[vbb]

I leased my '07 335i brand new. Built it just the way I wanted, waited patiently as it was made, and then picked it up with 2 miles on the odometer like an excited kid on Christmas morning. I leased because I know I have commitment problems when it comes to vehicles, and figured that after 3 years I'd be ready to move on to something else. I was wrong.

A combination of this being the best car that I've had to date, and the economy being uncertain has led me to reevaluate leasing for the time being. So, when it comes time to turn this car in, I'll be in the market to purchase something that I'll keep for several years to come.

So, for those that have bought their car after leasing it first... were you able to renegotiate the price of the car at all? I got a pretty good deal to start with ($1000 over invoice) but given the slow economy, I could probably buy a similar used 335i on the open market for a little less than my residual value. I figure BMW knows this as well, so they'd probably be willing to knock a little bit off the sales price if I agree to purchase as opposed to taking my car as a lease turn in and then trying to sell it themselves. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

[MCMLXXXIX]

i gave back my last lease cause it wasnt my dream bmw sadly (But i still loved it)
this new lease is my everything and ill think ill keep it too after the 3 years

KEEP IT!

youll def get it cheaper and your payments will go down

[noro]

You sort of answered your question. There is some amount of money that is worth paying over the going market price to retain a car you had since new because you REALLY know its entire history. You have to figure out what this amount is.

As far as negotiating for the lease, it's like a cat and mouse game. If they sense a hint that you are interested in buying the car the will not do much negotiating. If they detect that you've been talking to dealers around this issue they again will not negotiate. Your only strategy should be say nothing to them till the very end. Eventually they will contact you and if you pretend that you are going to dump the car and buy a used non CPO car from a private party they may starting offering you deals.

All this obviously can change, not that long ago they did not negotiation at all. But recently all E90 330i have been getting hefty discounts.

[Rugs]

Originally Posted by vbb

I leased my '07 335i brand new. Built it just the way I wanted, waited patiently as it was made, and then picked it up with 2 miles on the odometer like an excited kid on Christmas morning. I leased because I know I have commitment problems when it comes to vehicles, and figured that after 3 years I'd be ready to move on to something else. I was wrong.

A combination of this being the best car that I've had to date, and the economy being uncertain has led me to reevaluate leasing for the time being. So, when it comes time to turn this car in, I'll be in the market to purchase something that I'll keep for several years to come.

So, for those that have bought their car after leasing it first... were you able to renegotiate the price of the car at all? I got a pretty good deal to start with ($1000 over invoice) but given the slow economy, I could probably buy a similar used 335i on the open market for a little less than my residual value. I figure BMW knows this as well, so they'd probably be willing to knock a little bit off the sales price if I agree to purchase as opposed to taking my car as a lease turn in and then trying to sell it themselves. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

Good question, I'm thinking about doing the same thing with my "07"!

[vbb]

Originally Posted by noro

As far as negotiating for the lease, it's like a cat and mouse game. If they sense a hint that you are interested in buying the car the will not do much negotiating. If they detect that you've been talking to dealers around this issue they again will not negotiate. Your only strategy should be say nothing to them till the very end. Eventually they will contact you and if you pretend that you are going to dump the car and buy a used non CPO car from a private party they may starting offering you deals.

Good point. I'm trying to look at this pragmatically. As far as my dealer is concerned, I have a few options. I can either:

a.) Turn the car in at the end of my lease and lease (or buy) something else brand new from them again.
b.) Turn the car in at the end of my lease and buy another car on the private market.
c.) Buy my current car.

Obviously they want me to do choice A, but they know I could easily do choice B and they'd lose my business. If they just took my car as a lease return, they'd probably CPO it and then put it back on their lot and try and resell it. Knowing there are used 335i's all over the place going for great deals, I wouldn't think they'd want to risk having my car sit on their lot when they have a ready and willing buyer in me. All they'd have to do is sell it to me for closer to what used 335s are going for in the market rather than trying to get my full residual. Seems fair to both sides. They make a profit, and I get a deal on a used car that I know very well. Everyone wins. Or at least that's my thinking.

If they try and screw me over, I can easily just walk, and go find another 335i for the price I want... or maybe even find a super clean E46 M3 (the other car on my short list).

[noro]

One more hint, if they ask questions regarding condition of your car, talk it down and not up. Indicate that it within the normal wear and tear guidelines but it's not a showroom car.

[darkcloud]

Originally Posted by noro

You sort of answered your question. There is some amount of money that is worth paying over the going market price to retain a car you had since new because you REALLY know its entire history. You have to figure out what this amount is.

As far as negotiating for the lease, it's like a cat and mouse game. If they sense a hint that you are interested in buying the car the will not do much negotiating. If they detect that you've been talking to dealers around this issue they again will not negotiate. Your only strategy should be say nothing to them till the very end. Eventually they will contact you and if you pretend that you are going to dump the car and buy a used non CPO car from a private party they may starting offering you deals.

All this obviously can change, not that long ago they did not negotiation at all. But recently all E90 330i have been getting hefty discounts.

See I've heard the complete opposite. I've spoke with my CA and he openly said he'll get me a better deal then what was originally listed on my contract. My lease is up in a few months. Yet he also knows I'm more then willing to drop the car and get something else, but I'm also very willing to buy the car out as the buyout should be very favorable.

I've also seen other CA's that are members of this forum openly state that they too would be more then willing to get you a buyout and do their best to beat the residual price. All they needed was the current mileage and the last 7 digits of the cars vin #.

Obviously some dealers and CA's are less then honest so this may not go for every one but I have yet to hear of anyone being screwed.

