can you re lease a car early

[DelElla]

Yes, you can terminate a car lease early, but it is almost always a costly and complex process. The most straightforward method is a lease buyout, where you purchase the vehicle from the leasing company for its predetermined buyout price. However, this price is often higher than the car's current market value, meaning you'll pay more than it's worth. The more common path is early termination, which triggers hefty fees, including a early termination fee and you remain responsible for all remaining lease payments, minus any potential future interest. You are also liable for excess wear-and-tear charges and any remaining disposition fees. Before proceeding, it's critical to review your lease agreement's "Early Termination" clause and calculate the total cost.

Early Termination Method	Typical Cost Factors	Key Considerations	Best For
Early Turn-In/Payoff	Remaining payments + Early termination fee ($300-$500) + Disposition fee + Excess mileage/wear	Most expensive option; negatively impacts credit if payments are not made.	Those who need to exit the lease immediately regardless of cost.
Lease Buyout	Buyout price (set in contract) + Sales tax + Registration fees	Compare the buyout price to the car's current fair market value (e.g., via Kelley Blue Book).	Individuals who love the car and find the buyout price is reasonable.
Lease Transfer/Swap	Lease transfer fee ($100-$500) + Possibly a credit check fee for the new lessee.	Requires lessor approval; you may still be liable if the new lessee defaults.	Lessees who can find a qualified person to take over their remaining term.
Lease Trade-In	Negative equity (if trade-in value is less than buyout price) is rolled into a new auto loan.	Simplifies getting into a new vehicle but can lead to being "upside down" on the new loan.	Those who are planning to lease or purchase another vehicle from a dealership.

Before making a decision, contact your leasing company to get a precise payoff quote. Explore third-party services like LeaseTrader or Swapalease to facilitate a transfer. The most financially sound choice is often to simply ride out the lease term, but if that's not possible, a lease transfer typically offers the lowest financial penalty.

[KyleMarie]

I looked into this last year. It's a real pain. You're basically on the hook for all the money they expected to make from you. I called the finance company, and the "payoff amount" was thousands more than the car was even worth. My advice? Read your contract carefully. The exact fees are all in there. If you absolutely have to get out, see if a friend or family member can take over the payments through an official transfer. It’s usually the cheapest way out if the company allows it.

[Dawn]

Check your lease agreement's early termination clause first—this outlines the specific fees. Then, get a payoff quote from the leasing company; this is the total to end the lease today. Next, research your car's current market value on sites like Edmunds or KBB. If the buyout price is close to or below its value, a buyout might be smart. If not, a lease transfer service is your next best bet to avoid the largest penalties. Always get all numbers in writing before deciding.