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How Much Does a Lease Buyout Cost?
Published 9/15/25
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
TL;DR: Buying out your lease means covering your residual value, taxes, title and registration, and in some states, a convenience fee...but with Lease End, you skip the dealer drama and get a transparent, time-saving process.
If you’re asking this question, you’re probably contemplating a lease buyout (good choice!).
The short answer: the cost includes your residual value (whatever's left on your lease contract), any applicable state taxes, title and registration fees, and in some states, a $799 convenience fee.
Yep, we’re upfront about our fee. And yep...our drivers say it’s worth every penny for the value, time savings, and headache prevention you’ll get in return.
The Lease Buyout Fee Breakdown
Here’s what goes into the total cost when you buy out your car. And yes, all of it can be rolled into your financing:
- Residual value – The amount you’ll pay to buy your car from the leasing company. You’ll find it in your lease agreement or by requesting a payoff quote from your lender.
- State sales tax – Varies by state, county, and city, and it’s usually based on the buyout price.
- Title and registration fees – Required to officially make the car yours.
- Lease End convenience fee – In some states, we add a $799 documentation fee to cover the entire process: handling the paperwork, coordinating with your lender, and making sure the whole thing runs smoothly.
That’s it. No surprise dealer markups. No “mystery” fees. Just a clear, transparent path to car ownership.
Here's why the Lease End doc fee is worth it.
We wish we could keep the lights on with good vibes alone. But the reality is, it takes a lot of time, people, and resources to make lease buyouts simple, stress-free, and worth your while. Here’s what working with Lease End gets you:
- Better loan rates – Thanks to our partnerships with major lenders (Ally, Capital One, and many more), you get access to competitive rates without playing phone tag with banks. Think of us as the Costco of lease buyout loans: everything you need, in one place, at a better price.
- Convenience – The entire process is online. You stay on the couch while we handle financing, negotiations, and paperwork.
- Time savings – Skip the dealership back-and-forth, the multiple trips, and the headaches. We’ve built the shortcut.
- No hidden fees – Dealerships often tack on $500–$2,000 in end-of-lease costs. With us, what you see is what you get.
- Transparency – You’re kept in the loop at every step, with no upsells, no pressure to lease again, and no fine print surprises.
- Extra protection if you want it – From GAP insurance to extended coverage, we’ll quote you the best options so you’re protected from Day 1 of ownership.
Let's chat exceptions.
"What if my buyout price isn’t a good deal?"
We’ll tell you! We encourage every driver to check their car’s market value. If the math doesn’t add up, we’ll say so. No strings attached.
"My state’s DMV has complicated hoops to jump through. Can you still help me?"
In a handful of states, you’ll still need to pop into the DMV. We’ll handle everything else and guide you step by step so your trip is quick and painless.
"I realize that other drivers like working through a company. But I don’t need support."
We’re big fans of DIY as a concept, but how much is your time and energy worth? We’ve done over 40,000 of these transactions and worked in all 50 states and with all major manufacturers. The time, energy, and mistakes we save you more than cover the fee.
Why start your buyout now?
Whether you start today or on your lease’s last day, the total cost will be about the same. The difference? Starting early gives you:
- More time to lock in the best loan rates
- Freedom from dealership deadlines and pressure
- A smoother path to ownership with zero surprises
Bottom line? Your buyout cost isn't just a “cost”—it’s an investment in a transparent, hassle-free, and dealership-free buyout process that keeps you in the driver’s seat, literally and figuratively.
If you’re ready to own the car you already love without the drama, start your lease buyout today simply by entering your license plate number or VIN in the form below. Wanna get a ballpark estimate of your new monthly payment first? Check out our lease buyout calculator.
About the author
Rebecca Graham
With over a decade of professional writing experience, Rebecca transforms complex concepts and data into clear, engaging content. When she's not honing Lease End's organic growth strategy, she's fanning the flames of her Wicked obsession, crafting custom candles, or walking Utah’s mountain trails. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
Lease End's mission is to empower auto lease owners with the technology to easily exit their lease. If you'd like to learn more about the lease-end options available to you, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert advisors are always prepared to answer your questions and are committed to finding the right plan for your individual needs.
©2025 Lease End
©2025 Lease End
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(844) 902-2842