What is an end-of-lease inspection?

Find out about an end-of-lease car inspection here!

Most reputed car manufacturers want you to schedule the lease inspection 60 to 90 days earlier before you turn in the leased car. Moreover, the lease inspection aims to make you aware of the penalties or any other charges associated before you return the car.

The car makers will assign a third-party inspector to do the vehicle inspection rather than making things complicated around. In addition, the inspection officer will do a complete checkup of the car and let you know about the damages and alterations that need to be done. Either you need to get the damages fixed on your own or pay the applicable charges. Besides, the client won’t bear any cost but rather get a flawless vehicle.

End-of-lease car inspection, learn all about it

Lease Inspection follows the process that inspects the damages beyond the normal wear and tear. Many reputed brands have their regulations on how to inspect the vehicle and consider it in the right condition.

Lease Inspection officers will look for:

• Tires condition
• Interior stains
• Body Paint Damage
• Scratches 
• Bumper Fault
• Cabin Appearance
• Engine Checking
• Mileage

How to get the inspection booked?

You do not have to do anything as the manufacturers will contact you for the lease inspection. In addition, if you want to book the inspection on your own then you need to visit the website and contact them via mail or the numbers they have mentioned for end-of-lease inspection

Learn all about the lease return inspection here. It is a complimentary service provided by the leasing company and very good idea!

Recommended reading: What Happens if you Smoke in a Leased Car?

Requirements for an end-of-lease car inspection

The process of lease inspection is easy to follow as you need to get the appointment booked and the inspection officer will reach your place to complete the inspection. Besides, you do not have to go anywhere and have to get the vehicle ready for completing the inspection.

Talking about auto leasing, many people consider it a low-monthly payment. In addition, it is more than you think including different fees at different stages. At the start of the process, you need to pay a refundable security deposit; this is equal to one month’s payment.

It adds security against the damages if it happens and secures the lease.

You have to pay administrative fees such as acquisition fees, and other fees such as registration, state tax, license, and even more. 

During the lease time, you must make monthly payments timely and if you fail to do so then it will result in late payment charges. The need is to pay traffic tickets, emission fees, and ongoing maintenance costs. In addition, if you decide to end the lease before the time then it will result in early termination.

At the end of the lease, expect to pay additional charges decided per mile and if you fail to do so then you can face legal issues. Damage done to the car beyond the average limit will result in excess tear and wear expenses.

What should you do to prepare for it?

Firstly, get to know about the residual value and if you do not know what is residual value then stop worrying. In addition, the residual value is the decided value of the vehicle at the end of the lease agreement. The residual value is based on different factors and calculated by the financial institution holding the lease.

Besides, the value is based on the condition, wear, and tear, and miles completed. The residual awards for the vehicle have the highest value.

Vehicle Price: For newcomers, the selling price of the vehicle you choose plays a key role in determining the amount you have to pay on a monthly basis. Also, dealerships decide the price that is based on the maker’s suggested retail price. This covers the costs of adding the special package and other advancements.

In addition, the lower the price you get means the lowest the monthly payments will be.

Residual Value at the end of lease:

Vehicles depreciate every year and their value changes many times. In addition, once the lease ends the dealership will offer the vehicle to new clients for earning profits. If the vehicle depreciates immensely then the payments will be higher.

Besides, certain vehicles depreciate at a slow pace resulting in higher residual value.

When talking about the residual value, the dealer will set the value and one cannot negotiate the value. Moreover, it is important to do thorough research and the residual value is decided by considering the original cost of the vehicle.

Included Maintenance Expenses:

Once you choose a brand new vehicle then you do not need to worry about maintenance expenses. The policies offer compensation for big repairs and keep your stress away. Moreover, the basic expenses such as oil filter change, engine oil, service, and basic maintenance do not go with policy.

The maintenance package will add extra charges to your monthly payments but keep your worries away when it comes to maintaining the vehicle in perfect condition. 

The end-of-lease inspection process is followed to determine the mileage done, knowing about the interior and exterior condition, and testing the vehicle thoroughly which will be mentioned in the report. At the end of the lease inspection, you will get peace of mind regarding the payments that need to be paid before returning the vehicle.

Recommended reading: Compared to a Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, does leasing to own make more sense?