What counts as excess wear and tear on a lease?
At lease end the car is inspected, and you're billed for anything beyond 'normal' wear, dents, deep scratches, worn tires, cracked glass, or interior damage. What counts as 'excess' can be vague, so the standard in your contract matters.
Why it matters
Wear-and-tear clauses are standard. Watch for overly strict definitions and steep charges.
What dealers don't tell you
- A vague definition of 'excess' wear that lets the inspector charge for minor marks.
- High set fees for tires, dings, or scratches.
- No pre-return inspection option to fix issues yourself first.
How to negotiate it
- Ask for a wear-and-tear guide and a pre-return inspection.
- Consider a wear protection product only if the terms are genuinely strict.
- Fix cheap issues yourself before returning the car.
Worked example
"Lessee is responsible for excess wear including any single dent larger than 2 inches and tire tread below 1/8 inch."
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Explain my car leaseFrequently asked questions
How can I avoid wear-and-tear charges?
Get a pre-return inspection, repair minor damage in advance, and keep the car maintained and clean before returning it.