Buying out your car lease can be a smart move, especially in a fluctuating car market. Many find themselves in this exact situation as their lease terms end, contemplating the next steps. One common question that arises is whether to invest in a car lease maintenance program after purchasing the vehicle. Let’s consider if these programs are a worthwhile expenditure.
Dealers often offer various maintenance packages when you’re buying out a leased vehicle. For instance, someone with a low-mileage 2018 BMW M4, who is buying it out after driving only 12,000 miles, was presented with these options:
- Scheduled Maintenance (+2 years, 75K miles): $2000
- Full Maintenance (+1 year, 50k miles): $3100
- Full Maintenance (+2 years, 75k miles): $4550
- Full Maintenance (+3 years, 100k miles): $6000
- Full Maintenance (+4 years, 125k miles): $7100
For low-mileage drivers, the answer is often no. Car maintenance is typically based on time intervals or mileage, whichever comes first. If you don’t drive many miles annually, you’ll likely hit the time-based service intervals long before reaching the mileage limits in these maintenance programs.
Consider a simplified maintenance schedule. Annual oil changes and cabin air filter replacements every few years are standard. Intake filters and spark plugs also need periodic replacement. Using the BMW M4 example, a cost-effective approach would be:
- Year 1: Oil change (~$100) + Cabin air filter (~$20)
- Year 2: Oil change (~$100) + Cabin air filter (~$20)
- Year 3: Oil change (~$100) + Cabin air filter (~$20) + Intake filters (~$50) + Brake fluid change (~$100) + Spark plug service (~$600)
Over three years, this basic maintenance could cost around $1200 if you use an independent mechanic for services like oil changes, brake fluid, and spark plugs, and handle air filter replacements yourself. This is significantly less than the dealer’s maintenance program quotes.
Ultimately, whether car lease maintenance programs are worth it depends on your driving habits, DIY aptitude, and risk tolerance. For low-mileage drivers comfortable with basic car upkeep or using independent shops, these programs often don’t represent the best value. Carefully evaluate your needs against the program costs to make an informed decision.
