Returning a Lease - what do dealers expect?

[JetLi]

Hey - as you all know from the other thread, we're looking for a new car for my gf and we have to return her lease. I'm just curious, what do dealers expect when returning the car, she's all worried because it has a few minor dings and paint chips, but it is 4 years old and 80,000km on it. How much should we fix up and touch up and how much can we leave and not expect from the dealer? I've never leased a car, so I am not sure!

For the record, it's a Pontiac Sunfire if anyone can provide more specifics for them. Thanks.

[onecoolloser]

Jeff-TheBiz......DUTY CALLS... come in here and share your knowledge

[bluetroll]

they should be sending you a package a few months before the lease expires explaining what is allowed. it usually consists of a few dings per panel, tires must be a minimum depth and scratches cannot exceed a certain length.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Jeff-TheBiz......DUTY CALLS... come in here and share your knowledge

Glad to be needed..

A lot was covered in this thread.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=454869

Coles notes:

BTW that template that is given to the inspectors and lease customers is kinda generic and a standard across the industry. Almost each manufactor follows the same guidelines.

Aside from scratches and dents, the biggest repair costs will most likely be:

- Glass damage. Any cracks and the windshield will need to be replaced. A broken fog light will need to be replaced.
- Tires. All tires must be the same size and have at least 3.2 mm of tread.
- Missing parts. Extra Keys, Extra Remotes, Jack, Mats etc.
- Any mechanical repairs. Add about $500 to the bill if your check engine light is on.
- Excess kms.

Agree with those little cards mentioned above; basically anything covered by the card is deemed wear & tear and we werent responsible for fixing

also, dont forget the MANUALS!

im pretty sure they wont charge you if you buy another lease from them.

but that's only if ur leasing from them again.

Enormous misconception..

The lease you are in belongs to a bank, not the dealership. That bank wants the contract you signed fulfilled. Therefore they want a car within the allowable wear & tear limits.

If they say "We won't charge you." rest assured you are paying for it.

[michelb]

When you do return it, make sure the lease is discharged (or whatever they do) correctly. My neighbor returned his leased Subaru a few months ago with a few months left on the lease (I think the Honda dealer took it back) and when he turned it in he was assured that everything was all done and all good but a few weeks ago he received an invoice for $500 for unrepaired damages. When he called about it, they said they just received the car back and that he was still the lessor on it so he's responsible. He actually suspects that the damage was done after he turned over the car but because it wasn't transfered (to the dealership) properly, he's responsible and there's nothing he can do about it (other than maybe take the dealership to Small Claims Court or something).

[ES_Revenge]

I don't know about leases per se, but I will tell you what stealers expect, overall...

For you to bend over.

LOL.

[McLaren]

Can you get dinged on curb rash on the wheels?

[number84]

Can you get dinged on curb rash on the wheels?

i just had my audi checked by the inspection company they send to you to check over the car before returning it...and we have quite a few of those on the wheels...and no charge for them.

[JetLi]

Hmmm....those little cards sound interesting. Anyone have one for a GM/Pontiac we could borrow or swing by and quickly assess her car?

[chickenbones]

Hmmm....those little cards sound interesting. Anyone have one for a GM/Pontiac we could borrow or swing by and quickly assess her car?

You have to pay to get your car inspected anyway I believe.

[McLaren]

i just had my audi checked by the inspection company they send to you to check over the car before returning it...and we have quite a few of those on the wheels...and no charge for them.

That is good to hear, I'll be dealing with audi as well if i decide to return my lease.

[JetLi]

Oh - absolutely, I expect to have to get it inspected still, but if I have a ballpark knowledge that would be great. I know a few things that will have to be repaired before we go back to the dealer, but the more I know, the better off we'll be.

[number84]

You have to pay to get your car inspected anyway I believe.

at least for audi, they cover the cost of the inspection by a company of their choosing (a little biased IMO)..currently it is AutoVIN that does the inspections for them.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

You have to pay to get your car inspected anyway I believe.

Never heard of that... You shouldn't have to pay to return your car.

I don't know about leases per se, but I will tell you what stealers expect, overall...

For you to bend over.

I really wish I would have sold you your last car, just so you don't feel that way about 'stealers'.
I know most people hate lawyers as well... meh, my lawyer saved me $1000s when I got divorced.

Couple of things to remember when getting your lease returned..

Get a signed "Vehicle Condition Report" before you leave.. DO NO LEAVE WITHOUT ONE.

This document will indicate the condition you returned the car and will hold up if someone backs into your car after you drop it off.. heard of it happening before.

[maddismom]

jsut wondering when you return a lease #1 if you are trading in well they inspect before i take it in as my lease isnt over for another few months and also if autovin does find repairs that need to be completed do we have the option of going else where or once it is inspected are you stuck paying that price?