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Lease End Options: 3 Common End-of-Lease Problems And How To Solve Them
Published 3/21/25
Read Time: 5 minutes
TL;DR: Lease endings can be stressful, but knowing the common pitfalls can save you time and money. Watch out for mileage overages, vehicle damage fees, and the buy-or-return dilemma. Lease End can help you navigate these challenges and make the process smooth, stress-free, and (dare we say) even enjoyable.
So, your lease is almost up. Do you return the car? Buy it out? Go all Breaking Bad over unexpected fees? (Hopefully not that last one.)
While a lease's end can feel overwhelming, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can save you thousands.
Let’s break down the three biggest lease-end headaches—and more importantly, how to handle them like a pro.
Problem 1: Mileage Overages Can Cost a Fortune
The Issue:
Most lease agreements come with mileage limits, usually 12,000–15,000 miles per year. Go over that limit, and you’ll be charged anywhere from $0.10 to $0.25 per extra mile. That adds up fast.
The Math:
Let’s say your lease allows 12,000 miles per year, but you end up driving 60,000 miles over three years. That’s 24,000 extra miles—which could cost you $4,800 at $0.20 per mile!
The Solution:
- Track your mileage. Keep tabs on your odometer so you’re not blindsided.
- Pre-pay for extra miles: Some leasing companies let you buy miles upfront at a cheaper rate.
- Consider a lease buyout: If you’re way over your mileage limit, buying out your lease might be cheaper than paying overage fees. Lease End can help secure a low-interest loan so you keep your car without breaking the bank.
Problem 2: Vehicle Damage Fees—What’s ‘Normal Wear’ Anyway?
The Issue:
Leased cars have to be returned in “reasonable” condition—but what does that actually mean? A tiny scratch? No problem. A door dent the size of a grapefruit? You’re probably getting charged.
Okay, so what counts as excessive wear?
- Small scratches & minor dings? Normal.
- Cracked windshield? Large dents? Torn upholstery? Not normal.
- Bald tires, broken mirrors, or mechanical neglect? Definitely not normal.
The Solution:
- Get a pre-return inspection. Most leasing companies offer a free pre-return check-up to flag potential charges.
- Fix small issues in advance. Minor repairs are often cheaper on your own than what the leasing company will charge.
- Detail your car. Sometimes, a deep clean can work wonders.
- Avoid surprises with a lease buyout. If the damage is substantial, buying out your lease could be cheaper than paying repair penalties. Plus, you get to keep the car you already know and love.
Problem 3: Should You Buy or Return Your Lease?
The Issue:
When your lease is up, you typically have two choices: buy the car or return it. But how do you decide?
Key Considerations:
| Factor | Buy the Car If... | Return the Car if |
| Market Value | The car's market price is higher than your buyout price | The buyout price is higher than what it's worth |
| Condition | It's in great shape and you like it | It needs expensive repairs |
| Mileage | You've exceeded the lease limit | You're under the limit |
| Ownership | You want to keep the car long-term | You'd rather upgrade to something new |
The Solution:
- Check the car’s value. If your buyout price is lower than market value, buying it could be a steal.
- Consider future costs. If the car runs well and has low maintenance needs, keeping it might make sense.
- Lease End can help. We make lease buyouts easy by finding you the best loan rates, handling the paperwork, and even dealing with the DMV. (Yes, really.)
Final Thoughts: Making Lease-End Decisions Simple
The end of your lease doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re dealing with mileage overages, damage fees, or the buy-or-return dilemma, knowing your options can save you thousands.
Want to skip the hassle and secure the best deal for your lease buyout? Let Lease End handle the hard work so you can keep the car you love—without the headaches.
About the author
Adam Broud
Adam Broud is a writer and comedian based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. As a professional stand-up comedian with an MBA, his writing uniquely blends the worlds of business and comedy. Adam's writing for ads and comedy has appeared in places such as Buzzfeed, Vanity Fair, your television, and his mom's box of keepsakes. Feel free to review his writing from any of those places, but just know it's kinda weird if you choose his mom's house.
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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