Car Lease Inspection Checklist

Returning Your Lease Car: A No-Stress Guide to Those Final Checks 

Oh no, it's happening – your lease is almost up! If you're anything like me, you're probably having flashbacks to that tiny scratch from the supermarket car park or that time your kid dropped an entire milkshake in the back seat (why did you let them have milkshake in the back?!). 

But here's the thing – returning your lease car doesn't have to be a nail-biting experience. Let me walk you through what you need to know, and I promise it'll be much less scary than you think. 

Why All the Fuss About Inspections Anyway? 

Look, we all know the deal – you've been driving this car for years, and it's definitely not going to look showroom-fresh anymore. The leasing company gets that! They're not expecting perfection. They just want to make sure you haven't taken the mick. 

Most companies follow something called the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines. Sounds fancy, but it basically means "normal use is fine, wrapping it around a lamppost isn't." 

Your DIY Inspection: Spot Problems Before They Cost You 

Before the official inspector shows up clipboard in hand, do your own check. Trust me, catching issues early could end up saving you some cash. 

The Outside Bits 

Scratches and dents – Run your finger over any scratches. Can't feel it? Probably fine. Deep enough to catch your nail? Might be worth getting fixed. I learned this the hard way when what I thought was a "tiny scratch" on my last lease car cost me £180. That said, £180 is not awful...in my opinoin.  

Those poor alloy wheels – We've all had a close encounter with a curb at some point. Light scuffs are usually okay, but if you've got full dents or chunks of alloy missing, consider getting them refurbished. Usually pretty cheap to sort yourself. 

Glass and lights – Windscreen chips are a bit like that weird noise your knee makes – ignore them and they'll probably get worse. Small chips can often be repaired for free through your insurance, while bigger ones might mean replacing the whole windscreen. Also check all your lights work, indicators work, etc. If you're in warranty, this stuff should be covered anyway.  

Under the Car 

Tyres – The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but most lease companies want to see at least 2mm. If you've got less than 2mm, you might need new tyres. And if one tyre looks more worn than the others, it might mean your tracking's off, which will be covered under warranty and might allow you to negotiate free tyre replacements.  

Brakes – Generally, normal brake wear is expected and fine. But get it checked out before your inspection, as you'll need to replace them if they're due.  

The Inside Stuff 

Seats and upholstery – A few light marks? No problem. Remember permanent market gate from earlier? Problem. 

I've found that professional valeting works wonders – my last car had what I thought was a permanent coffee stain on the passenger seat (my wife's fault but we agreed in the end it was driver error), but a £50 valet made it disappear completely. Much cheaper than the £200+ the lease company would have charged. 

All the buttons and gadgets – Make sure everything works. I'm talking electric windows, heating controls, radio – the lot.  

The whiff test – Be honest – does your car smell a bit... lived in? We get used to our own car's smell, but trust me, other people notice. If your car has hosted a thousand takeaways or regularly transports wet dogs, consider getting it professionally cleaned. Your nose (and wallet) will thank you. 

Mileage Matters 

Double-check your contract and see what mileage you signed up for. This one's important because excess mileage charges can be steep – anywhere from 5p to 30p per mile over your limit. 

I once had a 10,000-mile annual allowance but was on track to hit about 10,800 by the end. So I used my wife's car for the last couple of weeks before my car went back. Roughly, it saved me about £240 in excess charges! 

The Little Extras 

Service history – If your lease required you to service the car, make sure you've actually done it. Missing service can lead to charges that would make your eyes water. 

All the bits and bobs – Remember that second key? The locking wheel nut? The charging cable for your hybrid? You need all that stuff back. My friend Tom lost his spare key and had to pay £220 for a replacement. £220. Don't be Tom. 

To Fix or Not to Fix? 

Here's my rule of thumb – get quotes for any significant damage. Sometimes, fixing things yourself works out much cheaper than letting the lease company do it. 

That said, charges are not as bad as most people think. If you are unsure, just send us a picture and we'll let you know if it is likely to be chargeable or not.  

But don't bother with tiny scratches that fall within "fair wear and tear" – you'll just be wasting money fixing things they wouldn't charge for anyway. 

What Actually Happens When They Collect the Car? 

When collection day arrives, here's what to expect: 

Someone (usually with a fancy tablet) will turn up to inspect your car. They'll walk around it, making notes and probably taking photos. They might point things out to you – this is your chance to discuss anything you're concerned about. 

You'll sign their report (make sure you agree with what they've written!), hand over the keys and paperwork, and wave goodbye to your trusty steed. 

A few days later, you'll get confirmation of any charges. If you've done your homework, there shouldn't be any surprises. 

TOP TIP – offer them a cup of tea, a coffee, a bit of fruit...just be nice. They are people and they're doing a job. Chances are, the nicer you are, then nicer they'll be...and this will reflect in your report.  

The Bottom Line 

Returning a lease car doesn't need to be stressful. A bit of prep work, some honest assessment of the car's condition, and you're good to go. And remember – they're looking for significant damage, not normal signs that someone's actually been using the car for the past few years. 

Honestly, so many cars are leased in the UK now that they want to get them out of your hands and straight to auction as quickly as possible. They don't have the time to argue over charges. Truly, the charges are usually more than reasonable.  

So, ready for your next lease adventure? Give us a shout – we'll help you find something new and shiny to replace your old faithful. Maybe this time without the cream-coloured seats if you've got kids or dogs!