1. Knowledge Base
  2. End of Lease Car Preparation
  3. What is car leasing?
  4. How car leasing works for the customer

How car leasing works for the customer

As the lessee, you are essentially the caretaker of the vehicle for the duration of the lease. The lease company is expecting the car back in a good condition so that when they sell it at auction as a used car, they can get a good price for it.

The lease agreement you have entered into has clauses to ensure that you either return the car in a good condition, or you pay for the cost of devaluation to the vehicle. At some point soon after you return the car to them, it will be inspected, and a condition report made which goes back to the lease company. They will then make a decision as to if they will give you any recharges and for how much.

We would recommend that you prepare your car for lease return by having any work done yourself, this way you are in control of costs. There is also a threshold of charges, which you can aim for, which can help you save money.

Unfortunately, this is a complicated business and most people either do too little or carry out the wrong repairs and still end up getting penalty charges, or more commonly, they spend far too much money trying to get the car in pristine condition.

This knowledge base will offer you some helpful advice on returning your lease car, avoiding additional costs. However, we recommend that you have an independent inspection and allow us to advise you. We can give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much you are likely to be charged, what for, and cost effective ways to avoid it.

Written by . Last updated 16/06/2022 15:51