[squiggs96]

I took over my boss's BMW X5 with 7 months left on the lease with the intention to purchase the vehicle outright at the end of the lease.

The termination date of the lease is February 9th, which is when the payout is due. I contacted the dealership to see if I just write them a cheque or if they need it certified. It's certified as expected, but they told me I need a safety inspection to be done first which costs $395 + tax. I've looked through the lease agreement somewhat closely and I can't find anything in there that says I have to do this. The SAV works fine and I just want to drop off the cheque and drive away.

My questions are, is this common place? Do other car manufacturers have this? If I look through all the lease documentation am I likely to find this? Is there a legal reason for this? Am I being taken advantage of?

Thanks in advance.