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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it unreasonable not to service lease car?

43 replies

stopbeeping · 29/03/2023 17:38

Talking to husband and I'm worried about penalty's at the end
We have always leased but maintained contract so i didn't ever have a massive bill for 500£ for something
I am worried it will not be fairly priced if they service it when I return it
It's come on in the car

Audi A6 21 plate if it makes a difference
Thanks

OP posts:
Dogsarebetterthanhumans · 29/03/2023 17:45

Just have a look at your lease contract. It will specify what conditions you have to return the car in. For instance, full tank of gas, serviced, valeted, valeted and detailed etc. Then proceed as instructed. If you are concerned, call them. Honestly it’s not a big issue; don’t let it take over your head. X

Original poster
stopbeeping · 29/03/2023 17:48

Dogsarebetterthanhumans · 29/03/2023 17:45

Just have a look at your lease contract. It will specify what conditions you have to return the car in. For instance, full tank of gas, serviced, valeted, valeted and detailed etc. Then proceed as instructed. If you are concerned, call them. Honestly it’s not a big issue; don’t let it take over your head. X

You know I am worried so this has really helped me, thank you

It says the car needs a "small maintenance" at 10k intervals. I've only done 13 k in the last 2 years

I've just seen there's a company which shows me the approved dealers for maintenance, it can be at any reputable garage it doesn't have to be Audi, really helpful

Thank you x

OP posts:
LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 29/03/2023 17:52

Most lease cars require you to service it in line with manufacturer recommendations in terms of how frequently.

Ilikewinter · 29/03/2023 18:05

I would have thought it would require servicing, cant imagine they would want it back without it being serviced in line with manufacturers recommendations...I would also imagine it would be more difficult for them to sell on.

Mondy · 29/03/2023 18:57

You need to check your lease terms, it could be that they specify that it needs to be serviced at a main dealer or it may be that they'll accept servicing at a normal garage (but using genuine parts). If you don't have it serviced it'll affect the car's value and there may well be a financial penalty to pay at the end of the lease (and that could be far more than what a service would cost). Best thing is to contact them.

billyt · 29/03/2023 23:31

If your car needs servicing at 10k intervals then you've missed the boat on the first one.

Most lease deals say you must get the vehicle serviced in line with manufacturers requirements. You don't need to go to main dealer as any VAT registered garage can service as long as they stick to the manufacturers requirements.

Varies by vehicle but usually a set mileage or time limit. In your case probably 10k or 12 months whichever comes first.

Why haven't you had it serviced?

One of the checks on returning a lease car is does it have a full service history. You'll probably be penalised for missing at least one.

Rebel2 · 29/03/2023 23:43

billyt · 29/03/2023 23:31

If your car needs servicing at 10k intervals then you've missed the boat on the first one.

Most lease deals say you must get the vehicle serviced in line with manufacturers requirements. You don't need to go to main dealer as any VAT registered garage can service as long as they stick to the manufacturers requirements.

Varies by vehicle but usually a set mileage or time limit. In your case probably 10k or 12 months whichever comes first.

Why haven't you had it serviced?

One of the checks on returning a lease car is does it have a full service history. You'll probably be penalised for missing at least one.

That ^^ exactly
It's missed its first service

Original poster
stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 06:41

billyt · 29/03/2023 23:31

If your car needs servicing at 10k intervals then you've missed the boat on the first one.

Most lease deals say you must get the vehicle serviced in line with manufacturers requirements. You don't need to go to main dealer as any VAT registered garage can service as long as they stick to the manufacturers requirements.

Varies by vehicle but usually a set mileage or time limit. In your case probably 10k or 12 months whichever comes first.

Why haven't you had it serviced?

One of the checks on returning a lease car is does it have a full service history. You'll probably be penalised for missing at least one.

Really helpful thank you so much

It's 10k or 14 month intervals I believe

It's a mini service it's due
There are no lights on it's come up on the car asking

It's also got a problem with the child lock apparently and needs to go to the garage

It already had an oil change and two front tyres at 7k miles!!

OP posts:
Poppyblush · 30/03/2023 07:09

You need to look at the service book which will dictate when it needs To be serviced.

billyt · 30/03/2023 08:12

The issue is here is that you should have had it serviced at 10k. The 14 months is not relevant as you hit the mileage limit first.

I'd check your contract and arrange that service asap.

