Upgrading a newly leased FR-S

[Braces]

At the end of the lease ... A company separate from the dealership will come to your location and checks the car. You can't believe anything from the salespeople because they have nothing to do with the lease turn in procedure.

I just went through this. He measured the tire tread. Took pics of all the rock chips. Went through and made sure all the switches worked. Listened to the engine and inspected the engine compartment and underneath the car.

He told me they already have a profile of the "type" of people who purchase or lease these cars. They know exactly where to look for damage or mods. I passed.

[Shinchu]

Just got mine on lease too, on 13 feb. 15 feb i put a full perrin cai on it. Im keeping it, sooo... coilovers and wheels going on soonish too. The finance guy was all about, didnt say anything about voiding anything.

[EssJay]

Originally Posted by Demandred7

Upon first driving just down the street, it felt tighter and more solid. Taking corners was immediately more confidence inspiring. Definitely more communicative. I never thought stock wasn't sharp either, but, I was impressed. Just can't imagine not having one now.

You won't be disappointed.

I'd say it feels slightly sharper/more responsive but it's too subtle to tell if it's just placebo. So far, I just feel more understeer. I'm guessing a rear strut tower bar would even that out?

[Demandred7]

Originally Posted by EssJay

I'd say it feels slightly sharper/more responsive but it's too subtle to tell if it's just placebo. So far, I just feel more understeer. I'm guessing a rear strut tower bar would even that out?

I gotta say, my results seemed much more dramatic. It must have something to do with 2013MY vs 2016MY. I know they tweaked the 2016MY handling to be more neutral whereas 2013MY is much more tail happy. The unfortunate thing with a rear brace is that it usually involves cutting into the trunk floor board (not so desirable with a lease).

[LXXXV1]

Read first two pages and I had to chime in lol. Might be beating a dead horse, but my car is leased and I've dropped almost half the cars worth in completely reversible mods on my lease. Mods from lip kit, wheels, coils, OFT, UEL, tints...list goes on. Search #LXXXV1 on instagram for more of my mods. I've done a lot.

Why mod a lease car? #bcracecar, it's my car, my money, and I can afford it. I'm driving it for 3 years, I'm going to enjoy it however the hell I want. Plus, I usually purchase my mods at a bargain and sell for ~75-80% of my purchase price, so I don't see it as buying mods, but renting them. Any true car enthusiasts should realize that. I've done this for all my vehicles. If you're smart and know what you're doing, mod on.

FWIW, my salesman told me I can pretty much do whatever the hell I want with the car, as long as I return it relatively stock. Any leftover mods won't be reimbursed (tints, floor mats, shark fin, etc). As long as it's tasteful mods, like those just listed, they won't care and won't fine you, they just won't pay you for them. If you drilled into the trunk and slapped a giant wing, they may charge you. I've heard people return cars with coils, exhaust, and spoilers simply because they were too lazy or misplaced stock parts and never got fined. Brought my car in for all 3 services with no issues, except they took a little longer since my car was so low, but that still didn't stop them.

I plan to buy mine out at the end of the lease...or private sell. Either way, dealership will most likely not be getting my car back considering the low miles and pristine condition my car is in. I'll make some money back selling to carmax and buying my lease out.

I leased because I wanted the option to easily opt out in case they boost or release the FT-1 by the time my lease ends, without worrying about the future value of this car as this was still so new at the time of lease. After learning that they discontinued whiteout and Scion...the residual value is looking promising.

[EssJay]

Originally Posted by LXXXV1

..my car is leased and I've dropped almost half the cars worth in completely reversible mods on my lease. Mods from lip kit, wheels, coils, OFT, UEL, tints...list goes on. Search #LXXXV1 on instagram for more of my mods. I've done a lot.

Why mod a lease car? #bcracecar, it's my car, my money, and I can afford it.

Impressive! Lots of upgrades! I couldn't imagine returning that one to stock at the end though.

BTW.. How could you?
https://www.instagram.com/p/xDKDJ1HFQO

[EssJay]

Grimmspeed front brace, Berk FP and Perrin CBE installed. Next up: Drop-in filter. Thanks again, guys!

Sound clip

B4

After

[EssJay]

BTW, I know this isn't the suspension forum but what are you guys' thoughts on throwing on a set of mild (~1") lowering springs while keeping stock shocks? Would the shocks hold up over 3yrs? Would I need to adjust camber etc?

Thanks again!

[LXXXV1]

Originally Posted by EssJay

Impressive! Lots of upgrades! I couldn't imagine returning that one to stock at the end though.

BTW.. How could you?
https://www.instagram.com/p/xDKDJ1HFQO

Lol in my defense...it was my first time taking her to my moms house after the new kit/coils/wheels and I just had to test it out. Never did it again.

[LXXXV1]

Originally Posted by EssJay

BTW, I know this isn't the suspension forum but what are you guys' thoughts on throwing on a set of mild (~1") lowering springs while keeping stock shocks? Would the shocks hold up over 3yrs? Would I need to adjust camber etc?

Thanks again!

I think it should hold up fine unless you drive on shitty roads. Worst case, if anything does happen, just buy a used set of stock suspension. Shouldn't cost too much since I'm sure a lot of people on coils have them laying around...myself included.

[NyC Zn6]

Originally Posted by LXXXV1

I think it should hold up fine unless you drive on shitty roads. Worst case, if anything does happen, just buy a used set of stock suspension. Shouldn't cost too much since I'm sure a lot of people on coils have them laying around...myself included.

Will you buy after lease is up? Based off of the mods you have, you've done a lot of work to it..It looks too good to not keep

[WNDSRFR]

I have to agree with DAEMANO. The best thing you could get for a lease is the Phantom ESC. Like he said it takes less than two hours to install or remove. And it instantly increases the low end torque by about 80 lbs or so. Just exactly what this car needs.

If you bought one today, you could sell it in a couple of years for the same price you paid for it. They are in that high of a demand. But that's the problem. If you hurry, robwbright is thinking about selling his. If he does decide to sell, it won't last long.

[LXXXV1]

Originally Posted by NyC Zn6

Will you buy after lease is up? Based off of the mods you have, you've done a lot of work to it..It looks too good to not keep

Thanks! It's for sure not going back to the dealership since carmax will definitely give me more than residual value. Very low miles and well taken care of. Planning to buy out after lease but who knows? #FT1?!

[FX86]

on my lease i only modified the lighting on the car and dropped in a high flow air filter and..so close to the end of the lease i can return it back to stock like nothing happened

no point investing a lot of money in a leased car unless you are certain you will purchase it in the end