can a leased car be returned early

[LeNatalie]

Yes, you can return a leased car early, but it is almost always a very expensive decision. The standard method is called an early lease termination. You are not simply ending a contract early; you are breaking it. This means you will be responsible for paying the remaining lease payments, plus potentially significant early termination fees, disposition fees, and any excess mileage or wear-and-tear charges. In most cases, the total cost will be far higher than simply continuing the lease until its scheduled end date.

The primary reason for the high cost is how a lease is structured. You are essentially paying for the vehicle's depreciation during the lease term. The leasing company has calculated its profit based on you making all the payments. When you terminate early, they lose that expected revenue and must account for the hassle and cost of re-selling the car sooner than planned.

Before proceeding, you must contact your leasing company and request a payoff quote or early termination quote. This document will outline the exact total amount you need to pay to end the lease contract. It's crucial to get this in writing.

Common Fees in an Early Lease Termination	Typical Cost Range	Description
Remaining Lease Payments	Varies widely by model and term	The sum of all monthly payments you have not yet made.
Early Termination Fee	$200 - $500+	A penalty charged by the lessor for breaking the contract.
Disposition Fee	$300 - $500	A fee for processing the vehicle when it is returned.
Excess Mileage Charges	$0.15 - $0.30 per mile	If you are over your allotted mileage, this can add thousands.
Excess Wear-and-Tear Costs	Varies based on damage	Charges for dents, scratches, or interior damage beyond "normal" use.

Given these costs, it's worth exploring alternatives. The most common is a lease transfer or lease assumption, where someone else takes over your lease through a service like Swapalease or LeaseTrader. You'll still likely pay a transfer fee, but it can be far cheaper than a full termination. Another option is to see if the dealership will buy out your lease if you're planning to get a new car from them, but they may not offer a favorable price.

[VanHaley]

It's a tough spot. I looked into it last year when my job situation changed. The short answer is yes, but the buyout number they gave me was a shock. It was basically all the payments I had left, plus a hefty penalty. It felt like paying for a car I wasn't even going to keep. I ended up riding it out. My advice? Get the official payoff quote from your lease company first thing. That number tells you everything.

[Susanna]

Financially, an early lease return is one of the costliest choices you can make. You are contractually obligated to pay for the vehicle's projected depreciation. Terminating early means paying that remaining depreciation upfront, plus penalties. It rarely makes sense unless you are in an extreme financial hardship and have explored all other options. Always compare the termination cost against a lease transfer, which can significantly reduce your financial burden.

[DeJudah]

From a purely contractual view, the lease agreement you signed is binding. The option to terminate early is there, but it's designed to protect the leasing company's financial interest, not yours. The fees are not arbitrary; they cover the loss of expected revenue and the costs associated with remarketing the vehicle. Your best course of action is to review your specific contract's early termination clause and then contact the lessor for the exact financial implications before making any decision.