[NaNaLi]

In a few months I will be returning my leased Durango. If anyone can share their experience in regards to PENALTIES. Specifically, MAINTENANCE and DINGS/DENT. My first few Scheduled Maintenance were done by someone other than authorized dealer. Hence, someone told me that I might get penalized since I do not have an Authorized Dealer "STAMP" on my Maintenance Book. also, how many dings are you allowed per panel/door?
Thanks in advance

 

[GCK]

I have a montero sport due to be returned this month end. An inspection company came over to inspect the car. He noted a few dings. Dings less than 2" long are not chargable. He checked the tires etc, finally gave me a report with $0.

He did not ask about any kind of service records. I have not done any scheduled maintanance, except oil changes. I was told that I need to return the car to the dealership and get a mileage statement. I will have to fax the statement to Mitsubishi, and that ends my contract.

It sounds pretty straight forward, however, I have not completed the process yet. Good Luck with your Lease, and your expected March Delivery.

 

[jliveMDX]

i was worried about this too when i had to turn in my 98 JGC for the MDX.... it varies per leasing company and really depends on the person that appraises it.... scheduled maintenance will not be an issue unless the car has internal problems... then they may want you to prove that you followed the schedule in the manual(save those receipts)..... minor door dings, scratches, stains that can be shampooed out are considered normal wear and tear so u wont get charged.... obvious damage to the paint, big dents etc you will get charged for.... the rule of thumb you should use is if you were gonna buy the same car you're turning in, would you make a stink over the door dings or other damage or could u deal with it??? if you would ask for money off the price, then you can expect the lease company to charge you for that damage... after much worrying and preparation(took pictures with digital camera and real camera, and videotaped entire car and engine including footage of me operating every single feature) i wasnt charged anything except the termination fee....


i did pay for the front bumper to be replaced since i was pretty sure they would bang me on that but everything else was considered normal wear and tear and I had several door dings, some minor scratches, cigarette burns in the carpet, etc..... hope this info helps.... best of luck

 

[remery]

I have leased 5 or 6 cars and never had to pay any penalties except for excess mileage at the rate stated in the lease contract. If you have take reasonable care of the Durango and no major dents, you should get your full security deposit back.

 

[Leader(in L.A.)]

The "Credit Card" test.

I've leased and returned cars in the past and what's been posted above is pretty much how it goes...although things do vary slightly between manufacturers.
About dents & dings...generally the rule is: if you can cover it with a credit card, it's a non-chargeable item. That always seemed pretty liberal to me, but it's apparently the way most lease companies evaluate body damage.

 

[mdxpecting]

Another thing you can be called on is for low tread on one or more tires. The leasing contract generally indicates minimum trade depth for tires upon return.

 

[swhtech]

Sometimes the lease will also specify that all four tires need to be the same brand\size\model, etc. If you read your lease document, it should specify all of those stipulations....good luck!

 

[nikonf]

Make sure you get it inspected before they come out and pick the vehicle up. I've had three leases in the past. One I just had inspected and then was picked up about a month ago. I actually got a check back from them. On another lease, no problems, 0 dollars owed. Two years ago I did not get a car inspected and just had them pick it up. What a mistake. I received a bill in the mail for $1,700.00. I was not over the mileage. I had the car detailed inside and out. It was mint. First mistake I made was replacing the rear tires--not the same model. They hit me up for that. They charged me for every single ding on the car. They charged me for a new windshield. There was nothing wrong with the one that was on it. My insurance company said they would cover it but needed to see a bill. They did not have one. I have been fighting with them for over 18 months now and have the bill down to $400.00. If I have to fight them for another 18 months, I will. I refuse to pay a single penny. This car was immaculate when turned in. Get the inspection!!