LIZS · 30/03/2023 08:15

Was servicing not included?

reverseferreting · 30/03/2023 08:17

Is this a lease or a PCP arrangement?

Badbadbunny · 30/03/2023 08:18

stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 06:41

Really helpful thank you so much

It's 10k or 14 month intervals I believe

It's a mini service it's due
There are no lights on it's come up on the car asking

It's also got a problem with the child lock apparently and needs to go to the garage

It already had an oil change and two front tyres at 7k miles!!

Show quote history

Why was the oil changed at only 7k - a small service isn't much more than changing oil, so why didn't you leave the oil and have a service at 10k?

How on Earth did you manage to need 2 new tyres at only 7k miles? Have you been parking on kerbs or is your area particularly bad for potholes, etc? Tyres should last 20k or so.

Georgieporgie29 · 30/03/2023 08:24

DH has an Audi and his was serviced at xxmiles or 18 months, whichever comes first. He just got it serviced at a local garage not a dealership. He has just changed it for a new one and this wasn’t a problem at all.

I would get it serviced now, if you’re not changing it at the moment, then if you get your next service at the right time when you take it back I’m sure they won’t be bothered that the first one was a bit late.

In my experience if you are changing it for a new lease with them then they are a bit more lenient on these things, if you’re just handing the car back and not getting a new one from them then they may charge you for the service or similar.

Original poster
stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 08:38

We have sooo many potholes here in East Kent and I don't kerb it at all but they apparently are placed to grip and so wear more easily

In fact to the other poster yes it is 18 months

Oil- because the car computer asked for it!!

I've had to top up engine coolant too x2

Car now needs oil again acc to the computer, but it doesn't have a dipstick on that tank

I do admittedly have a very heavy custom car seat and 3 kids so I do a lot of town driving and it does use up the rubber

And I do drive faster then average I guess as I pass people if there would be a chance almost all of the time on the motorway

OP posts:
BungleandGeorge · 30/03/2023 08:57

Did you actually need to change the oil at 7k or just top it up? There must be a dipstick for the oil!

Original poster
stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 09:05

No the car literally said change oil, not top up
I was so mad, the thing was like 12 months old

It doesn't have a dipstick it's a lid and you can buy an official Audi one from their website but even the aa didn't carry it as apparently Audi say to use computer

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 30/03/2023 09:38

Im surprised the service isn't included in your lease - mind dietas have been, one of the perks of leasing!

megletthesecond · 30/03/2023 09:42

You shouldn't be waiting for lights to come up on the dashboard.
And stop driving "faster than average".

mogsrus · 30/03/2023 09:42

If it’s only got a lid it’s not for the engine, it could be brake fluid or hydraulic. Please don’t ignore it

billyt · 30/03/2023 09:46

I would have taken the car back to dealers when it said change oil. That is not necessary. Shouldn't really even need a top up at 7000!

In fact you need to get your car booked in and serviced. Tell them about the oil change indication showing now and at 7000 as that is wrong.

And in answer to other poster. Not all lease deals include servicing etc. OP actually mentioned this in the first post.

billyt · 30/03/2023 09:47

The lid you talk about is the oil filler cap. The dipstick is usually lower down to one side.

And to go through a set of tyres in 7000. Jeez.

Frabbits · 30/03/2023 09:49

You need to get it serviced, if you return it without having done so you will get absolutely stung, as the value of a car drops massively without a FSH. Even if it's late, that's better than nothing.

And if you are burning through oil and tyres in 7k you clearly are driving like a bit of a maniac, so it will definately need checked over.

Original poster
stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 09:50

billyt · 30/03/2023 09:47

The lid you talk about is the oil filler cap. The dipstick is usually lower down to one side.

And to go through a set of tyres in 7000. Jeez.

I know I was annoyed as well. I don't drive like a sap. It's the tracking it was the same in another a6 I had, ate tyres. I had. 4 sets of back Tyres in 3 yrs

Not on side, spoke to mechanics about it. It's a thing

OP posts:
Original poster
stopbeeping · 30/03/2023 09:50

Frabbits · 30/03/2023 09:49

You need to get it serviced, if you return it without having done so you will get absolutely stung, as the value of a car drops massively without a FSH. Even if it's late, that's better than nothing.

And if you are burning through oil and tyres in 7k you clearly are driving like a bit of a maniac, so it will definately need checked over.

I've booked it in lol
All good

OP posts: