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How Much Does a Lease Buyout Cost?
Published 8/18/25
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, we assume you’re contemplating a lease buyout (good choice!). The short answer: the cost includes your residual value (what’s left on your lease contract), any applicable state taxes, title and registration fees, and in some states, a $799 convenience fee.
Yes, we’re upfront about our fee. And yes...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
When you buy out your leased vehicle, the costs (all of which can be rolled into your financing) include the following:
- Residual value – The cost to buy your car from the leasing company, which you can find in your lease agreement or request from your leasing bank.
- State sales tax – Varies by state, county, city, and zip code and is often based on your buyout price.
- Title and registration fees – Required to legally transfer ownership to you.
- Documentation fee – Applicable only in some states, a $799 convenience fee for managing the entire process. It covers the time, labor, and expertise to make your lease buyout easy, efficient, and fully in your favor.
That’s it. No hidden dealer fees. No surprise markups. Just a transparent fee breakdown and a process built to work for you, not against you.
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.
When it comes to lease buyouts, we’re confident Lease End does it best. Check the benefits you reap when you work with us:
- You save money with the best lease buyout loan rates. Because of the excellent partnerships we have arranged with our lenders (that span the credit gamut and include household names like Ally and Capital One), you’ll see flexible and favorable rates for your lease buyout...no need for multiple applications or calls. We’re like the Costco of lease buyout loans: you’ll find it all here, for the best price.
- You can relax on your couch (or whatever it is you want to do during the fully-online process).This is convenience at its best. We do all the heavy lifting. We secure financing, negotiate with lenders, and handle all the paperwork.
- You protect your time. Buying out your lease directly through a dealership can take hours of back-and-forth, multiple trips, and frustrating delays.We remove all of those nasty barriers so you can have your weekend.
- You avoid dealership markups and hidden fees. Dealerships often add $500–$2,000 in extra costs at the end of a lease without disclosing them upfront.
- You are 100% in the know throughout your buyout transaction. No upsells, no pressure to lease again or refinance, no “surprise” terms. Just transparent and frequent communication with our (actually helpful) lease buyout specialists.
- You are protected, if you so choose, with the best vehicle coverage options out there. We'll quote you for VSC and GAP insurance as add-ons so you don’t have to take on that extra project on your own, and you’ll have peace of mind from Day 1 of owning your vehicle.
Let's chat exceptions.
"What if my buyout price isn’t a good deal?"
We encourage every customer to check their vehicle’s market value before proceeding. If the numbers don’t make sense, we’ll be the first to say so—you won’t find yourself locked into a bad deal just because you started the process with us.
"My state’s DMV has complicated hoops to jump through. Can you still help me?"
In a select few states, drivers will need to make a personal appearance at the DMV; but we can still handle the financing and paperwork. And we'll guide you step-by-step so you can complete the DMV process locally with minimal hassle.
"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. Our process is fully digital, lender-competitive, and staffed by real experts who work to get you the best outcome, not just any outcome.
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