OK to put a spoiler on a leased vehicle?

[Chigger]

I'm not too familiar with leases but is it okay to add a spoiler on a leased vehicle?

If you buy it out at the end, I guess it's okay. But how about if you decided NOT to buy it? (Okay, you lose the spoiler & the money you pay for it.) But do the Leasing Company charge you for putting it on??

 

[boston_kevin]

no

Lease usually states vehicle must be returned in the same condition it was originally leased, less normal wear for the lease term. Any holes you drill in the body could add a damage fee at the end of the term.

The only possible exception would be if the Toyota dealer installs and OEM spoiler and carries the warranty on the install. Then you would probably just be out the $500+ for the spoiler and the install.

 

[Northof49]

I don't see why not....

I know many guys with lift kits, up sized tires, decals, performance mods, etc on their leased trucks. Unless there is something different about your lease, I don't see why not, particularily if you plan on buying it out.

If you plan on handing it back, you'll lose the money spent on the mods of course. Of course, if it's a problem, there's nothing stopping you from selling the truck yourself and just paying out the lease....then you can do whatever the hell you want with it.....

 

[boston_kevin]

you can't sell the truck unless you have the title in hand first.

If you plan to keep the truck at the end of the lease, you can do anything you want. But the question was if you plan to turn in the vehicle, drilling holes in the body (which by the way also voids the rust through warranty on that part of the vehicle) usually violates the lease condition. Other mods that will cost you if you hand back the leased vehicle too.. (i.e. stereo modifications, lifts, new wheels, new interior, K&N filter kits, etc.)

 

[Northof49]

you can't sell the truck unless you have the title in hand first.

If you plan to keep the truck at the end of the lease, you can do anything you want. But the question was if you plan to turn in the vehicle, drilling holes in the body (which by the way also voids the rust through warranty on that part of the vehicle) usually violates the lease condition. Other mods that will cost you if you hand back the leased vehicle too.. (i.e. stereo modifications, lifts, new wheels, new interior, K&N filter kits, etc.)

I assume he's talking about the stock spoiler....which is a Toyota accessory. There is no effect on the warranty/lease if the dealer installs it, period. If you hand the vehicle back in, you'll lose the money. But then again, if you would have paid cash for the Runner in the first place, it's not like the spoiler increases its value, so you would "lose" the money either way.

All of the other mods you mentioned can also be done, just keep all your stock stuff and swap it back on before you hand the vehicle back in. A pain yes, but people do it all the time.

Also, I'm not 100% certain how your leases are worded in the US, but here you can sell the vehicle and pay out the lease + lease end value at anytime.....

 

[Fortyounces]

In the states, you'd have to "buy out" the vehicle prior to selling it. As any buyer would want the title upon receipt of the cash payment. I would imagine all you'd have to do is sign a financing agreement to buy the vehicle with Toyota Finance (or whomever consumated your lease agreement). Then you could sell the vehicle and transfer the title after repaying the balance you owed back to toyota. All this would have to be accomplished pretty quickly to ensure no lapses in financing and potential penalties.

If you are going to invest in options like a spoiler or other model specific accessories, I would hope you intend on buying out the vehicle in the end. Or else you are just throwing money away to use those accessories for your lease term. after the lease is up, and you pull all that stuff off, you won't get near the cost you paid for them back on that stuff. And if that is the case, you may want to contact your financing company and attempt to buy it out early and save yourself some financing costs.

 

[Chigger]

Let's just say someone leases a 4Runner. Buys an OEM-style spoiler from Spoiler Depot (or other reputable places) for like $200 bucks.

Let's just say he/she doesn't buy it out at the end of the lease. Who cares if he/she loses that $200 bucks... my question would be... can you get away without getting charge (drilling) just by adding something OEM-looking to the vehicle. (and it somewhat adds the value of the vehicle too??).

p.s. I understand other mods you can take off... but just wondering something "permanent" like a spoiler.

 

[boston_kevin]

If a Toyota dealer did the install of an OEM spoiler, and if they agreed to warranty the work and continue the warranty against rust through or corrosion until the factory warranty expires, I don't see why they would charge you.

Remember that you are also dealing with people that like to make money, so where they shouldn't charge you for this, they might. I would ask the dealer or call Toyota financial about this prior to install.

 

[EDGE]

you guys are making it complicated, you leased the 4Runner and buy an OEM aftermarket spoiler, you put it on and the lease ends, the truck goes back and so does the spoiler, simple as that:

don't worry about the warranty, don't worry about Toyota and the holes you drill would never rust during the time your leasing the 4Runner, and when the 4Runner gets inspected the guy would just think the spoiler originally came on the truck, all they look at is that the truck is in like new condition and has tire tread and the mileage is within what it's suppost to be.

 

[Fortyounces]

Chigger is worried about getting charged for drilling into the vehicle and adding accessories that were not included in the original vehicle. Lease states vehicle must be returned with original options (accessories) as when the vehicle was sold/leased. Does the lease company distinguish between OEM add ons and "aftermarket" add ons ???

