This is my first Honda Lease and I am returning the vehicle in a couple of weeks. I am not planning to renew with Honda.
The car needs some fixing, cracked fog light and slight torn bumper - the auto shop near my house told me it would cost around $1,800 to make it into a new car.
Can I take the car into Honda inspection and see how much they will charge and then decide to fix the car elsewhere? Or, if I take the car for Honda inspection and they see the current marks, they will charge me whether I bring the car fixed or not?
This is my first lease returning, so I need your help! Thanks in advance!
Get the inspection. See what your charges will be before you decide to fix it. I usually find the inspections will waive some things and not charge as much as the cost to repair on other things. I also think Honda and Acura give some forgiveness on charges even if you do not re lease from them.
I agree. Have turned in 2 leases with damage… Both charged nothing. Damage ranged from $900-1500 Including tires. The inspection yielded costs that were about 20% below my repair quotes. Of course I leases the same brand car afterwards, unsure if that had anything to do with it. Heard a rule of thumb is $1500 or less will be okay, looks like you’re on the border of that.
Based on your recommendations, I just booked the inspection with Honda Inspection. Surprisingly, they visit to your request location free of charge! (sorry, newbie - first lease). I had thought I had to visit the dealership this weekend that was about 40 mins away.
I will provide an update after the inspection. Thank you for the advice guys!
Thats party of the $350 disposition fee you pay at end No free lunches in this world I tell ya !
Btw, Honda waiver is $500 max for excess wear n tear if you return the car. If you end up getting another honda, it is doubled to $1000.
With Acura, its $750 and doubled to $1500 along with some sweet Mileage rollover / forgiveness options for staying loyal.
regarding this, it is recommended don’t do your inspection at the dealer on day of return. do inspection some time ahead at your own place personal or work or public address.
oh. there’s a $350 fee at the end! Well, that’s understandable. Thanks for the info. One q - based on the finance schedule, I have to pay final lease payment on the last day of the lease - maturity date, is this correct? I was told first month is free at the start - which means I would be making 35 payments for 36 months lease. But if I have to pay on the last day, then it will be 36 payments, and no free month.
Hope I meet a generous person too! I was told by Honda inspection appointment center that the pre-inspection is just for my convenience and the dealership will make the final decision (on the amount) on the day of the return. Can the repair fee go up drastically on the return day?
Check your monthly statement. Your last payment is usually due 30 days before lease maturity date. Lease maturity is when you have to return the car to dealer by.
Also, CALL HFS and verify everything
“dealership will make the final decision (on the amount) on the day of the return” I think this is wrong, car isn’t owner by the dealer. The inspection report is the official report, as long as you do not introduce any new damages from this point onward.
also the inspector takes a LOT of pictures of each panel. so it is well documented as to the condition of the car.
It is recommended to take lots of pictures when you do drop off the car at the dealer. Take pictures of every body panel for your own records, in case dealership introduces damage that was not there at the time you returned the vehicle.
As for Payment: you have most likely already have paid your last payment a month in advance. All you would owe is disposition (I believe 350) plus any excess damage charges (if any).
ok will do. Per my HFS account page, my maturity date is 9/5 and I made my previous payment on 8/5. It still shows I have one payment left on 9/5 (maturity date). The payment I made on 8/5 is the 35th payment, per the transaction history. Will check with HFS and provide an update. Thanks !
The dealership provides you a sheet when you are dropping off your lease return along with a copy of odometer disclosure. Both are signed by you and the dealer. The first sheet has a diagram of the vehicle and they will not where you have damages / noticeable issues. Also number of keys and manual returned or not. As long as you keep a copy of this letter you should be good.
Thanks for the detailed info. I am learning a lot here! Sorry to bug you, but one more q - what should I provide for my maintenance records? All I did was change engine oil for the last 3 yrs…I had a flat tire but I got that patched at the honda dealership (where I leased the vehicle). The engine oil was change at a local autoshop. Should I ask them?
No need to. They will not ask for records. Always keep them but you don’t have to show them yourself unless they ask for them which I doubt they would if you took good care of the car.
Your worrying too much about your lease return which is totally understandable as its your first lease return. The inspectors usually start your car and that is all. They don;t even drive it. Its easy to tell a car which has not been well maintained just by starting it up. Also for future, remember that it is NOT a requirement to get your vehicle serviced at the dealership (unless its included) . As long as regular maintenance was completed in a timely manner, you are safe.
No free lunches in this world I tell ya !