mods to my Prado before lease ends

I'd make sure your tyres are in good condition as number 1 priority. It would be terrible if you didn't discover where that teenager slashed your sidewalls till after you bought it.

Top up the rustproofing if you have had that done.

Other than that put it in for a major service and make sure all the replacable/wearing items & fluids get replaced ;).

Cheers

That noisy diff could do with a service and maybe a diff lock or two fitting/

Patrolman Pat

G'day Tony

I think it all depends on the leasing company, and the direction your leasing company receives from your employer.

The leasing company for my second last Prado were as tight as...

I 've since changed leasing companies, and the current mob don't really care what accessories I buy or replace, just so long as there are sufficient funds in my account.

Have a talk with your guys, because some of your suggestions are no brainers. Replacing your side steps, for example, would not be an issue for any leasing company - if your rig pictures are anything to go by:-).

George

Don't forget new springs/shocks - HD of course...

I managed a new WDH out of my leasing company, claiming i had damaged the previous one and the insurance wouldn't cover it. But they knocked back a UHF radio fitting and a lift kit.
Previously managed to get a new pair of driving lights - but again by claiming existing ones were 'damaged' and insurance wouldn't cover them.
Currently arguing with them on new tyres as i want to fit bigger wheels as well.
My current company seem to agree on anything that was fitted originally can be replaced with a better version or whatever, but they won't agree to 'new' mods. The 'damaged in use' seems to meet with their general agreement without any examination of the damage!
Don't forget though that it is your money they are with holding from you so be prepared to fight hard for it!
But the main thing is to get out of them what you can because the amount left in your lease fund can only be transferred to you after you have paid 46 cents in the dollar on it.

1 Jack up roofrack

2 Insert Nissan Patrol

3 Relax and enjoy life

I think you'd be better off putting toward a good Lawyer. You'll need it if you pursue your current line of thought.

I wish I could mod mine before the lease ends... We were going to trade it on a new Colt for the missus and I am going to lease a new DiD Triton. Looks like we'll be keeping the old girl though as we realised we need a second towing vehicle...

Still trying to find a way to send some work Adams way re: lift kit but Lease Plan will only allow OEM replacements. My place of work will only deal with Lease Plan so I have no option but to stay with them. No snorkel, no sliders, no nothing...

I modded my hilux under the novated lease from day one. The lease company are only interested in how many kays you have done and the receipts to justify expenses.

When I purchased it I had a dodgy bullbar I got cheap and had them fit it when new because I knew that after a year, I'd buy a new one to suit and then claim that I damaged it after hitting a roo, provide the receipt and everyones happy.

same with suspension, was "WORN" from carrying consistent heavy loads so had to replace the springs and shocks and unfortunately wasnt under warrantee because of my heavy use, thankyou very much tough dog 2 " lift.

with tyres you just provide them with a receit and dont tell them that your going a bigger size, 99% of the time they are just admins in the office computing the data into the computer and have no idea the difference between a 265/70x16 and a 265/75x16 - they probably think its a typing error, and this is a good excuse for you to use to if they ask.

I dont know of any lease company that puts the cars on a hoist for a checkup to see what you've done.

swap the sidesteps for metal ones but just ask the shop to put "replaced factory sidesteps" on the receipt, many shops will help you out to get your cash.

do a complete service, whatever needs doing, replace what needs replacing and detail her thoroughly, and you'll be a happy man when you pay her out. Im due for payout next year and will keep her, mainly because the price of a new fourby scares me as does the mods to get it a similar way as mine is now.

hope that helped :)

Assume you have already fitted or had fitted 2 front snatch strap recovery mounts, approx $140 fitted from TJMs. Can't snatch a Prado from the front on original shipping mounts.

You need a good drawer system LOL.

1. Major service
2. tyres if needed
3. sliders to replace existing
4. Suspension upgrade current ones are sagging and dangerous :)
5. replace bullbar with steel one which ties in with No 4
6. replace uhf with ICOM one :)
7. recovery points as required
8. seat upholstery or replace covers existing damged
9. lockers cause the diffs whining :)
10. re do rustproofing - or do rustproofing
11. any damage to panel or paintwork get fixed (dents deep scratches etc )
12. faulty tails lights and get wires instead in place for fridge
13. existing security cage damaged (between rear sets and wagon area) and if not then you can get one put in say as replacement :)
14. hayman reese tow bar installed cause the one you got is broken :)
15. HID kits for you driving lights and or better kist for spoties cause they damaged.
16. complete detail
17. replace windscreen if cracked or chipped and redo window tinting :)
18. pay rego early :)
19. replace battery / s not holding charge
20. check radiator is in TOP condition and replace or fix :)

Theres 20 for yeah to toss in the hat.

Brian

whew, so many creative people... Incl the lawyers.

Thanks heaps all for the comments!

It all depends on the lease situation.
Mine was a novated where I paid the money into an account direct before I got my pay and then got reimbursed as I spent it on the vehicle.
As it is already my money, I spent it on what I wanted. I also did my own servicing, so at the end of the lease period I had 60L of engine oil in the shed that I claimed under servicing costs. I also put on side steps, a UHF antenna (I got the radio for free) and a dual battery system, all with no queries at all

Get the reciept with a discription or 'replace XYZ' and I doubt it will be questioned, after all, it is probably your money anyway.

Tonester,

Another option is to see if you can renew you lease for another couple of years + do all the things suggested ;)

The first 2 on the list would be

2" lift + polyairs airbags for CT(suspension repair)
second set of tyres (Muds)....

Stan