How to Return a Car at the End of a Lease | Edmunds.com

missdriver

My lease with my Jeep Grand Cherokee just ended and I found out I have a 1,400 past due amount with Chrysler because of a increase of state fee? I never heard of that before! My monthly payment agreement was $685.47 then the monthly had gone up to $774.69.. that is big difference and great amount accumulated over the couple years. Can I fight this change of monthly increased amount in my lease without a agreement? Does anyone have had the same experience? I feel totally robbed and without a voice here. Thanks, Carla

28firefighter

It happens. States and municipalities can increase sales tax fairly regularly. If you live in a state where you paid tax monthly, then your payment could go up. That said, that seems like pretty substantial tax hike - did they give you any more detail?

Similarly, if you moved to a different state, this could have happened using the same mechanism.

Lastly, if you live in a personal property tax area that could account for things as well.

kyfdx

missdriver said:

My lease with my Jeep Grand Cherokee just ended and I found out I have a 1,400 past due amount with Chrysler because of a increase of state fee? I never heard of that before! My monthly payment agreement was $685.47 then the monthly had gone up to $774.69.. that is big difference and great amount accumulated over the couple years. Can I fight this change of monthly increased amount in my lease without a agreement? Does anyone have had the same experience? I feel totally robbed and without a voice here. Thanks, Carla

Did you move during your lease term?

If so, give us the details.

z00mer

I have a hybrid that has some damage on the bumpers in the form of scratches and dents. I have my inspection scheduled for a bit more than a week before my lease ends. I am not sure if I should take the car to a body shop first to make the repairs so it presents better, or if I should wait to get the report and then repair it, as I might have to do it at a Honda-approved shop. I believe there is up to $500 waived for wear and tear but I'm not sure if it applies if you're just turning it in and not getting into a new car. I'm trying to save as much as I can because I lost my job in this environment. What do you suggest?

kyfdx

z00mer said:

I have a hybrid that has some damage on the bumpers in the form of scratches and dents. I have my inspection scheduled for a bit more than a week before my lease ends. I am not sure if I should take the car to a body shop first to make the repairs so it presents better, or if I should wait to get the report and then repair it, as I might have to do it at a Honda-approved shop. I believe there is up to $500 waived for wear and tear but I'm not sure if it applies if you're just turning it in and not getting into a new car. I'm trying to save as much as I can because I lost my job in this environment. What do you suggest?

You don't have to use a "Honda approved" shop.

I would wait and see what the inspection brings. In my experience, any damage charges will still be less than what they would cost to repair, on your own.

Of course, 8-10 days isn't much time to do anything about it, once it's inspected.

z00mer

kyfdx said:

z00mer said:

I have a hybrid that has some damage on the bumpers in the form of scratches and dents. I have my inspection scheduled for a bit more than a week before my lease ends. I am not sure if I should take the car to a body shop first to make the repairs so it presents better, or if I should wait to get the report and then repair it, as I might have to do it at a Honda-approved shop. I believe there is up to $500 waived for wear and tear but I'm not sure if it applies if you're just turning it in and not getting into a new car. I'm trying to save as much as I can because I lost my job in this environment. What do you suggest?

You don't have to use a "Honda approved" shop.

I would wait and see what the inspection brings. In my experience, any damage charges will still be less than what they would cost to repair, on your own.

Of course, 8-10 days isn't much time to do anything about it, once it's inspected.

Got it, thanks. I'll try to see if I can move the appointment up, but it's all they offered currently. There is also the option to go to a licensed appraiser and get the inspection done. Is this something you've done or recommend, if their preferred appraiser is not available? Thanks for your help.

kyfdx

z00mer said:

kyfdx said:

z00mer said:

I have a hybrid that has some damage on the bumpers in the form of scratches and dents. I have my inspection scheduled for a bit more than a week before my lease ends. I am not sure if I should take the car to a body shop first to make the repairs so it presents better, or if I should wait to get the report and then repair it, as I might have to do it at a Honda-approved shop. I believe there is up to $500 waived for wear and tear but I'm not sure if it applies if you're just turning it in and not getting into a new car. I'm trying to save as much as I can because I lost my job in this environment. What do you suggest?

You don't have to use a "Honda approved" shop.

