Return it
Returning is the default path, and for a lot of people it's the right one. It's also the path where surprise charges show up, because you don't find out what you owe until after the car is gone. Knowing the likely range in advance is most of the battle.
The car is worth about the same as, or less than, your buyout price, it's close to your mileage limit, and it's in reasonable shape.
Wear-and-tear charges, excess mileage, and a disposition fee can stack up. These are usually billed weeks after you drop the car off.
2–4 weeks to settle
Hand the car back at the end of the term and settle whatever the inspection and your contract say you owe.
What it means
Hand the car back at the end of the lease. The dealer inspects it, then bills you for wear and tear, any miles over your limit, and a disposition fee, a flat charge for taking the car back.
How it works
- 1You schedule a return, usually within the last 30–60 days of the lease.
- 2An inspector goes over the car and writes up anything outside the lender's normal wear standard.
- 3You hand the car back on or before the end date.
- 4A final bill arrives, typically within a few weeks, covering excess wear, excess miles, and the disposition fee.
What it costs
Disposition fee
Commonly around $350–$500
A flat fee written into most contracts. Sometimes waived if you lease or buy again from the same brand. Check your own agreement, yours may differ.
Excess mileage
Often $0.15–$0.30 per mile
Your contract states the exact rate. A few thousand miles over can become a meaningful number.
Excess wear
Varies widely by condition
Curbed wheels, tire tread below the minimum, dents above a certain size, cracked glass, and interior damage are the usual items.
What to do next
- 1Find your contract and note the disposition fee, mileage allowance, and per-mile overage rate.
- 2Compare your odometer to where you'd expect to be at the end date.
- 3Walk the car in daylight and photograph anything an inspector would flag.
- 4Fix the cheap stuff yourself if an outside repair costs less than the likely charge.
- 5Get an estimated range before you schedule the return, so nothing on the final bill is a surprise.
See what it'll cost you to return it.
Tell us about the car and we'll estimate your end-of-lease bill, wear and tear, excess mileage and the disposition fee, before the dealer does.
Step 1 of 6 ·Your goal
Compare with the others
Purchase the car for the buyout price already written into your lease, instead of handing it back.
Use the gap between your car's estimated value and your buyout price as a down payment on whatever comes next.
End the lease before the term is up, either by transferring it, selling the car through a buyout, or paying the lender's early termination amount.
Return it: common questions
Usually yes, as long as the dealer sells the same brand and accepts returns for your lender. Call first, some decline, and it's not their obligation to take it.
Ready to see your estimated number?
Three minutes, no account, no credit check. Just an honest range and a clear read on your best exit.