I started the process for a lease takeover on a Mercedes last week that has only 7 months left. This will be my first lease. After turning in the vehicle after 7 months, what items should I look out for and be prepared to address before handing the keys over? Speaking of keys, if the original leasee was given 3 keys, will the dealer require all 3 in return? If tires are below a certain tread depth, will I have to replace the tires? If the vehicle originally came with run flats, will it need run flats on at the final hand-off? Who performs this inspection?..Dealer or third party inspector? I understand some leases come with protection plans for dings, wheels, etc but I’d feel much better hearing it from an inspector than the transferor that I will not be charged for any discovered defects.
The easiest and smartest process would be to perform said ^ inspection before the lease is transferred to my name. Is there a fee specifically for this inspection and who should I contact to set it up? TIA
Others will comment but I think, at 7 months, your too far out to get an inspection that’s valid at lease end.
Tires? Your probably on the hook so get them checked NOW and guesstimate if they’ll need replacing. Add that cost to your remaining 7 monthly payments…
Based on the like a 3rd party inspection service inspects…tires need to be run flat. And they need to match left to right but front to back if 2 wheel drive…4wd/awd all 4 tires must be identicle.
If you are taking over a lease from someone else then YOU will be responsible for all damage and wear and tear beyond normal to the car. If the transferor told you that you would not be liable then he/she is lying.
Typically before you turn your car in, the leasing company will send you a list of things that you would be liable for. These include dents, dings, excess tire wear, damages to paint, interior, etc. If the car came with 3 keys fobs, you must return all copies (typically these cost several hundred $$ each). Also if it came with run flats you must return it with run flats (over $1000 probably for a full set). Typically the inspection is done by a third party. If you want to do it yourself before taking delivery of the car, you should probably try to get a list of what Mercedes charges for damage/wear/tear on lease returns and do the inspection yourself to figure out how much you would be liable for. Sounds like it could be a lot and the previous owner is trying to get off the hook for the $$ by getting you on the hook.
@ROMAGroup
that 7 mo lease is going to cost you big time because you are most likely going to have to buy a set of tires (runflats are expensive) and you will have to pay disposition fee if you don’t lease another mercedes. I Think it’s around $500-$600 with Mercedes. That’s in addition to all the other potential damage.
Keys are a big profit center. Lexus was around $300-$350 for a missing key. Not sure what Mercedes charges but it’s not insignificant.
I would recommend you read that lease end inspection PDF posted above or call mercedes benz financial services if you have specific questions. Better to hear it from them directly that getting potential wrong info on the web.
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Heres an interesting note…
I just had my lease end inspection an hour ago.
This was done by Autovin, a third party, on behalf of BMW.
He asked for both keys and if the manual was in the car, which I said it was.
But after the inspection he said he couldnt find the manual, so I guess its still in my filing cabinet.
But also said BMW wont charge for it, so dont worry. However, he said if I had the inspection done at the BMW dealer then they would have charged $100.
Also worth noting, the car has the M Sport package, and there is some curb rash at the bottom of the front end.
That didnt matter at all.
(I know its not a Mercedes lease end, but still interesting nonetheless)
@AlanRich
not sure if i believe him about BMW dealer would have charged for the manual.
They go by the same check list, if BMWs policy is to charge for a manual then both dealer and 3rd party inspector would mark it on the check list and you’d be billed for it.
Yeah, who knows for sure.
The lease end report says it is missing, so I’ll mention that to whoever processes the car when I bring it in and ask if thats indeed true.
@AlanRich maybe call BMW FS without stating your name and ask a general question how much that missing manual would be. If you don’t have it anymore, maybe you can find out cheap on Ebay and avoid BMWs fees.
Oh I definitely have it, so not concerned about asking in person.
The lease report does say “missing manual. Total $0”, so in the off chance that something has happened to it, I should be clear.
I just called the local MBZ dealer service department and was transferred to the leasing specialist. Gentleman said he needs to contact the 3rd party inspection company and run my scenario by them if they are willing to perform said inspection. I’ll keep you guys posted
You can pay for an inspection. I think it costs 299. Oe company handles most brands. SGS auto i believe. They are pretty lenient for damages. They quoted me less than a shop.
