Maintenance: Lease vs Own

[rktsci]

Hey guys...I've generally maintained a car identically whether I've owned a vehicle or leased it and typically always going to the dealer for service. Quite a few people I've spoken to were surprised by this and would only do oil changes on the leased vehicles and ignore the other recommended maintenance.

What do you guys think?

[SilentJay]

Don't forget that the dealership you're returning your lease to will check for damage and wear items, and will charge you for it. Sometimes you'll escape charges if they're not dilligent that day, but why risk it?

[Slade]

I did I think 4~5 oil changes on my Mazda 3 when I had it, leased for 4 years (took it back with 107,000km). Dealer didn't say anything to me, and I didn't have any mechanical issues with the car. Car still ran great and had power when I took it back.

My truck I bought, I am doing a lot more maintenance on it then I would a leased car, just because I plan on keeping it until it almost falls apart.

/prepares to be flamed :)

My record was my mx3, I drove it 75,000km with 1 oil change, didn't burn oil, and still got great gas mileage.

[ThatGuy19]

I did I think 4~5 oil changes on my Mazda 3 when I had it, leased for 4 years (took it back with 107,000km). Dealer didn't say anything to me, and I didn't have any mechanical issues with the car. Car still ran great and had power when I took it back..
I feel bad for the person that buys your lease return...

[BoostieMonster]

Generally if the car isn't smoking or making weird noises the dealership won't really say "hey the car is messed up, pay up". And if you get another car from that dealership they will basically forget about over km's, small dings, etc.

[rktsci]

When my 3 GT lease was about to expire, I had the usual end of lease inspection and everything checked out without issue and it was maintained to the Mazda service schedule but it was quite expensive. Performing oil changes & tire rotations every 8k is not the expensive in comparison. I understand that wear and tear items are my responsible during the lease....however I find that I do more preventative maintenance than I do reactive maintenance (oil changes aside) which seems to be unusual for a lease from those I've spoken to.