Leasing a car is a great option for short-term driving, since you get all of the benefits that a car brings without having to worry about things like depreciation and resale value. These are the main ways in which conventional car owners lose money over time. Leasing gives you the option of trading in for new models when your lease expires.
Many drivers tend to worry, however, when it comes to returning the car to the dealership. They might be afraid of missing something that could result in additional fees or other expenses. Below are some of our best tips for what to do before you return that lease car:
1. Make Repairs
There are three main areas that, if damaged, you’ll certainly need to make some repairs before you return a lease car. The first is the car’s bumper, another is the windscreen and any other glass component, and finally the tyres. If you return a car with dented or otherwise damaged bumper, cracked or chipped glass, or bald tyres, then you’re in for a serious bill.
Damage to the alloy wheels is also highly visible, so a visit to an alloy wheel refurb Cheltenham service will help you there. Minor scratches and abrasions you may be able to touch up yourself with a car paint touch up pen, but only worry about the most serious or obvious damage you can see (See number 3 below)
2. Try to Get the Inspector to You
You might think it most convenient to simply drop off the car at the dealership where you signed the lease. If you were thinking this, then think again. It’s far better to try to get the end-of-lease inspector to visit you at home for the pre-return inspection. In this way, if they spot something, you could try to explain your side of it, and they may go easier. It’s not a guarantee, but at least you gain a measure of control back. Once at the dealership, you have no say at all in what happens.
3. Read the Lease Agreement
Within your lease agreement, it should be clearly stipulated what constitutes “legitimate wear and tear” and what makes up more serious damage. The former is not something a lease company would penalise you for, whereas the latter is. Check the contract and fix up anything that is not mentioned in the conditions on legitimate wear and tear.
4. Gather up the Maintenance Records
It’s plausible (and recommended) that you perform basic maintenance on the car throughout your lease. If it was new, it likely didn’t need anything major, but any work you had done you should keep a close record. This will help prove you have taken good care of the vehicle, and provides the lease company with a history for the car that they might need.
5. Ensure You Haven’t Gone Over the Mileage
Finally, always ensure that you haven’t exceeded the agreed mileage limit as stated in the lease agreement. Lease companies will charge per mile for every excess mile they find. That can add a lot of extra expense, which you don’t want after a pleasant leasing period.
Above All, Know the Terms and Be Sensible
Most importantly, you should read the lease agreement carefully and act on anything that might infringe its conditions. If you’ve stayed within your agreement, then you have nothing to worry about! A car paint touch up pen or a trip to the alloy wheel refurb Cheltenham may make all the difference!
