[JCFans01]

Hey guys,

Can't believe 4 years have passed since I customized, ordered, tracked my 2018 530e through the Atlantic until it reached Toronto, Canada, and now my lease is up in 3 months. Looking into my options to either buy this one out, return it, or get into a new MY22.

The car runs very smooth and no issues whatsoever in 4 years. Low mileage too at 57,000KM (35,000MI). Residual is CAD$33K+tax=CAD$37K. I'm strongly considering keeping this car because it's low mileage and I've literally babied this car. No exterior damage except from normal wear/tear like paint chips here and there, and slight curb rash. I also got every single options available, except the B&W speakers. Brake pads and rotors are still good. Tires might have to be changed in a year.

I'm looking for advice. Looking into:

1) If the 2018 530e model is a reliable car going into high mileage.
2) What kind of maintenance fees would I be looking at and at what mileage?
3) Trying to see if it would make financial sense to keep this car out of warranty or get into a new model with full warranty.

Thank you, all!

[G30 B58]

4) Buy out the lease, sell the car on the open market and profit.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by G30 B58

4) Buy out the lease, sell the car on the open market and profit.

Depends upon what you can get to replace it. I think in the parts challenged world, it would be very difficult to get a car with the same features as you have. I also have a 2018 530e that is essentially fully loaded (I didn't get the alcantara roof liner nor the crystal controls, but pretty much everything else...even nightvision).

Fortunately for me, I have GEICO's Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) which will essentially protect me from any large repair/replacement items. Given the parts shortages, and the impact on prices, I am planning to wait until late 2023 or 2024 to replace my car (I did get a full battery pack replacement toward the end of my 4th year as a warranty item). When I do, I plan on replacing it with a BEV (by then I anticipate that the shortage of fast charging stations will be mostly mitigated).

If you like the car, I would suggest keeping it. The residual for you is what I have been currently offered by my dealer for a trade in (I get regular unsolicited offers). Not great but not hideous.

In a couple of years, the shortage should be over and you will be able to replace it with a car with features you will like.

[LogicalApex]

I agree with Steve.

The shortages and deletes are pretty rough IMHO. In addition you have inflated pricing all over the place.

Waiting for the new platform seems like the smartest play. Inflated car values will persist for a while still so I don’t see you losing the “profit”. Just hard to stomach paying more for less.

[NGT2]

Another vote for Steve's plan. It makes the most sense, especially if you like the car. Buying out that lease is the best deal you'll get in this market.

[Rocket455]

Under "normal" circumstances, purchasing your lease of a highly depreciative brand would make little financial sense, but market dynamics these days are unprecedented and have completely flipped, so here's another vote to purchase. In fact, when it came time to turn in my 2018 Ford Escape lease last year, my buyout price was $15k while dealers were flipping the same car on the lot for $26k; it would have been stupid of me not to purchase my lease. A local dealer offered me $14k to trade in my 2001 base Toyota Tacoma for a new one... it's just bonkers out there....