I recently returned a lease car after four years and three months, with 83,000 on the clock. It did have a few scratches on it from hedges etc, but nothing through to the metal, and the chap collecting it commented that the car was 'clean'. He was taking it straight to the BCA Blackbush auction centre.

Over a month later I've had a bill for £280 from the lessor for 'charges above fair wear and tear (BVRLA) - please pay in 14 days'. There is no explanation and feels like it has been set at a level low that I might just pay without contesting. I've returned lease cars before with minor signs of use but not been charged. I intend challenging the claim - some indication as to what it was for together with some evidence that the work was done etc would be a start - but I just wondered where I stood legally?