
Turning in a leased car for another lease can be a hassle-free process if you're aware of the key steps involved. The lease end date is typically 24 to 36 months from the lease signing date.
Before you turn in your leased car, make sure you've driven it less than the allowed mileage, usually around 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Exceeding this limit can result in additional fees.
Most leased cars are subject to a Wear and Tear fee, which can range from $200 to $300. This fee covers any damage to the vehicle beyond normal wear and tear.
You'll need to document any existing damage to the vehicle when you turn it in, so be sure to take photos and notes before you hand it over.
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Determining Your Leased Car's Value
Your leased car may have some hidden value, also known as equity. To determine this, review your lease contract or contact the leasing company to confirm the buyout price.
The buyout amount is usually the residual value, plus any remaining monthly payment and lease termination fees. This information will give you a clear picture of your car's worth.
To determine the market value of your car, you can enter your vehicle's VIN or license plate into online sites, which will provide you with a purchase offer. Get multiple quotes, as each company may have different preferences for the cars it buys.
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Is My Leased Car Valuable?
Your leased car may have hidden value, known as equity. This value can be determined by reviewing your lease contract or contacting the leasing company.
The buyout price is usually the residual value of your vehicle plus any remaining monthly payment and lease termination fees. You'll want to confirm this amount before shopping for a new lease.
To determine the market value of your car, you can enter your vehicle identification number or license plate into online sites, which will provide a purchase offer. Get multiple quotes, as each company may have different preferences.
If the purchase offer is higher than the buyout price, you have positive equity, which you can use towards your next car. For example, if the lease buyout price for a 2018 Toyota Camry is $18,000 and you've received an offer to buy the car for $21,000, you have $3,000 in positive equity.
The trade-in value of your car can be calculated by subtracting the market value and the payoff value. If the result is positive, consider trading in your car. If it's negative, the dealership may turn down the trade-in.
The condition of your car will affect its equity value. Keep your vehicle in good condition and correct any faults before getting offers. The terms of the lease require you to do this anyway.
The payoff value of your car can be obtained from the lease financier or the new dealership. You'll need this information to trade in your car.
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Step 2: Determine Your Budget
If you decide to sell your leased car, assess your finances to see if the commitment is one you want to make.
You should work out whether the cost of selling your leased car is something you can afford.
Your decision should be based on the residual value of your car, which can help you determine if it's worth proceeding with the sale.
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Preparing for Lease Turn-In
To determine the value of your leased car, review your lease contract or contact the leasing company to confirm the buyout price, which is usually the residual value plus any remaining monthly payment and lease termination fees.
The buyout price is a crucial number to know, as it will give you an idea of what your car is worth. This information will also help you when shopping for a new lease.
You can find the market value of your car by entering its vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate into online sites, which will provide you with a purchase offer.
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Important Considerations for Trading In a Leased Car
The dealership isn't the one holding your lease, it's actually the banks or leasing companies. This means you can trade in your leased car to another dealership in the US, as long as it's purchased from the lender.
Your vehicle's condition plays a big role in determining the equity equation, so keep it in good shape. Excessively worn tires or body damage beyond normal wear and tear can reduce the value of your vehicle.
It's a good idea to correct any faults and keep your vehicle in good condition, as the terms of the lease require you to do so anyway. This will help you get a better deal when selling or trading in your vehicle.
If your tires have less than 1/8-inch tread, you should replace them to avoid costly tire replacement charges at the dealership.
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Lease/Buy Same Brand Vehicle
If you're returning a leased vehicle, many manufacturers will offer incentives to keep you in their brand. Some will even waive the last few lease payments to help you get into a newer model before your lease is over.
Manufacturers will incentivize returning lessees to choose another vehicle from their brand. This can include loyalty rebates.
Making a Decision
You'll need to decide whether to lease a new car or return the current one, considering factors like mileage, condition, and remaining payments.
Leasing a new car will likely have a lower monthly payment, but you'll be responsible for excess mileage fees and wear and tear charges.
Most lease agreements require you to return the car with less than 12,000 miles per year to avoid additional fees.
If you have a high mileage, it's best to review your lease agreement to see if you're eligible for a mileage waiver or additional fees.
You can also consider purchasing a new car, but this will likely be more expensive than leasing a new one.
The decision to return the current car or lease a new one should be based on your financial situation, driving habits, and personal preferences.
The cost of returning a leased car can be significant, with fees ranging from $300 to $500, depending on the lease agreement.
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Turning in Your Leased Car
Your leased car may have some hidden value, which you'll need to determine before shopping for a new lease. Review the lease contract or contact the leasing company to confirm the buyout price for your car.
The buyout amount is usually the residual value plus any remaining monthly payment and lease termination fees. This is the agreed-upon amount that your vehicle is worth at the end of the lease.
To find out what the market value of your car is, simply enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate into online sites, and a purchase offer will pop up almost instantly. Multiple quotes are a good idea, as each company may have different preferences for the cars it buys.
Keep your vehicle in good condition, as excessive wear and tear can affect the equity equation. This means you'll get less for your vehicle if the tires are excessively worn down, or body damage is beyond normal wear and tear.
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You don't need to trade in your leased car to the dealership that you're leasing from; you can trade it to another dealership, as long as it's in the US. This is because the dealership can purchase your vehicle from the lender.
To trade in your leased car, you need to work out the vehicle's trade-in value by subtracting the market value of the car and the payoff value. If the resulting answer is positive, consider this a green light to trade in the car.
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Final Steps
As you prepare to turn in your leased car for another lease, make sure to review your contract to understand the mileage limits and fees associated with exceeding them. This will help you avoid any unexpected charges.
Check your odometer reading to ensure you're within the allowed mileage limit, which is typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, as mentioned in the "Understanding Your Lease Agreement" section. If you've exceeded the limit, you'll need to pay a fee of $0.10 to $0.25 per mile, depending on your contract.
Carefully inspect your vehicle for any excessive wear and tear, which can also lead to additional fees. This includes any dings, dents, or scratches that are not covered by your standard lease agreement.
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Final Thoughts on Early Lease Turn-In
If you're planning to turn in your leased car early for another lease, keep in mind that the condition of your current car will affect the equity equation.
You can expect to get less for your vehicle if the tires are excessively worn down or body damage is beyond normal wear and tear. Even an online purchase offer may be reduced if the buyer encounters surprises with your car.
Correct any faults before getting offers, as the terms of the lease require you to do this anyway.
The Bottom Line
The final steps in any project are crucial for its success.
You've made it to the end of the project, and now it's time to tie up loose ends and ensure everything is complete.
According to the project timeline, the final deadline for completion is 30 days from now.
Take a moment to review the project checklist and make sure all tasks are marked as complete.

The project budget was allocated $100,000, and all expenses have been accounted for.
Double-check that all necessary documents have been signed and filed away.
The project's quality control process ensures that all deliverables meet the required standards.
In the event of any issues or discrepancies, a contingency plan is in place to address them promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a penalty for turning in a leased car early?
Yes, turning in a leased car early can result in significant penalties, including early termination fees and paying off the remaining depreciation
Can you return a leased car to another dealership?
Returning a leased car to another dealership is possible, but it depends on the lender's policies and may involve fees or penalties
Sources
- https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/turning-in-leased-car-early-for-another-lease/
- https://cartelligent.com/preparing-to-turn-in-your-leased-car/
- https://sgtautotransport.com/autoblog/transport-tips/can-you-trade-in-a-leased-car-to-another-dealership
- https://www.giambalvomazda.com/can-I-trade-my-lease-in-york.htm
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-use-equity-at-end-of-leased-car/
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