I love the idea of lease transfers, as I just returned a BMW X3 I found right here on Leasehackr! I’ve been watching like a hawk the last few weeks but since I need a car - I found myself paying for a Swap a lease membership.
I found a great deal on an Audi Q7 that was up north (I’m in SoFL) and upon contacting the lister, discovered he was out of the country and his neighbor would be handling the transfer. I started the process with him - a little hesitant but he seemed willing to make it smooth. After submitting the credit check paperwork, I spoke to Audi Financial and they were adamant about original signatures and not allowing digital. I decided to not move forward.
I ended up reaching out to my second choice which was $100 more a month/less 100 miles a month (Q7 with more features) but only 45 min away. We had a three-way call with Audi where I moved the application fee from the previous account to the new one and submitted everything. Three days letter, I was approved. That was Friday. Audi said they Fedex’d the docs and we should receive by Wednesday at the latest.
Today I went to check out the car - I hadn’t before. The pictures show the vehicle is clean and the current account holders seemed very legit (saw they checked me out on Linkedin, ha).
As soon as I turned the car on - first thing I noticed is the car has 2,000 more miles than advertised. This was a complete shock. I expected a 200-300 mile discrepancy, but not 2k. The result is us losing out on a total of 2,200 miles over the entirety of the lease. They said they listed the car months ago and didn’t stop driving it. lol ok? so update the listing! This was blatant false advertising in my eyes.
After many texts back and forth, I asked for them to offer an additional month incentive. They offered half. I declined. I sent over a fax to the Finance Specialist I’ve been working with to stop the process. I’m sure she will call me tomorrow.
So now I am back to square one - but at least I have an approval from Audi. Does this only apply to this specific car? Will they have to run my credit for every vehicle? If I decide to go to the dealership and get a new lease, are they able to see I’ve already been approved?
This whole mess has made me want an X7.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
None of this has anything to do with Audi
The first scenario is plain ridiculous. If someone offering a lease transfer told me they were out of the country, that’s a major 
I don’t blame Audi for not allowing digital signatures…especially when the original lessee remains liable
The second situation was the fault of the person listing and your own for not doing your due diligence before submitting the app.
You may be too quick to the trigger and need to use these examples to learn and take proper precautions.
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You’re absolutely right. Sometimes necessary to learn the hard way 
My question is whether or not Audi will keep my approval on file or will it only pertain to this specific vehicle.
I felt like I needed to be transparent about why I have the question.
I don’t know the answer to that question and I wasn’t trying to be harsh.
However, your title, and the comment about moving to an X7, made it sound like you were blaming Audi 
You should just call them and ask them.
Or, if you need a car now, why not just grab one new?
Audi is definitely not to blame- sorry if my post made it seem that way. They have actually been great. I’m really impressed.
I’ve been a loyal bmw customer for almost two decades. The X7 comment was because of that 
I’m sure I’ll find out tomorrow - just wanted to shoot a few emails out tonight for other vehicles.
I prefer 2 years or less - that’s the only reason I haven’t gone for a new lease. I’d rather someone else negotiate a great deal
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Haha all good!
Best of luck and keep us all in the loop on what you find.
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Why would Audi approve you on a more strict lease transfer and decline on a new car where only you are liable, or another transfer. I don’t see any credit, income, or any qualifiable problems for you to go get another car.
BMWFS has trusted you in the past, you obviously sound like a reasonable person, with established luxury auto history and assuming due to that with no outstanding current demarks like improper income, or something stupid then I’d say you’re fine.
I agree with Boston, don’t go for a Nigerian Prince deal again lol.
It’s my first time dealing with them and didn’t know. In the credit application, they tie the paperwork with the account you’re trying to take over. That’s why I thought it may not be as cut and dry. With bmwfs it’s a simple online app.
Yeah I’m glad I backed out of the first one!
You should call them to confirm. Even though it went through more thorough underwriting (though keep in mind the collateral risk with Audi stays with the original leasee), the approval is likely good for 30 days at most. More than that and they would rerun and recheck everything.
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On the phone with them now and they’re saying they treat each vehicle as its own unique entity and my credit would need to be run for each vehicle moving forward. I’m trying to escalate and get concrete clarification because thats a huge turn off.
So yes - in conclusion, a credit check is required for every vehicle, regardless of previous approval.
Audi made me submit a letter to withdraw from the process signed by me and their customer.
I’ve started the process to assume an X7 lease. Will continue my loyalty to BMW!
