in storage). I realize some people may be more conservative than others when it comes to modifications on a leased vehicle, or even a vehicle that they financed to purchase... but I have no worries.

Although, I do fully accept the responsibility of problems that could arise with components prematurely wearing, and have never tried to have the dealer fix those things on warranty when it was my choice to modify. I feel that this mindset has helped me with the 300 and with vehicles that I've owned in the past. I realize that it is dealer dependent, but I've had great luck with not being "sneaky" with the service centers/sales people. This has allowed me to not have to go to the dealer scared, but rather enjoy conversation about he modifications that I've done.

Goodluck on your decision. Enjoy the ride!

[Fish220sr]

I took my leased 300C to the dealer and Showed them my mods after they were completed. The manager and salesman told me to bring the car back to show them. They said they cant wait to get the car back at the end of the lease! I dropped it,Borla,tints,srt lip, front and rear color coded bumper fascias,grille,20" chromes. They ain't getting the wheels!

[RedemptionCL]

Thanks for all the input guys! Now I'm even more torn about what to do. Funny thing is it wouldn't cost me anything. The girlfriend is offering to pay for the wheels and springs as a Christmas present. Very hard to resist. On the other hand, my lease is up in 32 months and I honestly can't see myself keeping this car longer than that. I mean I love it and all but after going to the LA Auto Show and seeing all the nice new rides...

BTW I saw the new Chrysler Imperial there. It was gorgeous! Didn't really care for the pics online but when I say it in person it was very sexy! Looks like a nicer version of the 300c.

[yeahitsgottahemi]

Originally Posted by artichoke

If you're bumping up against the mileage limit on the lease, the 22's would give you an extra 10% of actual mileage before the odometer goes over the limit! Just swap back the wheels before returning it.

Lowering is harder, you'll have to decide if it's worth the effort.

isn't the variance for 265/35/22s less than 3%. it is according to all the tire size calculators i've used.

[jmetz222]

who cares its not hard to put back on if you have too..

[TopTrainer]

I've modified vehicles that I have leased and never had a problem. I had a '99 Ram Air Trans Am that had longtube headers, borla exhaust, lowering springs, all new rear suspension components, new wheel/tires, intake, etc. Never had any problems taking it in for service, I doubt the service department even knew it was a leased vehicle.