Should someone clean their leased car before returning?
There are situations in which renting a car in lease contract makes more sense than buying. However, returning a leased vehicle can cause a lot of stress because people rarely know what they will be asked to do or how to return a leased car in good condition.
One would expect you to assume the worst, and you would be correct in thinking that doing so is a good idea.
What if the dealership charges a ton in hidden costs?
Remember that you drive your cars on roads where rocks can fly up and cause damage, and that the weather and other factors also contribute to the vehicle’s excessive wear and tear.
You can now confidently pull up to the dealership for your lease return inspection knowing what will be going on, thanks to this easy-to-understand guide. It will be easier to figure out what to do next if you don’t have to worry as much about turning in your lease.
A thorough cleaning on all sides
A leased vehicle need not be spotless when returned, but a thorough wash and valet service will be appreciated. Get rid of any odours or stains from the furniture and floor mats.
If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, a professional car valet will cost you between $30 and $100.
Repair any cracks or breaks in the kerb
You probably know how simple it is to kerb the wheels and graze the rims when parallel parking.
Having the wheels refurbished before simply returning the vehicle can save you money on repair fees because most leasing companies do not consider this normal wear and tear.
You can expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £100 to have a single alloy wheel refurbished, though this price will vary greatly depending on the severity of the damage and the type of wheel.
Repair any dings and dents in the door.
Minor door dings may result in a fee by vehicle leasing company, even if they aren’t as noticeable as scratches or larger dents. Damage like this occurs when other drivers carelessly open their doors into your side in a parking lot.
However, a paintless dent repair expert should have no trouble fixing it if the dent hasn’t flaked or penetrated the paint. It won’t cost as much as you think, either; around £100 for multiple dints, giving or taking for their location.
Upkeep on your vehicle is essential.
If you’re leasing a car, it’s best to take care of it as if it were your own over the long term. If you don’t, the leasing company could make you pay to fix any damage you caused by being careless or simply charge your credit card once you return the vehicle.
Your entire deposit will be returned to you.
If you don’t return the car in nearly new condition, the leasing company may not return the full amount of the deposit that was included in your lease agreement.