can you give back a leased car

[Courtney]

Yes, you can give back a leased car, but the process involves specific steps and potential costs that you need to understand before your lease term ends. The standard procedure is to return the car to the dealership at the end of the lease agreement. However, you are responsible for any excess wear and tear and mileage over the limit specified in your contract. It's crucial to prepare for this by reviewing your lease agreement thoroughly and considering a pre-inspection.

About 30-60 days before your lease ends, the leasing company will typically contact you to schedule a pre-inspection. This is a free service where an inspector assesses the vehicle's condition. They will identify any damage that exceeds normal wear and use, providing a detailed report. This gives you time to make repairs yourself, which can often be cheaper than paying the leasing company's fees.

You also need to be aware of disposition fees, which are charges for processing the returned vehicle. These can range from $300 to $500. If you've gone over your mileage limit, the penalty can be significant, often between $0.15 to $0.30 per extra mile. Before returning the car, make sure to remove all personal items and get a receipt or lease termination document for your records.

Exploring your options early is key. Sometimes, the vehicle's market value is higher than the predetermined residual value in your lease. In this case, you might be able to buy the car and sell it for a profit or trade it in toward a new vehicle, which could be a smarter financial move than simply returning it.

Common End-of-Lease Consideration	Typical Cost/Fee	Key Details
Disposition Fee	$300 - $500	A fee charged by the leasing company to prepare the vehicle for resale. Sometimes waived if you lease or buy another car from the same brand.
Excess Mileage Penalty	$0.15 - $0.30 per mile	Based on the total miles over your contract limit. A common lease is 10,000-12,000 miles per year.
Tire Wear	$150 - $300 per tire	Charge if tread depth is below 4/32 of an inch.
Dented Door or Fender	$150 - $500 per panel	Costs vary based on repair complexity.
Large Scratch/Dent	$300 - $600	Defined as damage larger than a credit card.
Broken Headlight/Taillight	$100 - $400	Includes parts and labor for replacement.
Excess Interior Wear	$100 - $250	For significant stains, burns, or tears on upholstery.
Missing Key Fob	$200 - $500	High cost for modern electronic keys.

[Pinto]

Absolutely. The short answer is yes, you just bring it back. But don't just show up unannounced. Call the dealership a few weeks ahead to schedule a drop-off time. Go through the car with a fine-tooth comb yourself first—check for any dings, scratches, or interior stains. If you find minor stuff, it might be cheaper to fix it yourself before the official inspection. The goal is to avoid any surprise charges on that final bill. Just make sure you have all your keys and the manual.

[AdamRose]

You can, but it's a financial decision. The key is the "residual value"—the car's predicted worth at the end of the lease. Check online sites like Kelley Blue Book to see what your car is actually worth now. If the market value is higher than the residual value, you have equity. You could buy the car from the leasing company and immediately sell it, potentially pocketing the difference. Alternatively, a dealership might offer to buy it from you to use as a certified pre-owned vehicle, which could cover any end-of-lease fees and put cash in your hand.

[DiTucker]

I remember the anxiety of returning my first lease. I was so worried about every little scratch. The best thing I did was get that pre-inspection. A guy came to my office, spent 20 minutes going over the car, and gave me a printout. He pointed out a few things I hadn't even noticed. It wasn't bad, but knowing what to expect gave me peace of mind. When I finally handed over the keys, there were no arguments or surprises. My advice? Get that inspection. It turns a stressful guess into a simple checklist.