does autonation buy leased cars

[Jasper]

Yes, AutoNation will buy your leased car. The process is straightforward: you get a payoff quote from your leasing company, AutoNation appraises the vehicle, and if you have positive equity (the car's value is higher than the payoff amount), you can pocket the difference. If you have negative equity, you'll need to cover the shortfall to complete the sale. This is a viable alternative to simply returning the car at lease-end, especially if the market value has held up well.

The first step is to contact your leasing company (like Ally Financial, Honda Financial Services, etc.) to get a 10-day payoff quote. This is the exact amount needed to purchase the vehicle from the leasing company, which includes your remaining payments and any purchase option fee. AutoNation's appraisal will then determine the vehicle's current market value. They assess factors like mileage, condition, and local market demand.

Crucially, you need to understand your equity position. Positive equity occurs when the appraisal value exceeds the payoff amount. This cash profit is a key reason to consider selling instead of returning. Negative equity means you owe more than the car is worth; you'd have to pay that difference out-of-pocket.

Selling to AutoNation can be more convenient than a private sale, as they handle the paperwork with the leasing company. However, it's wise to get offers from other major dealerships and online car-buying services like CarMax or Carvana to ensure you're getting a competitive price. Compare the net proceeds from each offer after paying off your lease.

Factor	Impact on Your Lease Buyout
Mileage	Staying under your mileage limit preserves value; excess mileage incurs fees and lowers the offer.
Vehicle Condition	Dents, scratches, and worn interior trim can significantly reduce the appraisal value.
Remaining Lease Term	A shorter time left on the lease generally makes the transaction simpler.
Market Demand	High-demand models (e.g., trucks, certain SUVs) often have stronger equity positions.
Purchase Option Fee	This fee, typically $300-$500, is included in the payoff quote and affects your net profit.

[OAnnie]

Just went through this myself. Yeah, AutoNation buys leased cars. I had a Tacoma that was about six months from lease-end. I got an online offer from AutoNation, took it in, and they handled everything. The key is checking your lease payoff amount first. I ended up with about $1,500 in my pocket because the truck's value was so high. Way easier than trying to sell it privately. Definitely get a few quotes, but the process was smooth.

[Everly]

It's a simple question of math. AutoNation, like any large dealer, will make an offer based on your car's wholesale auction value. Your job is to get the official buyout figure from your leasing company. If AutoNation's number is higher, you profit. If it's lower, you'd have to write a check. It's a transaction purely about current market value versus your contract's residual value. Always get competing bids.

[GabrielaLee]

Think of it as unlocking value you might not know you have. Instead of just turning in the keys and walking away, selling a leased car to AutoNation is an option if the vehicle is worth more than the lease's predetermined buyout price. This "equity" has become more common with recent market shifts. It turns your lease-return into a potential financial gain, but you must do the homework to confirm the numbers work in your favor.