Leasing a Mercedes combines luxury with affordability, making it an appealing option for many drivers. But when it’s time to purchase your Mercedes at the end of the lease, you might face hidden fees that weren’t disclosed at the outset. These fees can make the buyout process more expensive than expected and even lead to unnecessary financial strain.
The Hidden Fees of a Mercedes Lease Buyout
When you lease a Mercedes, the agreement specifies the purchase price, along with any anticipated fees such as taxes and registration costs. However, many consumers report that dealerships are charging additional fees when they attempt to exercise their buyout option. These unexpected fees may include:
- Vehicle Preparation Fees: Some dealerships charge for “preparing” the vehicle for sale, despite the fact that you’ve been the sole driver during the lease.
- Document Fees: Some dealerships charge inflated fees for processing paperwork that should already be accounted for in your lease agreement.
- Inspection Fees: Certain dealerships claim that a car inspection or certification is necessary, even though it’s your vehicle, and you’ve been using it for the duration of the lease.
- Administrative Fees: These can be added for filing documents and processing the transfer, often with no clear justification.
These charges can add thousands of dollars to your buyout price, significantly changing your initial expectations.
Your Legal Protections Under the Consumer Leasing Act
The Consumer Leasing Act protects you from unfair and undisclosed charges during the lease buyout process. Dealerships are legally obligated to provide full disclosure of all fees at the beginning of the lease term. If they failed to do so, you may have the right to challenge these charges.
Here’s what the CLA entitles you to:
- Fee Refunds: If the dealership added unauthorized fees, you may be entitled to a refund.
- Attorney Fees: If you take legal action, the dealership may be required to pay your legal fees.
- Statutory Damages: You could receive up to $2,000 in damages if your rights were violated.
How Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen Can Help You
If you’ve been faced with hidden fees during your Mercedes lease buyout, Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen is here to help. Our legal team has extensive experience protecting consumers from deceptive practices, and we can help you hold the dealership accountable.
We offer free consultations to help you assess whether your lease buyout has been unfairly charged. Call us at 305-670-0101 to schedule your free case review today.
