Returning a leased car: the lease-end fee checklist
Disposition fees, excess mileage, and wear-and-tear charges, what to expect and how to avoid surprises.
The bill at lease-end catches a lot of people off guard. Here's what to plan for.
The disposition fee
Most leases charge a $300–$500 fee just to return the car. It's in your contract from day one.
Excess mileage
Add up your total mileage against your allowance. Every mile over is billed at the per-mile rate in your lease.
Excess wear and tear
The car gets inspected. Fix cheap issues yourself and get a pre-return inspection so there are no surprises.
Consider the buyout
If the car is worth more than its residual value, buying it out can beat returning it.
Run your lease through Lease Checker to see these terms spelled out in plain English.
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