Infiniti issues warning to dealers over bogus fees on lease buyouts

Hyundai recently issued a warning about excessive pricing, joining Ford and General Motors in addressing shady dealer practices that could hurt automakers.

The latest comes from Infiniti, but this time the concern isn’t about gratuitous cash grabs before a purchase. It’s about cash grabs after the contract is signed.

We first heard about this through Cars Direct, which cited a letter from Infiniti Financial Services to dealerships.

The subject of the letter detailed some nefarious actions against folks trying to buy the Infiniti vehicle they were leasing.

Rather than sticking to the terms spelled out in the contract, some dealerships have allegedly added new fees or flat-out refused to honor the preestablished buyout price.

Apparently, some dealerships even refused a buyout completely, forcing the lessee to either start a new lease or buy another car. And we all know what the market is like right now for both new and used cars.

When contacted Infiniti for additional information on this situation, which has reportedly led to numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and state Attorneys General offices. A spokesperson confirmed that the company’s financial arm has indeed contacted dealerships.

“Infiniti clients who have financed their lease with Infiniti Financial Services (IFS) may decide to purchase their vehicle at the predetermined purchase option price contained in their lease plus any incidental charges necessary to complete the transaction as identified in the agreement,” said Infiniti