End of Lease Buy Out: Do I need the stock parts?
 

I am thinking of buying out my leased vehicle at the end of the lease. I understand in order for the ownership to transfer (ownership currently says Toyota Credit), I will need an safety certification (emissions?) done.

My car is currently riding on aftermarket springs and wheels. Do I need to convert the vehicle back to stock form if I am buying the car out at the end of my lease? I do not intend to put any parts on that will mess with the emissions or render the car "unsafe" to drive but I rather not waste time / money putting on aftermarket parts then having to convert back to stock just for the transaction process at the end of my lease.

Anyone with knowledge or experience they can share?

Don't know if the laws are the same in Canada. In the U.S. it makes no difference at all if you have springs on the car and buy out your lease. Transfer of title might require a smog check which means you gotta put your stock emissions related parts / ECU tune back on.

I just bought out my leased BRZ last month.
You'll need to get your car safetied (~$60-$100). Emissions wasn't required. I don't think it's required until your car hits a certain age.
The car doesn't have to be in stock condition to buy-out (I had coilovers on mine).

Thank you for your response gentlemen. That puts my mind at ease. Time to get some coils and wheels!

Emissions is once the car is 7 years old then every other year after that.


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i would highly suggest doing a little research on the shop before you go in for the safety. with new safety rules as of july ist some shops may deam that non oem components. as stupid as these new rules are

and you will need emissions even though its not older than 7 years the ownershipis changing hands which requires a emmissions test

One major hiccup you may want to research about: As of July 1, Ontario has enacted more stringent safety standards for used cars.
Apparently, even minor things like oil consumption or fluid leaks will be flagged for repair.
I would see if you can find a garage which is friendly toward sports cars or modded cars (iGarage comes to mind) and ask for advice.

Thank you for the feedback. IGarage is my goto shop. Great shop and great service!

If he needs emissions it won't be a problem anyway.

You never know. I've worked at dealerships, and I've seen "brand new" cars not pass emissions.
However assuming you don't have a CEL you'll more than likely be fine.

Speaking of e-tests though, does anybody know how thorough most places are? I have a catless front pipe, and It would be a hassle to have to put the OEM one back on.

It depends on the shop. My sister just took her car to Oil Changers for e-test and all they did was plug in the reader. Of course, her car is a stock Kia Forte and gives no reason for a second glance. If you are driving something clearly modified or unusually loud, then they might do a visual check for cats which is where you'll get burned.

I live in B.C. and here they don't care what you've done to it if you're buying it out. You can even go into the dealership without the car and do it. In the Vancouver area you need an emissions check every few years for insurance but unless your car is putting out a ton of pollution you'll be fine. Not sure about the variance in other provinces though.