What Car Companies Check After Lease Ends

A close-up view of a 'Closed' sign on a door, displaying a return time.
Credit: pexels.com, A close-up view of a 'Closed' sign on a door, displaying a return time.

Let's dive into what car companies check after a lease ends. They inspect the vehicle's exterior, looking for any damage or wear and tear, such as dings, dents, or scratches.

Car companies also check the interior for any damage, including stains, tears, or broken parts. This includes the seats, carpets, and dashboard.

Excessive wear on the tires is another thing car companies look for, as well as any damage to the wheels or rims. They may also check the vehicle's maintenance history to see if it's been properly serviced.

The odometer reading is also checked to ensure the vehicle hasn't been driven more miles than allowed under the lease agreement.

Lease End Process

Most car manufacturers require you to schedule a lease inspection 60 to 90 days before you turn in your leased car.

The purpose of this inspection is to ensure the vehicle is in good condition and to determine if any lease end penalties will be assessed.

Credit: youtube.com, What To Do If Your Vehicle Lease Is Ending?

Typically, the manufacturer will reach out to you to arrange for a third-party inspector to come to your home or office. You will be given a copy of the inspection report and have the option to repair any damage yourself or pay the applicable charges.

There is no charge to the consumer for the lease inspection, but it's essential to be prepared and understand what is considered normal wear and tear.

Here are some examples of what might be considered excessive wear and tear, according to BMW:

  • Tires with less than 1/8″ of tread remaining
  • Heavily dented wheels
  • Scratches, dents and gouges greater than 2″
  • Improperly completed body repair work
  • More than three dings on a single body panel
  • Windshield chips greater than 1/8″
  • Upholstery tears or burns
  • Excess carpet stains
  • Damage to convertible top (if applicable)
  • Service indicator lights turned on

Lease a Vehicle

Leasing a new vehicle can be a great option, especially if you're due for an upgrade. You can lease a new vehicle through Chrysler Capital and they'll waive your disposition fee.

To start the process, contact the Chrysler Capital Lease Servicing Team at 855-563-5635 to arrange for a pre-inspection of your current vehicle. This will help you understand the next steps and any potential issues with your current vehicle.

Credit: youtube.com, Lease End Vehicle Title Process

You'll also need to contact your originating dealer to schedule an appointment to turn in your current leased vehicle. Make sure to check for excess wear and tear and complete any necessary repairs before your turn-in date.

If you're leasing again through Chrysler Capital, you may be eligible for returning lessee bonus cash and/or additional incentives, including up to $500 in waived wear and tear fees.

Here's a checklist of what to bring with you to the dealership:

  • A copy of your Chrysler Capital Lease Agreement
  • All keys, keyless entry fobs and any other additions associated with your leased vehicle
  • All vehicle documents received at time of delivery including the owner’s and maintenance manuals

Before you arrive at the dealership, be sure to check your mileage and schedule a test drive with your originating dealer. This will give you a chance to get familiar with the new vehicle and make sure it's the right fit for you.

Lease End Inspection

A lease end inspection is a crucial step in the lease end process. Most car manufacturers require you to schedule a lease inspection 60 to 90 days before you turn in your leased car.

Credit: youtube.com, The Lease End Process

The purpose of this inspection is to make sure that the vehicle is in good condition before it's returned and to let you know what (if any) lease end penalties will be assessed. You'll typically be contacted by the manufacturer to arrange for a third-party inspector to come to your home or office.

There is no charge to the consumer for the lease inspection. The inspector will give you a copy of their report and you'll be given the option to repair any damage yourself or pay the applicable charges.

Lease inspectors are looking for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. For example, BMW provides guidelines on what level of tire wear, dents, and scrapes is considered to be normal usage.

Here are some examples of what might be considered excessive wear and tear:

  • Tires with less than 1/8″ of tread remaining
  • Heavily dented wheels
  • Scratches, dents and gouges greater than 2″
  • Improperly completed body repair work
  • More than three dings on a single body panel
  • Windshield chips greater than 1/8″
  • Upholstery tears or burns
  • Excess carpet stains
  • Damage to convertible top (if applicable)
  • Service indicator lights turned on

If you want to schedule the inspection yourself, you can find your brand below. You'll need your VIN number to schedule the inspection.

Acura lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504. Ford lease inspections can be scheduled through Alliance Inspection Management at (888) 253-9026. RAM lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Credit: youtube.com, Lease Return Inspections

A vehicle inspection is a crucial step before returning a leased car, and it's essential to know what to expect. Most car manufacturers require a lease inspection 60 to 90 days before you turn in your leased car.

The purpose of this inspection is to check for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. BMW provides guidelines on what level of tire wear, dents, and scrapes is considered normal usage.

Here's a checklist of what to look out for during a vehicle inspection:

  • Tires with less than 1/8″ of tread remaining
  • Heavily dented wheels
  • Scratches, dents, and gouges greater than 2″
  • Improperly completed body repair work
  • More than three dings on a single body panel
  • Windshield chips greater than 1/8″
  • Upholstery tears or burns
  • Excess carpet stains
  • Damage to convertible top (if applicable)
  • Service indicator lights turned on

You can also schedule a prereturn inspection with Chrysler Capital, which is free of charge and helps you avoid surprise excess wear charges on your final vehicle return invoice. The inspection covers a comprehensive assessment of your vehicle's wear and tear, giving you time to contact your dealer for any necessary repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do cars go after lease ends?

At the end of a car lease, the vehicle is typically returned to the leasing company. Alternatively, the lessee can purchase the vehicle for its residual value

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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