If we are going to discuss adding ANY modifications (including a spoiler) we need to look at the following case as well:


what's to say that the leasee buys an ugly-ass aftermarket spoiler (ala Fast N da Furious) for $200 and adds that. In addition to the spoiler, over the course of the next 39 months...they add vinyl graphics, aftermarket headunit, and cut the carpet to run amp and speaker wires throughout. Lease ends and at inspection they are told to replace everything to the way it was before. They take out the factory radio, take out the amps and speakerbox. And take those lame vinyl stickers off the side.

If they wouldn't have removed/replaced the headunit back to original, or didn't remove the vinyl stickers, they'd charge you for that.

Although we all see the spoiler as an "upgrade", the independent inspector or toyota finance sees it as a non-original, chargeable item. Therefore if you didn't remove it, they could charge you.

I agree that you must call Toy Finance and verify. And make a
note of it for future reference. Matter of fact, I would request something in writing giving you permission to do so. that way it doesn't come back to bite you in the arse down the road. It is THEIR vehicle after all.

Edge, I just turned in a leased VW, and they didn't just look at the vehicle to see if it was "like new" the inspector had a checklist and ensured that all the "upgrades" were still there....including my sport 17" alloys, upgraded stereo, etc. So they know what's original and what's not. It's up to them as to how much they want to inspect. They get paid either way. Some just take their jobs more seriously than others. On my Acura, the guy let me slide on a few panels with more than the allowed number of scratches because others were "under" the allowable scratches...but this guy who did my VW was a stickler and wrote em all up, charging for some of them.

 

[JThree4Runner]

Same line of questioning for me....

I am getting the itch to add some SE wheels to my SR5 and trade my black racks for silver, maybe do some small cosmetic stuff like "grill mesh" and maybe swap the exhaust from the cats back, but my hesitation is the same... what do I do when my lease is done?

I'm planning to keep the truck cuz IT'S AWESOME, but I'd like to know for sure, one way or another...

Does anyone have a friend or family memeber who works at a dealership or might know for certain?

Thanks everyone

 

[Fortyounces]

Just call Toy Finance and ask them. Their number is on your invoice every month when you get your bill.

that way you know 100% that the info you got is correct.

 

[EDGE]

I've leased plenty of vehicles, several things determine the outcome of your lease and thats the lease company.

When the lease is over and they come to inspect it, let say it's a 2004/05 SR5 pretty well optioned out for an SR5, if you add a factory spoiler they will not question it, if you switch the rims from 16 inch SR5 to Sports they will not question it.

I've leased plenty of vehicles, I know what can be done and what can't be done, an OEM spoiler will not effect anything.

Im so sure I'll bet anyone $5000 that when your lease ends they will say nothing about the spoiler.

and I would tell you not to call up Toyota, thats a stupid move, don't say more then you have to:

 

[Northof49]

I've leased plenty of vehicles, several things determine the outcome of your lease and thats the lease company.

When the lease is over and they come to inspect it, let say it's a 2004/05 SR5 pretty well optioned out for an SR5, if you add a factory spoiler they will not question it, if you switch the rims from 16 inch SR5 to Sports they will not question it.

I've leased plenty of vehicles, I know what can be done and what can't be done, an OEM spoiler will not effect anything.

Im so sure I'll bet anyone $5000 that when your lease ends they will say nothing about the spoiler.

and I would tell you not to call up Toyota, thats a stupid move, don't say more then you have to:

Agreed 100% I will even add $5K to your bet

Also, as stated before, if you purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term, you can do whatever you want with it. There is no inspection when you buy it out....you can add parts, go over the mileage limit, etc. Phone in, get you payout, drop off a check, done.

I'm leasing a new Matrix next week and already have an appointment for installing some tint and maybe some TRD coilovers...

 

[TRD04RUNNER]

LOL they will thanks you for adding the spoiler so they can make some money off it when they sell it to the new owner! i said about 85% of people who buy a 4R want the rear spoiler on it..

 

[JThree4Runner]

Thanks for the heads up guys. The insight and info is always appreciated.

I may call the Toyo guys and ask about "MY Friend's Truck" and see what they say... just to be sure.

If I find out anything interesting, I'll be sure to post it here.

Thx.

 

[EDGE]

Just make a random call but they will tell you just keep paying the bill

 

[realyfishy]

23 years in the Toyota business, and I never heard of anyone returning a lease car, and being charged for adding equipment!

 

[realyfishy]

When you return a lease car, the inspectors can't know what is standard or optional on every make & model & year. They usually just check for damage, wear 'n tear & tires. Don't worry, they won't notice your spoiler. (unless it's one of those giant aluminum turbo wings). Enjoy your new ride!

 

[TRD04RUNNER]

When you return a lease car, the inspectors can't know what is standard or optional on every make & model & year. They usually just check for damage, wear 'n tear & tires. Don't worry, they won't notice your spoiler. (unless it's one of those giant aluminum turbo wings). Enjoy your new ride!

lol!! they might have to charge you by the foot with that one!:cheers: