I am finally getting a handle on my finances. Phew. Since 2010 I have leased three different cars and just turned in my last leased car about two weeks ago. Yesterday I received a bill for $650. There was a charge for $263.25 of "excessive wear and use" and a disposition fee of $350 as well as 6% tax totaling to $650.05.
I was honestly surprised when I recieved the bill because when I dropped the lease off the sales associate barely said a word to me. Took my plates off. Handed them to me and said "they're going to charge for a key fab. Have a nice day" (so friendly!) I rebutted with "but I was only ever given one key fab. I specifically remember asking about a second one when I leased the car." His response was "Call the financial service (the place this particular company does their loans through) and tell them," Again, great service over there.
As far as the disposition fee goes - I was unprepared for it. And honestly, do not remember talking about any sort of fee in any of the three leases I signed but I am sure it's there in the contract. As soon as I read the bill I was on Reddit searching for ways around it and everyone said "no way. you gotta pay. you signed." So I was ready to pay that fee.
Just now on the phone I was very calm and polite and explained that I am a student. That I've given this company an absurd amount of money of the last 8 years. I also told her things are tight at the moment with holidays and purchasing a used car and new insurance and transferring titles - all of which is very true.
After a calm discussion she waived the disposition fee! I couldn't believe it. She said thank you to me for being a loyal customer throughout the years and for always paying my car payments on time.
Next came the $263.25 fee.
I asked her for an itemized receipt because "excessive wear and use" is very vague. Of course I used the car - why would I lease a car if I wasn't going to use it?
She looked into the report
There was $150 for a missing fab. I explained to her that I had never received a second fab. She put me on hold and came back saying "oh yes it says here the make of your car only comes with one. I'm waiving that as well. The last charge is $98 for a broken grill on the front of the car".
I did have a minor fender bender a year ago in the car and had since had that fixed. I told her I have a receipt for the repair and can send a photo over of it immediately. She looked through the photos of the report and determined that it was fixed and that I do not have to worry about any of these fees.
$650.05 that I do not have to spend and I am officially out of leasing cars. Phew. I am so relived that headache is over.
Moral: do not lease. it's a waste of money. Be nice and patient with people on the phone when discussing bills and money. They more than likely understand and are willing to work with you.
December 11, 2018 at 10:47AM
