Upgrading features on a leased MME

[charl-E]

In late November 2024 I leased a 24 MME premium after a little research. Car and Driver recommended the Premium over the GT as a better buy so that is what I went with. I love my car, but I like the fancy features on a GT. In addition a new body style will likely happen by the time my lease is up so I may decide to go with a new MME. Or I may keep it if the prices are too much at the time. My question is what upgrades can I do to a leased car? Tint windows? I had previously leased an EV, and we upgraded the stereo at the dealership. I made arrangements when I leased it, but when I turned it in they charged me $1500 because it did not have the factory stereo In the car.

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[GreaseMonkey]

Charlotte, I wouldn’t do anything expensive if I were you. Tinting is probably okay unless it’s darker than legal limits. The car already comes well appointed as is but you don’t own it, so don’t invest much in a rental. I know others are doing a lot, like Mark Boris who’s sound deadening the entire vehicle and putting serious cash in a leased vehicle…and will likely disagree with me.

As an aside, I don’t know how good the new suspension is on the 24s, but it was horrendous on the 22 I had, so I went with a GT. I’d recommend it for next time.

 

[hybrid2bev]

In late November 2024 I leased a 24 MME premium after a little research. Car and Driver recommended the Premium over the GT as a better buy so that is what I went with. I love my car, but I like the fancy features on a GT. In addition a new body style will likely happen by the time my lease is up so I may decide to go with a new MME. Or I may keep it if the prices are too much at the time. My question is what upgrades can I do to a leased car? Tint windows? I had previously leased an EV, and we upgraded the stereo at the dealership. I made arrangements when I leased it, but when I turned it in they charged me $1500 because it did not have the factory stereo In the car.

Basically don’t do anything that cannot be removed to return to a similar condition as it was delivered to you. Tint is fine because it peals off without leaving any trace.

https://www.ford.com/finance/lease-end/wear-and-use/

 

[Max Power]

In late November 2024 I leased a 24 MME premium after a little research. Car and Driver recommended the Premium over the GT as a better buy so that is what I went with. I love my car, but I like the fancy features on a GT. In addition a new body style will likely happen by the time my lease is up so I may decide to go with a new MME. Or I may keep it if the prices are too much at the time. My question is what upgrades can I do to a leased car? Tint windows? I had previously leased an EV, and we upgraded the stereo at the dealership. I made arrangements when I leased it, but when I turned it in they charged me $1500 because it did not have the factory stereo In the car.

I have put tint on every one of my leased cars from Ford and it hasn't been an issue when I traded in for a new one. If you throw rims and tires on just keep the orginal set and swap back when you turn it in, it actually might be good for you beacsue you will return the car with fresh tires. Clear PPF I am also sure won't be an issue a full color wrap might have to come off before returning.

 

[charl-E]

I have put tint on every one of my leased cars from Ford and it hasn't been an issue when I traded in for a new one. If you throw rims and tires on just keep the orginal set and swap back when you turn it in, it actually might be good for you beacsue you will return the car with fresh tires. Clear PPF I am also sure won't be an issue a full color wrap might have to come off before returning.

Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[CameraCarl]

My philosophy with my leased Mach-e is : why spend money on something you can't keep? The only extras I have put in my car are fitted floor mats and cargo mat. That way I don't have to worry about cleaning salt stains from the carpeting every spring.

 

[dalola]

I've leased many cars from many manufacturers over the years, and Ford is one of the more lenient OEM's on vehicle condition at lease-end. The biggest decision is just a matter of cost vs loss. If the value of enjoyment while you borrow the car is worth the cost, then go for it. Otherwise, it's probably not a great idea. I also lease, and will add front door window tint, and I got some vinyl for the "fake grille", and that's pretty much it for me. A ~$300 loss in this case is worth the benefit of having it on the car for 3 years of my use.

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