I’m curious as to how many people go through the “end of lease” process by getting the vehicle inspected, etc. I usually do not have it inspected if I’m staying loyal to the brand; I just drop the car off and treat it as a “regular” trade in… I.e. I have an Infiniti and plan to get another new Infiniti. I feel there is a bit more cushion added for those of us who stick with the company; some manufacture do also offer an added bonus damage waiver amount for doing so.
Is that more of the common practice, or do most of you get the lease inspection regardless?
I have never done the inspection prior to returning the vehicle, its usually done at time of return or otherwise its a trade-in/pull ahead. I wouldn’t worry if you’re pulling ahead for another Infiniti.
Yeah, I’m not worried since I’m getting into another Infiniti…just curious as to how everyone else handles this. I think it is almost a waste of doing the inspection (in a case like mine), unless you have a vehicle with some major issues being returned.
I have a Nissan and they kept telling me I had to get an inspection done, so I did. This is my 3rd straight Nissan lease and they’ve never even mentioned an inspection before so I never did one. The inspection took about 15 minutes. They look over the car, check the tires, and take a lot of pictures. If there’s any damage under $500 they will waive the charges if you’re staying with the brand.
Before AutoVIN or third party inspectors, turning in leases was stress free. But after my last two inspections they reported tire treads below thresholds, small dents and other normal wear and tear blemishes. But all I really had to do was change front tires (I bought used cheap) and on my Lexus GS get cheap windshield, there was a scratch and not a crack they inspector noticed. If I would of let dealership make the changes I would of paid three times the amount I paid.
To answer your question:
I do all prior turn-in inspections to ensure I did not miss anything that I would get over billed. I did not get another Lexus mainly because they tried to charge me for a small cracked windshield that I all ready replaced and it took 45 days to correct.
I met with the BMW dealership beforehand because I had a few small paint issues and a bumper dent. I fixed the bumper dent and was told not to worry about the smaller paint issues. I did it because I wanted to get a grasp on what needed fixed beforehand.
On my last BMW - I turned it in and they didn’t bother with the paint issues.
2 BMWs ago - I had a smaller ding in the bumper from hitting a pole, and they didn’t care because I bought another one.
In my experience, if you’re getting another car, they let a lot slide.
We had an inspection done on my wife’s old Kia Soul lease. The guy came to our house, checked everything out and ignored the really little things. The most expensive things were tires. They quoted us some ridiculous amount for the two tires that were under spec. I jumped on craigslist and bought two used tires for about 20 bucks and paid a shop about 10 bucks to put 'em on. Worked out well.
Always do the lease inspection… until now. Don’t have time as I moved on the deal too quickly.
That said, particularly if you stay within the brand, should be of little issue. My Volvo is getting inspected while I pick up the new one. I know there’s nothing wrong with it so I’m not worried, but, the lease inspection is easy enough and I do prefer that peace of mind ahead of time when possible.
Glad I did the lease inspection with the 36 month BMWs… BMW charges too much IMHO for tire replacements and they inevitably (for me) need them when I’m done after 30k or so miles. Pre-inspection allowed me to get replacement tires for 25 percent of the quoted price (great condition, used tires – eBay is your friend).
I wish I was staying on brand but as I just got damage on my vehicle, I’m getting a lease inspection and then a bosyshop quote if needed. If I was staying with Infiniti, I know they would waive it