I would wait and see what the inspection brings. In my experience, any damage charges will still be less than what they would cost to repair, on your own.

Of course, 8-10 days isn't much time to do anything about it, once it's inspected.

Got it, thanks. I'll try to see if I can move the appointment up, but it's all they offered currently. There is also the option to go to a licensed appraiser and get the inspection done. Is this something you've done or recommend, if their preferred appraiser is not available? Thanks for your help.

I would wait for whoever that Honda contracts with. I've found them to be fairly generous.

NeverAgainGM

And now with Covid, you can't even get a pre-inspection. The place is closed with no date of reopening. Would love to know how much they are going to ding me for before turning in. I don't have that option unless I extend my lease at $550 a month for god knows how long until they open and get caught up. How can this be legal?

RandyT

Question. I am about to turn in my first lease to VW. I just received my end of lease information from them. My vehicle is in great shape but wheel tread is lower than 1/8". I don't quite understand why this would be excessive wear if my lease was 3 year 15k miles/ year lease in which I paid for an additional 5k miles after the fact that I may not use do to covid-19 ( not driving much now). What does everyone think? I think this is expected wear. Am I wrong?

Michaell

RandyT said:

Question. I am about to turn in my first lease to VW. I just received my end of lease information from them. My vehicle is in great shape but wheel tread is lower than 1/8". I don't quite understand why this would be excessive wear if my lease was 3 year 15k miles/ year lease in which I paid for an additional 5k miles after the fact that I may not use do to covid-19 ( not driving much now). What does everyone think? I think this is expected wear. Am I wrong?

You will get contacted to have an end of lease inspection performed; that person will determine if the tires have too much wear on them.

kyfdx

RandyT said:

Question. I am about to turn in my first lease to VW. I just received my end of lease information from them. My vehicle is in great shape but wheel tread is lower than 1/8". I don't quite understand why this would be excessive wear if my lease was 3 year 15k miles/ year lease in which I paid for an additional 5k miles after the fact that I may not use do to covid-19 ( not driving much now). What does everyone think? I think this is expected wear. Am I wrong?

The short answer: Yes, you are wrong. Sorry.

28firefighter

Most captives require a vehicle be returned with at least 4/32 of tread left. If you are below that, you'll either be dinged at turn-in or you can try and replace them yourself prior to turning in.

roadburner

RandyT said:

Question. I am about to turn in my first lease to VW. I just received my end of lease information from them. My vehicle is in great shape but wheel tread is lower than 1/8". I don't quite understand why this would be excessive wear if my lease was 3 year 15k miles/ year lease in which I paid for an additional 5k miles after the fact that I may not use do to covid-19 ( not driving much now). What does everyone think? I think this is expected wear. Am I wrong?

As I posted a few months ago, I used to handle lease turn-ins at my BMW dealer; if the tires were below 4/32” you would get charged unless you were a repeat customer and/or leasing or buying another BMW. If the tires had been replaced they had to be the same speed rating and type(RFTs if OEM). OEM BMW tires have a star on the sidewall, but I didn't require that. More than one lessee had Bubba at Billy Bob's Laundromat, Tanning Salon, and Hi-Tech Tire Service tell them that “BMW don’t care what kinda tars is on it.” so they bought a set of Chinese May-Pop Ditchfinders. Those poor nitwits got hit for around $300 a corner.

Find out how much VW will charge for four worn tires and compare that with what it would cost for you to buy and install them. As long as the size and speed rating are the same you should be fine, but I'd check with VW to make sure.

Kat39

KMF lease question: Hoping someone can help immediately as KMF isn't open on weekends for cs!

Our lease with Kia is up this month. We're wanting to lease another tomorrow BUT don't want to turn in the old vehicle until its actual lease maturity date. The lease end paperwork from KMF says that they waive the disposition fee when you lease or finance new "within 60 days of returning your lease."

Does the 60 day period include PRIOR to the current lease maturation date or do we have to turn in the old one first/on the same day to qualify for the dispo fee waiver?

kyfdx

Kat39 said:

KMF lease question: Hoping someone can help immediately as KMF isn't open on weekends for cs!

Our lease with Kia is up this month. We're wanting to lease another tomorrow BUT don't want to turn in the old vehicle until its actual lease maturity date. The lease end paperwork from KMF says that they waive the disposition fee when you lease or finance new "within 60 days of returning your lease."

