I’m new to leasing and just settled on some terms for a new 2025.5 a5.
Lease Details:
$2000 DAS
$560/mo
12k, 36 mo
I’m working with the business manager now to finalize the deal when the topic of protection packages came up. For the bare minimum, Audi care & audi lease protection (maintenance and wear and tear coverage), it’s coming out to an additional $100/mo ($1500 and $1600 total respectively).
Is this normal procedure? I had always been under the assumption that some of this would be covered in the lease payments.
You are being presented with the f&i menu, which is required.
You may skip all that coverage if you want - AudiCare used to bump residual and do the math on paying for the required service versus what Audi care pays.
You do not need excess wear and tear, wheel and tire, lowjack, vin etch, key replacement, Simonize, pin striping, PPF, nitrogen or tint.
Think of it as a long-term car rental, but what applies is what comes with the car - i.e. new car warranty.
Ultimately you are still responsible for the care and maintenance, minus wear & tear. All lessors clearly state what is considered “regular” wear & tear, including the requirement for lessees to complete required maintenance.
Any more damage than that is what you’ll be on the hook for.
For 2025, AudiCare was an optional pre-paid maintenance package. In 2026, Audi released their Signature Care which is included on all MY 2026 models.
AFS allowed AudiCare to add 1% RV bump when done at the time of signing. Run the numbers in the LH calculator to see if it makes sense. (IMO, it usually does). On a $52k MSRP, that 1% RV bump would lower your cost of AudiCare by $520. If AC cost $1199 (just an educated guess on cost, but will vary depending on miles and number of visits), you would only spend $679. AC is negotiable as well. There have been coupons online for $100+ off.
You will have factory dealer service during your lease and loaners throughout.
Skip the Lease Protection- unless you are not careful with your vehicles.
