I have had over ten lease agreements, most of them with Mazda. Typically, when I turn in a lease, I receive a credit for doing so. However, there was a promotion allowing customers to return their leased vehicles early for inspection.
I contacted the leasing agency about the possibility of purchasing my vehicle, and they advised me to reach out again in November. At the same time, I was also in discussions with Mazda about trading it in. Eventually, I worked out a deal with the dealership, allowing me to take advantage of the promotion and transition into a new vehicle. However, I was unable to get an inspection done beforehand, because I had 2 day to turn in the car and 2 week waiting for inspection. Since the car was only two years old and in excellent condition, I didn’t think twice about it—especially after three dealerships confirmed my assessment. So fast forward 4 months I received a bill from Mazda for almost $900, no explaination just that I owe the money. I call they give me this link for Condition Report they say its $882.35 to fix a 1x17.0" Dented / dinged - paint broken on the rear bumper.
I escalated the issue, and Mazda eventually reduced the charge by 25%, which I noticed was the same amount as the "labor charge". I escalated it again and I pointed out that the amount they were charging was nearly equivalent to the payments they recouped when I turned in the vehicle early. However, when I escalated the issue further, I was essentially told, it was my fault because I didn't get the pre-inspection done. I asked them where does the money go, to fixing it? They responded to Mazda corporate, so I am not paying to fix it. I asked does the dealership fix it? They responded with they are supposed to(I doubt it), but it goes directly to auction.
At this point, I feel like I was scammed and have no recourse. I spoke with the dealership, but they are unable to assist. I am in disbelief over such a large unexpected charge.
In reply to trigun7469 :
I think you're overthinking things. Instead of breaking down parts/labor for each defect they noted (all from the link you provided). They lumped all the parts/labor into the rear bumper repair.
In reply to 1kris06 :
No, those were all noted as "Normal Wear" and show $0 as they wouldn't charge for normal wear. The bumper is charged as "excess wear."
Your lease contract should spell out normal wear and tear. Broken paint is not considered normal wear and tear, so you are responsible for fixing it. They would have told you the same thing in November.
In November you would have had the choice of having it repaired at the shop of your choice (before turning it in) or accepting their number. Could you have had it repaired for less than the $660 they want now?
You were responsible for it either way, since you agreed to it when you signed the papers.
In reply to Steve_Jones :
I did not have the choice because the dealership wanted the deal done, on a specific date, which required me to take a day off, only to find out after I signed the paperwork I couldn't even take the car home because of a upgrade. If I knew as such I would have held off, took the hitch off which I installed and wiring (sold that), and got it inspected. Found a bodyshop to do it cheaper. While you might be on mazdas side because I signed it. It's predatory in my opinion because they are asking me for money that doesn't go to the repair.
In reply to trigun7469 :
You did have a choice. The dealership wanting a deal done on a certain day is not relevant. You chose to do the deal, when you did it, and there are consequences to that decision. As far as being predatory, it's irrelevant what someone does with the money you owe them.
They are not asking you for money that doesn't go to the repair, they're asking you for money you agreed to pay them.
Mazda corporate owned that car, and when they sent it to auction they got less for it because the buyer knows to budget the repair in his bid price. You are reimbursing them for that loss.
Who do you think should get the money?
