Help! End of auto lease pitfalls?

Recently turned in a Ford Focus. Was over by 20k miles (used it as sole family car for a long while).

First thing is to contact the lessor, i.e., Toyota Financial, and arrange let them know that you'll be taking it to the nearest Toyota dealership. Let them know that you're over on mileage and ask whether they will bill you for it or whether the dealer will ask for a check. Read your lease thoroughly as to what they will charge for mileage and excess wear and tear.

Take plenty of photos or video of the interior and exterior of the car. Then call the dealership and ask for the person who handles lease-end returns. When you drop it off, don't leave without an itemization of the mileage and wear and tear charges. Expect the milage bill from Toyota very shortly. There shouldn't be too many problems, but be prepared. Car dealers tend to do things the hard way.

 

I leased in Minnesota. Returned in California. You shouldn't have any problems, just make sure you get the documents from the dealer before you leave.

 

We recently turned in a Jeep in TX which was leased up in MI. This was about 22,000 miles over of the lease. It also had some scratches and other damage.

We had the dealership chip and dent guy go over this first - I think I gave him $100 for his time - and put on a set of the cheapest new tires we could find.

We didn't receive a bill for the excess miles from Chrysler for about two months which they required paid within 10 days I think.

Hope this helps....

 

Another little piece of advice.

Most times, the people that check in leased cars are fairly bored...and their mind works like an auditor. In other words...a small thing out of place makes them look closer. Looking closer can make them find other things.

So....do the easy stuff.

Have the car washed.....a complete detail is even better.

Fix any easy things...lights out, broken lenses, missing trim, etc. If there are door dings, take it to a ding repair shop.

Replace items you can if need be...including floor mats, etc. I know you don't NEED to do this..but the car ends up looking very good...which tells them you took CARE of it....which means they don't need to look any closer!

I've turned in three leases so far....first one I did NOT do the above...got dinged for some minor stuff.

Second two, we DID do the above stuff...total cost less than $300 each time. And that saves us a TON vs. having the dealership "fine" us for things on turn in. In one of the turn ins....we were a few hundred miles over the limit...and the car looked so nice the person said..."Ah..it looks great...it's not even worth the paper work to fill out on the miles.."

aiki

 

Toyota does not care where you return the vehicle.

But, when you return it to the local Toy dealer, they will examine the car and assess the mileage. I would have them do the lease return examination while you are present. Do not drop it off, only to be surprised with a bill.

Please make sure tires are in good shape - that is where you could get stung. Over mileage is going to be 15 cents a mile (generally).

Make sure to get your security deposit applied toward the extra mileage fee (if applicable).

Get a receipt with mileage clearly noted.

You will be fine.