Tips on Buying Cars: End of Lease Options, 2004 bmw 325xi, bmw 325xi

Question
Hi Jeff
I have a 2004 BMW 325XI and the lease is up in 2 months (Oct 2007)with BMW Financial. (39 month lease) I would like to return it now/before then so that I can start looking and purchase another vehicle other then another BMW. My mileage limit was 32500, and I have just about 29K and I would consider the condition very good to almost excellent. I was wondering if there were any tricks, tips or negotiations that would allow me to turn it in now without paying the last 2 payments and/or the disposition fee. BMW has been sending me brochures saying they would waive the last 2 payments if I purchase/lease from them again, but at this point I really don't want to get another BMW and for that matter wait 2 months if I don't really have too. Plus I have been casually looking around and I found another vehicle that I would like to start dealing on. Any advise would be great. Thanks

Answer
The offer from BMW is legitimate, but as you already know, it only applies if you get another Bimmer.  Other dealers will offer to "take care" of the last two payments if you buy or lease from them, but they will simply roll your remaining payments into the cost of the new car.  If you want to get out early, then there's no way to avoid making the last monthly payments and the disposition fee, AND get a great deal on the next new vehicle.  My best advice: let the non-BMW dealer know what a great offer BMW Financial is making you for another new BMW, and see what they're willing to do to match it.  But don't let any non-BMW dealer con you into thinking that they're going to absorb the cost of those 2 remaining payments- trust me, you'll wind up paying for them one way or another.