GMAC DumbLease - Return Issues

[Capt Loot]

Firstly, there is nothing SMART about GMAC's SmartLease. I would never lease again and I have yet to face the music when I return my vehicle. I had an enormous amount of problems and was originally going to persue a Lemon Law claim on this car but unfortunately did not.

Anyway, my questions where I now need help are with the turn in and how to run away without getting screwed any further by GMAC or this dealer. My car goes back in a few weeks. Its a 2001 Chevy Venture Warner Brother Edition and it was a 36 month lease with extended mileage to 45,000 and extended bumper to bumper coverage.

Due to the poor manufacturing of this car, the dealer replaced 2 tires, changed the struts, did an alignment and disc brakes after just 12,000 miles. The alignment was off since day one.

This car burn tires due to the weight of the vehicle and the imbalance on the front brakes verses the back drums. The two original tires are now in the front and worn. I'm probably on the hook for new ones but what type / brand can I replace them with? Do it have to be the same tire? This car only has 43,000 and the tread wear is up to 60,000 or 80,000.

Q1. Is there anything that can be done with that tire tread coverage from the manufacturer?
Q2. Can I replace with any tire or does it have to be the same manufacturer?
Q3. I have a few dings that exceed their 2" circle. What can I expect to occur with these?

I contacted my dealer where I purchased the car to inquire on what happens. I asked to bring the car in for an early inspection but they don't do the inspections and all that happens is I drop off the car and leave. They have a outside company that does the inspections and they will be in touch with me after their inspection which I do not attend.

When I leased this car a/k/a LEMON, I bought an upgrade alarm system that I was told was modular and was universal for all GM cars.

Q4. How do I get this alarm back? Have you ever heard of this or was I sucked in on something that doesn't exist?
Q5. In my lease, I included the 45,000 miles, what happens with the miles that I don't use? I was told that I get them back in cash at $0.12 per miles
is that true?

Unfortunatley, all my discussions were verbal with the dealer and I view them like lawyers - scumb. YOu can't believe them or trust them.

I hope that you can get back to me on these questions so I know what I am facing in my weeks ahead.

Thanks

:x

[dwynne]

Leasing can be a great thing - but you have to be careful. Sounds like your deal was not that good - of course most of your problems were with the mini-van, which would have happened even if you purchased the car rather than leased it.

Q1: Probably not

Q2: Each lease bank has their own specs, but I would assume that the tread must be over some amount (3/32?) and I would assume all the tires have to match. If you only need a couple of tires and they are expensive, then you might could pick up a set of 4 cheapie tires at some places like PepBoys or even Sears. I don't know that I have seen where you have to have the OEM type tires on it to turn in.

Q3: They will charge you for these, what did you expect? I have used those "Dent Doctor" type places with really good luck in the past. Unless the dents are creased or the paint is broken they may can pop them back out for not too much money.

Q4: You would have to remove it or pay to have it removed and it may not work on other cars. If the cost of the alarm was included in the price (for the lease) then the alarm belongs to the lease bank and should be left in.

Q5: Anything is possible, but I have never had a lease that paid me back for not driving the car.

As always, the lease contract you signed would have the answers to most of your questions. You might need a magnifying glass to read all the fine print. But that should cover the pay back on miles, and the wear and tear issues.

Almost every lease bank will do a pre-lease turn in inspection. You mention a 2" circle, sounds like GMAC has sent you a lease end kit. It SHOULD have prices for how much the dents will cost and the prices for tires should you not replace the worn ones. If not, is there a number to call in the kit?

I would not want to drop off a car and THEN have it inspected. What if someone hits it after you leave? Or breaks into it and steals something? It will comes out of your pocket. If the dealer can't do the inspection, find out from GMAC who does and try to turn it in directly to them.

You give them the car in exchange for a signed copy of the inspection report - that would be the only way to do it.

I would not give up on leasing, but you might think about avoiding GM and for sure find a better dealer :D

Dennis