End of Lease Inspection: What to Fix to Avoid Extra Charges
Returning your leased vehicle can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you’re unprepared for the end of lease inspection what to fix.
Many lessees face hundreds or even thousands in unexpected penalties for damages they could have addressed beforehand.
The difference between a smooth return and a costly one often comes down to knowing exactly what requires attention before the inspector arrives.
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With proper preparation, you can avoid these surprise charges and maintain control over your lease-end costs.
This guide provides a prioritized approach to help you identify what truly needs fixing and what doesn’t, potentially saving you significant money in the process. See this guide.
Key Takeaways
Prioritize high-impact repairs like windshield cracks, significant body damage, and upholstery issues to avoid costly lease-end charges.
Thoroughly clean and detail your vehicle, inspect tires, and address warning lights before the lease turn-in inspection.
Selling your leased vehicle to a third party like CarMax can help you bypass the inspection process and potentially avoid wear and tear charges.
Navigate to What Matters
“Proper preparation is key to avoiding unexpected charges when returning your leased vehicle.”
Understanding the End-of-Lease Inspection Process
Before diving into what to fix, it’s important to understand how lease inspections actually work. Typically, a third-party inspector hired by your leasing company will examine your vehicle approximately 60-90 days before your lease expiration date.
These inspectors follow specific criteria, examining your car for:
Scratches, dents, and paint chips
Windshield and glass cracks
Tire condition (including tread depth and sidewall damage)
Upholstery stains or tears
Warning lights and mechanical issues
Overall cleanliness and maintenance
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any issues found. This gives you time to decide whether to repair these issues yourself or accept the charges at turn-in. Understanding lease terms and conditions (Lease Agreement: Key Terms and Conditions) is also beneficial.
Understanding this process is crucial to avoid lease wear and tear charges and develop your own lease repair cost guide for your specific vehicle. See this.
Prioritized Fix List: High-Impact Repairs
Not all damage is created equal when it comes to lease-end charges. Focus your time and money on these high-priority fixes first:
Top Priority Fixes (Highest Potential Costs)
Cracked or chipped windshield/glass: Even small chips can result in full glass replacement charges. While the leasing company might charge $300+ for windshield replacement, independent repair might cost under $200.
Significant bumper or body damage: Dents, deep scratches, or misaligned panels can trigger penalties of $200-$1000+. These costs are often significantly lower when handled by independent repair shops.
Stained, burned, or torn upholstery: Interior damage penalties typically range from $150-$400, but DIY solutions or local upholstery shops can fix these issues for much less. For maintaining the interior, consider professional detailing (Benefits of Car Detailing).
Moderate Priority Fixes
Wheel damage and curb rash: Expect charges of $100-$200 per damaged wheel at lease-end. Mobile wheel refurbishers often offer more competitive rates.
Noticeable paint chips or scratches: While individual small chips might not trigger charges, multiple issues across the vehicle can quickly add up.
Low Priority Fixes
Minor scuffs or scratches not visible from 6+ feet away are typically considered normal wear and tear.
Worn floor mats and small dings usually fall within acceptable wear limits unless excessive.
This prioritized approach forms the core of your lease repair cost guide, helping you make informed decisions about what truly needs fixing. See this checklist.
