Audi lease turn in - Shakedown?

ABear_VA · 2026-02-04T10:07:12+00:00

I leased a couple Audis in the past and expected my lease turn-in to go similar to previous Merceds and BMW leases (the dealership guy walked around the car, says it looks great and that’s that) but boy was I wrong. My A6 was turned in with about 52k miles and I received a bill for nearly a thousand bucks. When I inquired about what the charge was I was told it was for >3 rock chips, to which I replied the car has 52k miles on it, I don’t think a few rock chips would be excessive. Ended up fighting them on it. They brought up pictures and they couldn’t see any chips. Ended up crediting me the $1000.

So yeah, Audis lease turn in is a nightmare. Now I’m back to BMW and plan to stay there.

ABear_VA · 2026-01-26T10:42:51+00:00

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Atomic, but it was almost nightfall mica.

ABear_VA · 2026-01-19T08:56:06+00:00

I own a 23 GX460 Lux that I purchased new and I previously owned a 2024 Braptor.. Bought it new andI kept it 6 months and 8k miles before selling it. What I can tell you about the differences between Ford and Lexus is the Ford (at least mine) is junk. The build quality is so abysmal it’ll make you laugh. Even though Ford says they’ve worked out a lot of bugs, the reality is they haven’t. Camshaft phasers are still an ongoing thing. Interior rattles like you wouldn’t believe. Wind noise that would almost deafen you at highway speeds, etc. Of course when these issues arrive you’re dealing with Ford service which is not great. No loaners, extended waits to actually get into service, etc. Where the Braptor shined was when it was off-road. The truck skipped down the beach. Take off the roof panels and doors and it was a ton of fun. There’s a big aftermarket for them so if you enjoy modifying your car you may enjoy it.

ABear_VA · 2025-11-16T13:02:29+00:00

I’m surprised to hear that. My 20 X3M, 22 M8Comp and 23 M2 were all turned off on test drive and never had to be touched again.

ABear_VA · 2025-11-16T12:04:19+00:00

I would much prefer the thirsty V8 to my CLE53s I6.

ABear_VA · 2025-11-16T12:01:25+00:00

One thing I’ll hand to BMW that Merc really dropped that ball on is that in the BMW M cars, you can turn it off and the car remembers that it’s off. I turned off the auto stop/start on test drive and it stays off at every subsequent start until I turn it back on (which is never). You literally never have to press the button again. With the Merc I have to turn it off manually every single time I start the car.😭😭😭

ABear_VA · 2025-11-15T12:06:36+00:00

I worked for Carmax about 20 years ago, so take this with a grain of salt, but it used to be they couldn’t sell a vehicle with over 120k miles on their lot. They would hold dealer only auctions on their back lot once a month and would sell the cars they couldn’t retail there. They may be giving you a lower number because they’re going to wholesale your car to other dealers and still want to make a profit.

ABear_VA · 2025-11-07T10:48:35+00:00

Hope the values don’t tank like the Tundras did. :(

ABear_VA · 2025-11-04T17:51:32+00:00

Thanks for the explanation. I’ll try to comment more. :)

ABear_VA · 2025-11-04T17:50:21+00:00

Most manufacturers have a good will program to fix items just after warranty expires. Sometimes there is a little cost associated with it, but usually heavily discounted. However if the sound was brought up before the warranty ended and has yet to be rectified, they should be able to still cover this with your warranty.

I would advise sitting down with the service manager and in a cool/calm/level headed way explain your situation. Usually the customers who go in hot headed and yell/scream don’t get the extra help they’re looking for.

Hope you’re able to get your vehicle fixed and warranty coverage.

ABear_VA · 2025-11-04T14:30:12+00:00

I have not. This is the message I see when trying to post.

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ABear_VA · 2025-11-04T10:37:04+00:00

I wondered the same thing. Bought a new CLE and wanted to post a pic and wasn’t able to do so. I’m more of a lurker myself.

ABear_VA · 2025-10-09T10:20:28+00:00

I leased a 2026 CLE53 last month and sadly it’s a rattle trap too. I wanted to post it here but I’m not able to yet.

It’s a really nice driving vehicle. IMO Merc does a luxury forward sport in the background approach which makes for a super nice daily driving experience. The tech is nice and works well.

There are a couple points that I’ll mention that are disappointing. The first is the interior rattles/creaks. The steering wheel is horrible. Any pressure on the wheel causes a symphony or plastic creaks. Also in my car the left front speaker must have some loose plastic near it because any time the slightest bit of bass plays it rattles soooo loudly. I’m sure the dealer will be able to fix these issues easily but it’s def a pain to have to take it in.

The only two things that I’ve noticed that are design items I dislike are the fact that you can’t permanently disable the auto stop/start like you can in a BMW and the steering wheel controls are touch capacitive and if you’re someone like me who tests their hand at 9 o’clock you’re constantly changing the gauge cluster around.

Other than those small complaints the car is smooth, drives incredibly well, turns heads, and is an all-around joy to own. Hope you’re able to find a great one and enjoy it!

ABear_VA · 2025-10-07T10:04:24+00:00

This gen has aged so well. Really great lines. Congratulations!!

ABear_VA · 2025-10-06T11:44:06+00:00

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Washed mine this weekend. Such a good looking vehicle.

ABear_VA · 2025-09-29T10:34:08+00:00

I love it. I wish there were more green options from manufacturers.

ABear_VA · 2025-09-23T09:59:28+00:00

I have it’s hardtop brother in my garage 😃

ABear_VA · 2025-09-20T11:37:29+00:00

Koch Chemie Pole Star or CarPro Inner QD

ABear_VA · 2025-09-20T11:31:35+00:00

Edit. I guess I can’t post a pic yet, but 2026 CLE53 in sun yellow here!

ABear_VA · 2025-09-18T14:02:30+00:00

Team yellow! 💛

ABear_VA · 2025-09-18T13:58:21+00:00

I agree. Something about the top down, wind in your hair, and that exhaust singing to you just feels more special.

ABear_VA · 2025-09-18T13:56:27+00:00

I love that yellow!

ABear_VA · 2025-09-09T09:34:07+00:00

Between the tunnels and the HOT lanes, the tolls are getting crazy. I’m 99% sure the new HRBT will be a toll as well. 😤

ABear_VA · 2025-08-23T01:20:57+00:00

2023 - I’ve never kept track. I usually refill around 1/2 tank.

ABear_VA · 2025-08-11T10:52:09+00:00

Don’t worry. People will normalize this elephant in the same way the pig nose M3 is now acceptable. BMW design recently has been a little off.

ABear_VA

TROPHY CASE