Returning a leased car can be a smooth process, but it often comes with concerns about potential charges for wear and tear. Understanding what constitutes acceptable wear and tear versus damage that you’ll be financially responsible for is crucial. This leads to a common question among lessees: should I repair my leased car before returning it? Let’s delve into this question to help you make an informed decision and potentially save money.
Understanding Lease Wear and Tear Policies
Lease agreements typically include a “fair wear and tear” policy. However, the specifics of this policy can vary between dealerships. It’s essential to carefully review your lease contract to understand the dealership’s guidelines. The contract will outline what is considered acceptable wear and tear and what will incur charges upon return. Dealerships will usually conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle at the end of the lease term, paying close attention to several key areas.
Common Lease Return Charges to Anticipate
To help you assess whether repairs are necessary, here are common items dealerships scrutinize and may charge for:
Excess Mileage Fees
Most car leases include an annual mileage allowance, often around 12,000 miles. If you exceed this limit over the lease term, you’ll be charged a per-mile fee for the excess mileage. This fee, detailed in your lease agreement, typically ranges from $0.15 to $0.30 per mile. This charge compensates for the accelerated depreciation of the vehicle due to higher mileage.
Scratches, Scrapes, and Dents: Assessing the Damage
Dealerships generally allow for a certain level of wear and tear, often accommodating up to $500-$1,000 in minor damages without charges. This is intended to cover normal wear and tear and the cost of preparing the car for resale. However, significant dents, scratches requiring paintwork, or collision damage can lead to charges exceeding $1,000.
Before your lease return, it’s wise to get an estimate from a detail shop or body shop. Specialists can often repair minor dents inexpensively, especially if the paint is intact. Touch-up paints, matching your car’s original color, can effectively address deep scratches, and numerous online tutorials can guide you to achieve a professional-looking finish even if you’re a beginner.
Alt text: Close-up of a hand using a touch-up pen to repair a scratch on a car door, demonstrating a DIY car scratch repair method.
Wheels and Glass: Addressing Damage
Windshield damage, particularly large cracks, can lead to substantial repair costs, especially in vehicles equipped with advanced features like rain-sensing wipers or auto high-beam headlights. For minor chips or small cracks, windshield repair kits are available for DIY fixes, or you can opt for professional repair services. It’s crucial to ensure repairs are high quality and meet dealership standards, as substandard repairs can also result in charges.
Similarly, scraped wheels can be a point of concern. If you believe wheel damage exceeds the lease’s acceptable limits, wheel repair services can be a cost-effective solution compared to dealership charges. Mobile wheel repair services offer added convenience by coming to your location for repairs.
Alt text: Technician professionally repairing a silver alloy car wheel, showcasing wheel repair service for cosmetic damage.
Tire Wear: Understanding Replacement
Typically, the original tires on a leased vehicle are designed to last for the duration of a standard 2- or 3-year lease. However, if you’ve leased a certified pre-owned vehicle, the tires may have already experienced more wear. While tire replacement might seem necessary, consider these points:
- Dealerships often have better pricing on tire replacements compared to tire retailers.
- Dealerships may not accept tires purchased from external sources.
If your tires are worn and require replacement, it’s advisable to get a price quote from the dealership. Inquire about the recommended tire make and size, the costs for dismounting and recycling old tires, and mounting and balancing the new set.
Making the Repair Decision: To Fix or Not to Fix?
Deciding whether to repair your leased car before returning it depends on a few factors:
- Estimate the cost of potential charges: Carefully inspect your vehicle, comparing any damage to the wear and tear guidelines in your lease agreement. If possible, get a pre-inspection from the dealership to understand potential charges.
- Obtain repair quotes: Get estimates from independent repair shops for any identified damage. Compare these quotes to the potential charges from the dealership.
- Consider the cost-benefit: If the repair cost from an independent shop is significantly less than the estimated dealership charges, repairing the damage beforehand is likely beneficial.
Conclusion: Proactive Approach to Lease Returns
In conclusion, deciding whether to repair your leased car hinges on a careful assessment of potential wear and tear charges versus the cost of repairs. By understanding your lease agreement’s wear and tear policy, proactively inspecting your vehicle, and obtaining repair estimates, you can make an informed decision that saves you money and ensures a smoother lease return process. Taking a proactive approach and addressing noticeable damage before your lease return is often a wise financial move.
