LS1 Edit = "Maintenance" (Lease)?

[snapper05]

This one goes out to those that are leasing their LS1 machines. Mine's leased (der) and I'm wondering if there are any forum members who have had an LS1 Edit (or VCM Suite, or whatever) done to their vehicles and sent the tax invoice to their lease company for reimbursement for "maintenance"? I'm obviously looking to have the computer tickled (I'll be calling soon, Mark!). Is it legit to even do it?!?!?! I've got $$$$'s to burn in my salary sacrifice account (due in part to my licence going on a six month leave of absence) and there's only 11 month's left on my drivetrain warranty, so I'm thinking 'what the hell?' Thanks, all.

[chook]

Maintenance is Maintenance, it depends on the company, and what you call it? I did.

[MNR-0]

They wouldn't pay on a technicality that it was done for performance and not maintenance. They would ask "why did you need an Edit" and you would say? Then they would say it wasn't required as the vehicle was running fine without it. Been there, done that with my employer. Its better not to draw attention to yourself and claim only the bits that are wear and tear, things like:

brake pads
rotors
tyres
air filters
oils
O2 sensors
exhaust repairs (damn that rock monster!)
damaged wheels (damn that gutter!)
brake fluid
petrol (not my fault it runs better on 98RON!)
etc...

There are quite a few costs you CAN legitimately claim and that are recurring. Just be realistic about it and see ti from their shoes.

[VYSSBlack]

Couldnt it be looked at as tuning the car for better fuel economy? Just like getting your old carby car tuned.

[Dacious]

Depends on whether operating lease or novated and the company. My lease company (Alphabet) is quite happy for me to get them to do anything I like as long as the car remains servicable, roadworthy and insurable. If I get them to pay they just recoup any extra via my employer. They said to me "It is your car to do with as you please".

OTOH anything I do to a operating lease vehicle where a representative of my employers' name is on the rego; I would have to undo before handing the car back, and I would bear any cost that wasn't included in options when I bought the car. Obviously the list of things is far more limited - dealer options and HBD stuff.

I asked about exhaust, wheels, brakes etc and Lease Co. said no problem - in fact they can get a corporate fleet discount for some bits provided I pre-arrange with them. They don't care - they are making money out of it.

One of the guys here bought a non-Turbo Nissan Patrol and had it turbo'd and when it blew the stock clutch had a HD item installed all under his lease - he built the cost in to start with.

[Felony]

Phor...I got a leased car. (Great for fuel eh? :D ) I've never tried to pull something off that big - it's a bit of a risk that they'll say no. My VX came super super low, and when the suspension guys took a look at raising it, they saw the shocks were all leaking. So, I called up my lease company, and they said "No worries, we'll replace the shocks, bushes and pay for labour". It was great - I only forked out $350 for springs :D

[sloone]

snapper05,

If the lease is a novated lease and it is your money anyway, just pre tax, then go for it. It just depends on how the invoice is worded and I am sure Mark will be able to work out something to put on it to cover the cost of an edit. Water pump $550 - $600 easy, Radiator repair $300, new diff 3.7's $1000.
So just use some creativity and known holden problems and it will be done.
I even asked my lease company if I could rebuild the engine, as they are known to need rebuilds, @ $10,000 and they said no problem we will just put the maintenance component for the balance of the lease up so that they could recoup the outlay. $10,000 loan over 3 years interest free :lol: .

[snapper05]

Absolutely, I'm on a novated lease so its my pre tax dollars going into the account and yeah, I view it simply as spending my money. I like the 'tuned for fuel economy' one :lol: Nice one. Hmmm, well thanks for the responses guys. Not sure which way to jump now. I mean, the worst thing they can do is deny my claim right???