Lease-end fees
Lease Mileage, Wear, and Disposition Fees
Return charges are part of the lease-equity decision. Excess mileage, excess wear, and a disposition fee can make a return more expensive, but buying the vehicle solely to avoid a fee can cost even more.
Key takeaways
- Read the contract's mileage allowance and per-mile charge.
- Schedule the pre-return inspection early enough to review disputed wear items.
- Compare total return charges with the complete after-tax cost of other exit paths.
Calculate expected mileage exposure
Compare the odometer with the contract allowance and remaining time. Multiply expected excess miles by the contract's per-mile charge. The contract, not a generic industry estimate, controls the amount.
If mileage is still accumulating, calculate a range rather than one fixed number.
Separate wear from ordinary use
Lessors commonly publish wear-and-use standards and offer a pre-return inspection. Review those standards before paying for repairs. Keep photographs, repair invoices, and the inspection report if you need to question a charge.
Compare return and buyout honestly
A buyout can avoid disposition and return-condition charges because you are keeping the vehicle, but it introduces purchase price, tax, title, financing, and resale risk. Compare the complete totals rather than choosing a buyout only to avoid one visible fee.
Run the numbers for your lease
Use your current lease and vehicle details to compare the available paths. Estimates are informational and should be confirmed with your lessor and relevant state agency.
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