Hey everyone! I just got my 2025 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport PHEV on a lease. I usually buy my cars, but I wanted to try leasing this time. I wanted to ask anyone who has leased a Mazda if it’s okay to do things like adding window tint, changing the wheels, or blacking out the emblems. Are those types of changes allowed on a leased Mazda? Thanks for your help!
From what I know, when you lease, the car has to be in its original state when you return it. If you make any changes that might lower the car’s resale value, you’ll have to remove them before handing the car back. For example, aftermarket wheels might need to go, but things like window tint or blacked-out emblems might be okay.
@Blaire
You should check with your dealer for a clear answer. I’ve had tinted windows on a lease before and never had a problem at the end. Most dealers don’t mind as long as the change doesn’t reduce the car’s value.
@Whitney
Dealers don’t handle that, though. The dealer is just arranging the lease. The only one who checks the car is the lease inspector when you return it. And that can depend on the inspector’s mood. The dealer will tell you the acceptable wear and tear, but that’s mostly just to try and sell you extra protection.
@Blaire
Aesthetic upgrades are usually fine as long as they can be reversed. Things like adding a cold air intake are okay as long as you remove it when the lease ends. But engine mods or big changes like flashing the ECU are a no-go.
@Blaire
I mainly want to swap out the wheels and add window tint. I know those are reversible. How about plasti-dipping the emblems on the back?
Vaughn said:
@Blaire
I mainly want to swap out the wheels and add window tint. I know those are reversible. How about plasti-dipping the emblems on the back?
As long as you take everything off before the lease ends, I don’t think they’ll have an issue with it.
@Dylan
They likely won’t care even if you don’t remove it. Cosmetic changes won’t add much value, but they won’t decrease it either. Unless the car is damaged, a dealer will take it back without fuss. Mazda is selling a lot of cars right now, and used Mazdas are in demand.
I thought customizing a leased car wasn’t allowed. It’s not your car, right?
Rin said:
I thought customizing a leased car wasn’t allowed. It’s not your car, right?
Nope, I leased a CX-50 and had a tow hitch added, a roof rack removed, and a rain guard. You can definitely do things like that with a lease.
Rin said:
I thought customizing a leased car wasn’t allowed. It’s not your car, right?
Technically, it’s not your car if you’re financing it either.
Rin said:
I thought customizing a leased car wasn’t allowed. It’s not your car, right?
Technically, it’s not your car if you’re financing it either.
The bank doesn’t own the car; they just have a claim on it because you owe them money. But if you’re leasing, the car is still not technically yours.
@Teo
Well, if someone can repossess your car, then you don’t really own it. The finance guy is right that it’s not truly yours, just that they technically don’t own it either.
@Teo
It’s like the bank has a lien on the car. You still own it, but they have a financial stake in it until it’s paid off.
@Teo
I’m pretty sure you’re confusing leasing and financing. Leasing is different.
Ash said:
@Teo
I’m pretty sure you’re confusing leasing and financing. Leasing is different.
Yeah, I know OP is leasing, I was just responding to the finance comment.
Rin said:
I thought customizing a leased car wasn’t allowed. It’s not your car, right?
Technically, it’s not your car if you’re financing it either.
Correct, but when you lease, you’re renting. With financing, you own it after paying it off.
@Rin
Exactly, leasing is like renting the car. Financing is more like owning it with a loan.
Jasper said:
@Rin
Exactly, leasing is like renting the car. Financing is more like owning it with a loan.
I should’ve learned this before I remodeled my bathroom with 29 years of loan left.
I wouldn’t bother customizing a leased car. In the end, you’ll have to remove everything, and it’s not worth it.