I am in a very similar position. My 2017 Accord EX Sedan (41k mi) lease is up and I’m considering my options. I owe around $1k in fees if I turn the car in and walk.
If I release or buy a new Honda/Acura I can cut that to $440 in fees.
My buyout is $15,598 and KBB says:
$15,817 - $18,124 (Fair Market Range)
$15,219 - $16,806 (Private Party Range)
I’m curious, what trim was your Accord?
I just test drove the TLX base and did like it. I was quoted $384 /mo with only first month payment DAS. They knocked like $7K off of the MSRP, too. You must have gotten a better discount though, or maybe some positive equity from your lease buyout?
Were you on the hook for those 9 remaining payments? I’m not understanding how anyone can “trade in” a lease that still has payments left without having any negative equity.