[notoriousrig]

Recently bought a 4-series and don't know a whole lot about cars. My lease just expired on a Range Roger Evoque. About a month ago, the dealer had a neutral third party do an inspection (company called AutoVIN).

AutoVIN determined excess wear and tear of $150 for curb rash. After handing the car back, the dealer wants to charge ~ $700 ($200 for wheel, $450 for tire replacement).

I've attached an image of the wheel. Does that curb rash really warrant a brand new tire (the tread is still great)? I returned the car with 20,000 kms on it, I thought they'd be thanking me, not billing me $700.

What should I do?

[Project Elite]

When it comes to dealers (stealers), they will always try to make the most out of you before you move on to your next car.

In this case, the tire doesn't necessarily need to be replaced but more like an "use at your own risk" type of thing. The sidewall damage is not repairable so in a case of hitting a deep, sharp pothole, this particular tire is more likely to blow thru the sidewall than a new tire. Therefore, the dealer is deeming it as unsafe so yes it needs a new tire for its new owner.

Same for the wheel. BMW will always return everything to "like new" condition for its new owner. No one likes curb rashes so it will need a new wheel. You can ask to keep the wheel and tire if you like.

My $0.02, don't let the dealer do the replacement. Buy the wheel, bring it to a tire shop to buy and mount the tire, then turn it in. Most likely be cheaper than dealer.

[notoriousrig]

Do you mean buy the wheel or buy the tire? I doubt they will replace the wheel, but just sand and buff it. What if I were to buy a used tire? Also does $200 seem reasonable for the wheel fix? If I didnt think they were already in a good spot (there is definite positive equity in my vehicle, I barely drove it), I would have probably just accepted the charges. But I feel they should eat this cost as the car can definitely be driven with that tire.

[notoriousrig]

Also wondering what happens if I refuse to pay. Would you consider that unethical? Likely end up in small claims court? I wouldn't want to hurt my credit rating or anything like that.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by notoriousrig

Also wondering what happens if I refuse to pay. Would you consider that unethical? Likely end up in small claims court? I wouldn't want to hurt my credit rating or anything like that.

You won't do it. No balls.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by notoriousrig

Also wondering what happens if I refuse to pay. Would you consider that unethical? Likely end up in small claims court? I wouldn't want to hurt my credit rating or anything like that.

they'll turn it over to a collections agency which will nerf your credit score untill 7 years pass or you manage to dispute it and win. not sure how it works in canada, but refusing to pay will likely have negative financial consequences.