A record number of American drivers, some 4.3 million, will turn in leased vehicles sometime this year. According to a study by Edmunds, most will face sticker shock when they return to the dealership. Analysts blame record-high vehicle prices, weakening residuals and rising interest rates for the increases. As automotive costs rise, make the most of your money if you plan to lease or buy a new car in 2020. The easiest way is to minimize losses on your lease return. Although going back in time to reduce mileage and associated wear and tear isn’t an option (yet), you can take steps to minimize dealer surcharges, so you have more to spend on a replacement vehicle.
How to Minimize Lease Return Surcharges
Ace the Lease Inspection
At the end of the term, leasing company personnel review the condition of your car. Assessing “normal wear and tear” may seem straight-forward. However, customers and lessors often fail to see eye-to-eye about the definition of the term. For example, kids often spill food and drinks on leather and fabric seats and automobile carpet. As a parent, you might find this to be par for the course. However, vehicle inspectors could fine you for this type of damage. Instead of taking a financial hit, detail your car before taking it in. In addition to full auto body repair and classic car restoration, DG Collision Center offers comprehensive detail services. Cleaning the vehicle, inside and out, will reduce your risk of fees for refurbishing what the dealer considers “excessive wear and tear.”
Anticipate (And Prevent) Potential Charges
Once you’ve addressed damage and or dirt on the inside of your vehicle, carefully review the outside of your car. Apply the same scrutiny you can expect the lessor to use when he or she goes over the vehicle. Although you may have become accustomed to tiny dents and scratches, the owner of the car will likely not apply those same loose standards. And paying the dealership to repair them will cost much more than the same service at an experienced auto body repair shop such as DG Collision. In many cases, we can buff out scratches and dents instead of replacing entire panels.
Address Weather-Related Damage
Although most lease contracts stipulate garage storage, some leased vehicles must be stored in the elements. If you routinely parked your leased car on the street or in the driveway, you may notice evidence of exposure to the elements. Make sure to address these. For example, we offer headlight restoration, which can improve the automobile’s overall appearance. We also offer a paint booth, so we can repaint portions of the paint job damaged by sun, wind, rain and snow.
Enjoy the Ride
Rest assured that DG Collision Center can take care of your car from the inside out. This should empower you to enjoy your next leased vehicle without fear about hefty lease-return fees. We will do our best to make sure you ejoy the ride!
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley. People in the area already know that DG Collision Center pays attention to detail, provides courteous service, and works for fair and affordable prices. If you select DGCC to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. DGCC is owned and operated by Dan Hansen, aka “Dan Gogh.” Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit DGCollisionCenter.com.