Does the 60 day period include PRIOR to the current lease maturation date or do we have to turn in the old one first/on the same day to qualify for the dispo fee waiver?

I can't speak for KMF specifically, but in my experience, the waiver period applies to before and after. That is with multiple captive finance companies.

SDW91313

I'm at the end of my lease next month and plan to buy my vehicle. The dealership I leased from is saying that I have to ground my car for several weeks because "when you buy your lease out, the vehicle has to sit on our lot for 2-3 weeks while everything switches over from the lease company. It is illegal to drive the vehicle during that time because it will not be in anyone's name because the plates become invalid because there is technically no owner during that period. We have to pay the vehicle off to the lease company and wait for them to send us the title so you can finance the buyout in your name." This sounds like hogwash to me.

kyfdx

SDW91313 said:

I'm at the end of my lease next month and plan to buy my vehicle. The dealership I leased from is saying that I have to ground my car for several weeks because "when you buy your lease out, the vehicle has to sit on our lot for 2-3 weeks while everything switches over from the lease company. It is illegal to drive the vehicle during that time because it will not be in anyone's name because the plates become invalid because there is technically no owner during that period. We have to pay the vehicle off to the lease company and wait for them to send us the title so you can finance the buyout in your name." This sounds like hogwash to me.

Can you buy the vehicle directly from the bank, without going through the dealer? What make is it?

Also, dealers let you drive off the lot every day, without the paperwork being complete and title issued.

Call the bank directly. And, if that doesn't work, try another dealer.

dangoesoff

We returned our car to the same brand, but different dealership and got a new lease from them. 2 weeks later they want us to sign additional paperwork with the original leasers letterhead stating that we are responsible for damage etc. Do I have to sign?

kyfdx

dangoesoff said:

We returned our car to the same brand, but different dealership and got a new lease from them. 2 weeks later they want us to sign additional paperwork with the original leasers letterhead stating that we are responsible for damage etc. Do I have to sign?

Either that, or you give the car back.

And, you are responsible for damage on every lease, so there isn't really anything extra they are asking of you.

samm14

I have issues with 2017 Nissan Pathfinder which was return to Honda dealership with 0 payment. Honda may have forgotten to ground the car and I got bill from Nissan past due payment. What should I DO?

kyfdx

samm14 said:

I have issues with 2017 Nissan Pathfinder which was return to Honda dealership with 0 payment. Honda may have forgotten to ground the car and I got bill from Nissan past due payment. What should I DO?

Did the Honda dealer agree to take the car in trade?

jr24thekid

Hello! I received a vehicle registration renewal notice for my lease I just turned in a month ago. I figured all the DMV details would be handled with the dealerships when returning my original lease and then securing another one. Is there something else that needs to be done with the DMV?

kyfdx

jr24thekid said:

Hello! I received a vehicle registration renewal notice for my lease I just turned in a month ago. I figured all the DMV details would be handled with the dealerships when returning my original lease and then securing another one. Is there something else that needs to be done with the DMV?

This might vary by state. I'd contact the DMV to let them know you no longer have the car. In my state, we would be liable for property taxes on any vehicle we had as of January 1st.

Heyitsonlyme

I'm preparing for the end of the lease on a Hyundai Sonata. At the bottom of the frame near the wheel-well passenger side, is a 6" crack that happened when I struck a curb in the dark. I'm wondering if it should be evaluated before any upcoming inspections.

kyfdx

Heyitsonlyme said:

I'm preparing for the end of the lease on a Hyundai Sonata. At the bottom of the frame near the wheel-well passenger side, is a 6" crack that happened when I struck a curb in the dark. I'm wondering if it should be evaluated before any upcoming inspections.

Get the pre turn-in inspection a few weeks before, and see what they come up with, first.

CamryGirl346

I turned in my leased RDX to a Toyota dealer. I had one payment left, which i paid while paying for the new lease on a Camry. I just got a letter from Acura wanting their last payment and a "Turn-infee". Toyota will pay Acura the last payment - but what about the added fee?
CamryGal

kyfdx

CamryGirl346 said:

I turned in my leased RDX to a Toyota dealer. I had one payment left, which i paid while paying for the new lease on a Camry. I just got a letter from Acura wanting their last payment and a "Turn-infee". Toyota will pay Acura the last payment - but what about the added fee?
CamryGal

It sounds like the Toyota dealer didn't take your car in trade, but just called Acura Financial to come pick it up. That left you with the end of lease charges.

