Returning a lease car

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Sun 17 Jan 2016 19:57
Returning a lease car - Happy Blue!

The Juke goes back to the lease company next month.

I have looked at the BVRLA website for specific advice about the condition in which a car should be returned, but it is password protected - so much for care for the consumer!

The car is about to be three years old and has done just under 20,000 miles (out of 24,000 contracted). Internally, it is fine needing only a good vacuum and wipe over. Externally the paintwork is fine apart from a couple of scrapes on the wing mirror housing and we stuck some self-adhesive door protectors on which have left some glue on the paint when one came off. Finally the wheels are scratched.

So dones anyone have any ideas whether these defects are likely to be marked up against us and if so how much? Will the lower than contracted mileage count in our favour?

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Sun 17 Jan 2016 21:50
Returning a lease car - Falkirk Bairn

>> Externally the paintwork is fine apart from a couple of scrapes on the wing mirror housing

Get Chips Away - a lot cheaper than they will charge you!

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Sun 17 Jan 2016 21:54
Returning a lease car - gordonbennet

Agreed, get someone to sort these things out for you before returning, quick blow over of the scratched wheels too.

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 08:18
Returning a lease car - craig-pd130

The lower-than-contracted miles will make no difference at all.

The BVRLA guidelines are very clear, specifying the length & width of scuffs and scratches that go beyond "acceptable wear and tear."

The guidelines are here: click on 'cars' - www.lexautolease.co.uk/assets/LEX_AUTOLEASE_DUAL_L...f

Depends on the size of the scrapes on the wheels, mirror housing etc

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 08:52
Returning a lease car - daveyjp

I send it for a full valet. Its amazing how many scuffs a good dose of polish can cover up.

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 12:03
Returning a lease car - Happy Blue!

Thanks all. All good info.

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 13:12
Returning a lease car - RobJP

If possible, you really want the full inspection carried out at collection. That way you don't run the risk of the car getting battered in a BCA car park before being inspected, with all the grief that could entail.

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 13:49
Returning a lease car - Falkirk Bairn

>>If possible, you really want the full inspection carried out at collection

Take photos @ collection time - panels, wheels, interior seating etc etc - the pick-up driver in 1 photo to date the photos!

A £10 quick wash & vacuum is all that is needed assuming the scratched mirrors are fixed.

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 15:57
Returning a lease car - concrete

Good advice chaps. The last lease car I returned (In 2001) I made sure it was up to snuff. I had to MOT it prior to return. But I also cleaned it thoroughly inside and out. Luckily the paint and wheels were in good condition, which is fortunate after 113000 miles in 3 years. I went over it in detail with the collection driver and even he remarked that it was in far better condition than most vehicles he collects. It pays to prepare it well and get an acknowledgement of condition from the collector.

Cheers Concrete

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 17:00
Returning a lease car - slkfanboy

I would also check tyre tread depth. I think you may get a charge for below 3mm, which checking that point too

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Mon 18 Jan 2016 17:24
Returning a lease car - Falkirk Bairn

>> I think you may get a charge for below 3mm, which checking that point too

Double standards from some leasing companies.

Where the car is on full maintence they will only replace the tyres when below 2 mm BUT insist on at least 3 mm if they are taking back a car at the end of the lease!.

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Tue 19 Jan 2016 07:26
Returning a lease car - NARU

Double standards from some leasing companies.

Where the car is on full maintence they will only replace the tyres when below 2 mm BUT insist on at least 3 mm if they are taking back a car at the end of the lease!.

I agree. One leasing company refused to change tyres until they were at 1.6mm! As I drove 500+ miles a week it was incredibly difficult and time-consuming to arrange the tyre swap.

I remember one big argument with them where I refused to drive the car out of the tyre fitters, as I was absolutely certain my tyres would be illegal by the next week. I won eventually but decided it was time to opt out of the scheme and run my own car.

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Tue 19 Jan 2016 11:41
Returning a lease car - concrete

Hear, hear Marlot. Never regretted leaving the company car scheme and going it alone. Much more satisfying and rewarding in every way.

Concrete

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