Anybody ever use SwapALease or LeaseTrader?

[drew4392]

Maybe the better question, is if anybody has done a lease assumption or transfer on an Audi?

Thinking about it, but learned that I stay on the contract, which is scary. If new leasee misses a payment, my credit gets dinged. That in itself almost doesn't make it worth it, IMO.

Thoughts?


Thanks!

[superswiss]

Yes, AFS is one of the leasing companies that doesn't relieve the original lessee of any liability, so a lease swap is not generally recommended if you don't wanna end up financially liable if the new owner falls behind or turns the car in in unacceptable conditions. I have never done it myself, but it's a popular option with BMW leases as they properly relieve the original lessee. You have other options to get out of a lease. You can trade on a new purchase, you can sell it to places like CarMax or you can find a private buyer and if you transfer ownership within 10 days, California won't charge you taxes on the buyout. Only the buyer will have to pay taxes.

[drew4392]

Thanks for the thoughts. Gotcha. Normally, I love what I'm in and can last a couple of years before getting the itch (I know... 2yrs is a really short time regardless), but having a few regrets going from S4 to S3. It is too akin to a A3 in terms of chassis dynamics and overall quality. Very good car, just not quite S4 level. Anyway... that's my reasoning.

I'm 1 year into this lease, and $4k upside down. I'll have to wait another year to see if the gap closes. Carmax is worth checking out, thanks.

[Batman0424]

I have used this feature several times with BMW (this is one of the reasons why I like to lease BMW). The process was easy and allowed me to change cars faster. Audi has a horrible program for lease swap and I would not swap until they change their program; it is not worth it.

[superswiss]

Thanks for the thoughts. Gotcha. Normally, I love what I'm in and can last a couple of years before getting the itch (I know... 2yrs is a really short time regardless), but having a few regrets going from S4 to S3. It is too akin to a A3 in terms of chassis dynamics and overall quality. Very good car, just not quite S4 level. Anyway... that's my reasoning.

I'm 1 year into this lease, and $4k upside down. I'll have to wait another year to see if the gap closes. Carmax is worth checking out, thanks.

I'm guessing you are learning that the FWD-biased Haldex system doesn't quite measure up to the rear-biased setup in the S4 in terms of driving dynamics. If you are thinking of replacing it with another car, then probably the trade-in route would make most sense. You can just trade it in on another lease or purchase.

[Dr GP]

Have you considered just trading the car in on something else? There is a buy out on your car that the dealer can pay to obtain the car. EXCEPTION: In the last 6 months of your lease a non Audi/VW dealer will have to pay retail to purchase your car from VW Credit or AFS. 3 yrs ago I put my less than 1 yr old 2014 S4 on Lease-swap. Didn't get any bites on it even after offering incentives. Just traded it in on an older S4. Alternatively, Carmax will buy it from you outright.

[Westija]

I've taken over two leases when I lived in FL. One was a BMW and one was an A4. Both times I used Swap a Lease.
Like it was said, with Audi, the previous owner remained somewhat liable if I missed a payment (although I assume the finance co will go after the one taken over it first). When I found that out, during my research, prior to finalizing the deal, I even asked her if she understood it. I was very surprised someone would risk it.
With BMW, none of that happens.
It is a great way to get a car for a year or so and then move on to something different.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[drew4392]

I'm guessing you are learning that the FWD-biased Haldex system doesn't quite measure up to the rear-biased setup in the S4 in terms of driving dynamics. If you are thinking of replacing it with another car, then probably the trade-in route would make most sense. You can just trade it in on another lease or purchase.

I think the S3 is favorable compared to S4 in certain ways, but in terms of chassis dynamics and handling, haldex doesn't match torsen system. Then again, both B8 S4s were modified with suspension goodies so that might affect my perception.

Have you considered just trading the car in on something else? There is a buy out on your car that the dealer can pay to obtain the car. EXCEPTION: In the last 6 months of your lease a non Audi/VW dealer will have to pay retail to purchase your car from VW Credit or AFS. 3 yrs ago I put my less than 1 yr old 2014 S4 on Lease-swap. Didn't get any bites on it even after offering incentives. Just traded it in on an older S4. Alternatively, Carmax will buy it from you outright.

When you say buy-out, are you referring to the payoff? Or, total of remaining lease payments?

I've taken over two leases when I lived in FL. One was a BMW and one was an A4. Both times I used Swap a Lease.
Like it was said, with Audi, the previous owner remained somewhat liable if I missed a payment (although I assume the finance co will go after the one taken over it first). When I found that out, during my research, prior to finalizing the deal, I even asked her if she understood it. I was very surprised someone would risk it.
With BMW, none of that happens.
It is a great way to get a car for a year or so and then move on to something different.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

Love the idea of leasing through Swapalease. Great way to hop around. But I feel very very uncomfortable staying on contract as a leasee still being responsible for someone I don't know. AFS confirmed I am just as responsible in this position as I ever was... i.e. 30 days late, I get dinged. Car gets returned in poor condition, I get nailed. Etc....