RPC4

I leased a 3 series BMW with 2000 miles on it from Glendale BMW. At lease end, I brought it in for pre-inspection and fixed the few minor issue they noted. I rreturned the car without any issues coming up.
The car was in immaculate condition and I brought it in for each service. NOW- I just got a bill from BMW financial for $15,000.00 to replace the engine, windshield etc. The residual value on the car wasn';t even that much. I can't understand why they are charging me I have been hitting a brick wall with BMW financial. I even went back to the dealership and they could not believe it. They remember the return and don't know why they would be charging be 15 grand. What do I do?

stickguy

did you get a turn in report giving it a clean bill? That sounds really strange.

au1994

stickguy said:

did you get a turn in report giving it a clean bill? That sounds really strange.

This. Sounds like it is so out of left field they must be confusing you with another client. Compare VIN, Account # and mileage on the turn in paperwork vs the bill. Check the mileage on the off chance someone at the dealership took it on a joyride.

roadburner

Something is not right. When you turned the car in was it inspected? Did you sign the inspection form(on the iPad, usually)? When I worked at BMW, once the client signed the inspection form the car was grounded- and that client was only responsible for damage or wear specified on that form. Once I didn'r charge a repeat customer for four worn tires as he was leasing another BMW. The UCM was furious because he had to eat the tire cost to CPO the turn-in. The NCM and I told him to pound sand- there was no way he could go after the lessee either.
The dealer should go to bat for you; my store sure as hell would have.

dcan87

Hey I am hoping someone can give me a straight answer. Can we have the Kia dealer do a buyout directly?

We are nearing the end of our lease on a Hyundai and want to switch to a Kia. I have been hearing that dealers/manufacturers are holding on to their own inventory and not allowing buyouts from other manufacturers. Since Hyundai/Kia are under the same roof will there be no issues?

Called HMF and multiple dealers and nobody has said yes you can, they kept saying like yeah you “should” be able to.

kyfdx

dcan87 said:

Hey I am hoping someone can give me a straight answer. Can we have the Kia dealer do a buyout directly?

We are nearing the end of our lease on a Hyundai and want to switch to a Kia. I have been hearing that dealers/manufacturers are holding on to their own inventory and not allowing buyouts from other manufacturers. Since Hyundai/Kia are under the same roof will there be no issues?

Called HMF and multiple dealers and nobody has said yes you can, they kept saying like yeah you “should” be able to.

I don't think you'll find anyone here who can give you a better answer than a dealer.

Shop for your Kia, and tell them you have a leased trade. See what they come up with. Before you go, try Carvana or Carmax to see what they might give you on trade. That way you'll know if the Kia dealer is taking advantage of you.

dcan87

@kyfdx said:
I don't think you'll find anyone here who can give you a better answer than a dealer.

Shop for your Kia, and tell them you have a leased trade. See what they come up with. Before you go, try Carvana or Carmax to see what they might give you on trade. That way you'll know if the Kia dealer is taking advantage of you.

Local KIA dealer finance manager gave me a straight answer, no. He said if you find a dealer that houses both a Hyundai and KIA them possibly. Went to Carmax tonight, they appraised at $5k over buyout which is great but said they are not allowed by Hyundai to buy it out unfortunately. Looking like we may be going the Palisade route…

kyfdx

dcan87 said:

@kyfdx said:

I don't think you'll find anyone here who can give you a better answer than a dealer.

Shop for your Kia, and tell them you have a leased trade. See what they come up with. Before you go, try Carvana or Carmax to see what they might give you on trade. That way you'll know if the Kia dealer is taking advantage of you.

Local KIA dealer finance manager gave me a straight answer, no. He said if you find a dealer that houses both a Hyundai and KIA them possibly. Went to Carmax tonight, they appraised at $5k over buyout which is great but said they are not allowed by Hyundai to buy it out unfortunately. Looking like we may be going the Palisade route…

That's too bad. Good luck on the Palisade!