Hard to find a good price on an Audi, forget an S4. So this would be a pretty solid deal assuming the logistics are even doable. And OP I’d be happy to work with the legal stuff to get you out of any issues from above.
Hey atrium,
I think we can definitely work through the logistics. Would you mind calling or texting me at your earliest convenience? (626) 278-8022
I appreciate everybody’s input greatly.
Ursus, could you clarify what you mean in terms of potential damages?
You may have all the money for monthly payments on your hands, but if he trashes the car and doesn’t repair it at the end of the lease - you will be on the hook also.
Excessive wear and tear
@ursus beat me to the punch
In worst case scenario - even more than that.
as in driving it over a cliff? Still considered excessive wear and tear, no?
Come on, just bad damage after some accident/crash.
yeah, that’s what I was getting at…maybe I was too overzealous in my example. My point though, wouldn’t a smashed fender still fall under excessive when you ground it?
Not talking about dings and scratches, but any unrepaired accident damage will not, I guess. It is not really a “wear” 
Sorry not meaning to scare you, I am just asking as I am unaware as well the following:
How does that guarantee that if after a couple of months or a year, new lessee drives without insurance and totals the car? Wouldn’t you be liable for the entire buyout then ?
Thanks for the clarification. I’m not well versed in these scenarios but I would assume that as soon as the new owner receives the vehicle, he would immediately insure under his/her name in case such a situation arises, correct?
However… it seems that in terms of normal wear and tear during end of lease inspection, I would still be at 50% liability for those charges in case they were to occur?
Obviously I would remove the car out of my insurance policy during the scenerio in which a transaction is actually successful…
This is different from your normal insurance. No idea whether it’s 50/50 liability at lease end, but I think you may be 100% responsible if the new owner just disappears. Probably won’t happen, but just something to keep in mind. Just contact Audi and clarify this.
You will be basically co-signing a loan for a total stranger.
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I completely agree with Ursus. I would strongly advise against a lease take over regardless of someone’s credit and income. You are taking HUGE risk that might cost you more than you could ever imagine.
If your payment is an issue and would still need a car I would maybe advise looking into a lease on a Corolla or Civic. Something that very practical and leases extremely well. Use your S4 as leverage to these dealerships in order for them to move a new car off their lot. I’ve seen my used car manager give close to full retail book in order to make a new car deal.
Your other option would be to take your carmax, see what they can offer you. Assess how much you have to pay out of pocket to get out the car free and clear and if the number is not too bad then just bite the bullet and move on.
The longer you wait, the more this will cost you! 2019’s are just around the corner and this will hurt the book value of your S4 when they land in a few months. Wish you all the best in your situation. It always sucks to see people in this predicament on a new lease.
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I’m kind of surprised there is no way around but you guys are absolutely right with the liability issue - it is simply not worth that risk. Would have been fun, though.
Only other way is to offer an incentive and hand it over to a friend or family member who you can still trust
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Would the OP be allowed to cancel insurance on it? My understanding is that you are required to have insurance and it must match the name on the contract.
Don’t bring financial matters in between friends and family.
@IvanAudi had some good suggestions. It always sucks to have to pay any negative equity but it’s cheaper than the alternative scenario where the new lessee lets his insurance lapse, totals the car and now you’re liable for the entire balance.
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Right. Many a family has been broken up when financial matters went awry in between them. Not saying it is a guarantee, but you never know.