Lease-End Inspection
Also known as: Pre-Return Inspection, Lease Turn-In Inspection, Vehicle Condition Report
A lease-end inspection is a vehicle condition assessment conducted before you return a leased car, identifying any excess wear or damage that may result in charges. Most manufacturers offer a free pre-return inspection 4-6 weeks before lease end.
How Lease-End Inspection Works
The lease-end inspection evaluates the vehicle's exterior, interior, tires, windshield, and mechanical condition against the manufacturer's wear-and-tear guidelines. A trained inspector documents all damage with photos and provides a written report listing any items that exceed normal wear. Scheduling this inspection 4-6 weeks before your lease ends gives you time to repair items that would otherwise result in charges. Third-party repairs are almost always cheaper than the leasing company's charges. The inspection is free from most manufacturers — contact the leasing company directly to schedule (not the dealer). If you plan to buy the car at lease end, you can skip the inspection entirely.
Example
You schedule a free pre-return inspection 5 weeks before lease end. The inspector notes a cracked windshield ($400 charge) and curbed wheels ($300 charge). You get the windshield replaced for $250 and wheels repaired for $100, saving $350 compared to the leasing company's charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a lease-end inspection?
Contact your leasing company (the finance company, not the dealer) directly. Most offer free pre-return inspections that can be done at your home or office. Schedule it 4-6 weeks before your lease ends to allow time for any needed repairs. Common companies: call the number on your monthly statement.
What do they look for during a lease-end inspection?
Inspectors check: exterior dents, scratches, and paint damage; windshield chips or cracks; wheel and tire condition (curb damage, tread depth); interior stains, burns, or tears; all keys and manuals present; and that all equipment functions properly. Each item is compared against the manufacturer's wear-and-tear guidelines.
Is the lease-end inspection binding?
The pre-return inspection is typically advisory — it tells you what charges to expect so you can make repairs. The final assessment happens when you actually return the vehicle. If you fix the noted items before return, you will not be charged for them. Some manufacturers honor the pre-return inspection as final if the vehicle condition does not change.
Related Lease Terms
Wear and tear charges are fees assessed at lease return for vehicle damage that exceeds what the leasing company considers normal use.
Disposition FeeA disposition fee is a charge (typically $300-$500) assessed by the leasing company when you return a leased vehicle at the end of the lease term.
Lease Buyout PriceThe lease buyout price is the amount you can purchase the vehicle for at the end of the lease, typically equal to the residual value plus any remaining fees.
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