Quote:
Originally Posted by TorqueDog
I'd ask them if the safety is to ensure that the vehicle receives CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) status with BMW. If yes, then I'd have no problem paying it. Longer warranty coverage is always a good idea.
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I read through the lease with a little more care and found that I require a certificate of fitness (COF) at the end of the lease. I didn't like it, but it is in the lease so I was resigned to it. I emailed the contact the BMW business office manager gave me to book the inspection, and included how I didn't see the value in it.
She called me back and said if I wanted to buy the vehicle directly from BMW Financial Services, I did not have to pay the fee. If I wanted to buy the vehicle at the dealership, I'd have to pay the $395 for either a safety inspection or a documentation fee, but did not have to have the vehicle inspected.
The pro of going with BMWFS is I don't have to pay the fee, but the total buyout amount must be paid in full at closing. The pro of going with the dealership is you are able to finance the vehicle or return it. I had intended to pay the vehicle off anyways, but inquired on the finance rate. It is currently 5.8%, so it was an easy choice to just pay cash for it.
Except for the business office manager, everyone at BMW has been great and has given me other options along the way. The manager has really sullied my experience and if in a few years I buy another BMW, it will likely be from another dealership.
I don't know, but I assume the dealership will make more money if I buy it from them. All he had to do was knock $400 off the price of the car and then charge the safety inspection if they required it. I'm cash neutral and they make the sale. I'm happy and recommend them to my friends and return when I want another car. Now he gets nothing and I'm unlikely to return. Yes, it's only $400, but his tactics seem greasy and not just in this instance.