[noro]

Originally Posted by darkcloud

See I've heard the complete opposite. I've spoke with my CA and he openly said he'll get me a better deal then what was originally listed on my contract. My lease is up in a few months. Yet he also knows I'm more then willing to drop the car and get something else, but I'm also very willing to buy the car out as the buyout should be very favorable.

I've also seen other CA's that are members of this forum openly state that they too would be more then willing to get you a buyout and do their best to beat the residual price. All they needed was the current mileage and the last 7 digits of the cars vin #.

Obviously some dealers and CA's are less then honest so this may not go for every one but I have yet to hear of anyone being screwed.

Yes, my point isn't really contradicting yours. The dealer is willing to do the negotiation on your behalf for a fee (You didn't think they are not profiting from this did you?). Once the dealer is involved you will not be able to negotiate with FS directly that's all I am saying. The dealer doesn't even have to explain what is happening to your car, all they have to do is tell FS that they want to get the car for X which is less < residual due to market conditions. FS does not care if you or another customer is getting the car.

[e92law]

I have been thinking the same thing lately. Does anyone know how much it would cost to CPO the car before buying it back? BMW has to take possession before you can buy it from them, so may as well have them CPO it at that time.

[FotiosF90M5]

I bought mine 3 months prior to it being returned and snagged it for a rediculously low price. now is the time if you really like the car.

[noro]

Originally Posted by fotios335i

I bought mine 3 months prior to it being returned and snagged it for a rediculously low price. now is the time if you really like the car.

You owe us some details man... how did you go about it?

[FotiosF90M5]

Originally Posted by noro

You owe us some details man... how did you go about it?

well, my cousin is a GSM at a bmw dealer in RI and got the updated residual but obviously didnt lie to me so I got it for 24,700. It had about 30k on it and is a very well equipped 335i e90.The original residual was over 30 grand. I made out like a bandit. I even got the wheel and tire ins. for 185 bux. didnt cpo it because Im not sure Ill keep it past 50k. I saved soo much money by leasing it first and then buying out. If I had financed it from the beginning I would owe way more than I do now. the economy worked in my favor for once. I could have got it for less if I didnt have 3 payments left. that was included in the price.

[vbb]

Originally Posted by fotios335i

well, my cousin is a GSM at a bmw dealer in RI and got the updated residual but obviously didnt lie to me so I got it for 24,700. It had about 30k on it and is a very well equipped 335i e90.The original residual was over 30 grand. I made out like a bandit. I even got the wheel and tire ins. for 185 bux. didnt cpo it because Im not sure Ill keep it past 50k. I saved soo much money by leasing it first and then buying out. If I had financed it from the beginning I would owe way more than I do now. the economy worked in my favor for once. I could have got it for less if I didnt have 3 payments left. that was included in the price.

Okay, now... I wonder what kind of deal the rest of us (who don't have family members that are general sales managers at BMW centers) can get.

While I'd love a deal as sweet as yours, I'm not expecting it. But, in the down economy, how can a dealer turn down a guaranteed profit with a buyer sitting in front of them ready to sign the papers? I mean for them to NOT work out a deal with me, they're basically saying, "nah, I know the economy sucks, but I think we can put your car out there on our lot and get more for it than you're willing to pay us right now." What dealer in their right mind would say that?

[noro]

Keep one thing in mind is that few months ago the car market looked like a doomsday. Now the CPO market is actually more active so BMWFS may not be as scared to get your car back and hence you will have less bargaining power.

[FotiosF90M5]

Originally Posted by vbb

Okay, now... I wonder what kind of deal the rest of us (who don't have family members that are general sales managers at BMW centers) can get.

While I'd love a deal as sweet as yours, I'm not expecting it. But, in the down economy, how can a dealer turn down a guaranteed profit with a buyer sitting in front of them ready to sign the papers? I mean for them to NOT work out a deal with me, they're basically saying, "nah, I know the economy sucks, but I think we can put your car out there on our lot and get more for it than you're willing to pay us right now." What dealer in their right mind would say that?

deal with bmw financial directly. Tell them you are planning on going to a different company (possibly pre owned lexus) and possibly a lesser car due to the economy and figured you would give it a shot with them as far as negotiating a buyout. They will work with you. The second you include the dealer you will not get as good of a deal.As long as its above what they will get at auction they will be happy with it. This info came directly from my cousin.

[vbb]

Originally Posted by fotios335i

deal with bmw financial directly. Tell them you are planning on going to a different company (possibly pre owned lexus) and possibly a lesser car due to the economy and figured you would give it a shot with them as far as negotiating a buyout. They will work with you. The second you include the dealer you will not get as good of a deal.As long as its above what they will get at auction they will be happy with it. This info came directly from my cousin.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I will definitely give that a try.

[FotiosF90M5]

Originally Posted by vbb

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I will definitely give that a try.

no problem, but like I said the first thing they will ask is if you contacted your dealer about this yet. If you say yes they will tell you to take it further with the dealer and you will pay more to satisfy the salesperson.

[blue2fire]

Get it.

[RIP-A4]

I'm thinking of doing the same in a year, when I lease is up.

Let us know how it goes if you decide to do it.

[mekeni]

I say keep it and negotiate with the dealer, it will be hard to find a similar car, especially, you won't know how the other car was driven or maintained.

[mmm def]

i bought my E90 335 out of lease 3 months early, they took $4k off the residual. Somewhere saved $8k on their buyout.

DO IT!! I was in the same boat as you..leased it because I like to get a new car every yr or 2..have had this now for 2.5 (did a 24 mo lease) and am happy as a clam!!

[brandon @ eas]

Does anyone know what happens if your leased car has been heavily modded? (wheels, hood, bumpers, skirts suspension) is that something I should mention, or should I tell them it is all stock when trying to negotiate a buyout with BMW FS?

Thanks for your feedback on this!