car lease end

[thesk8man]

hi ... thinking about leasing a car for 24 months and need to know exactly what happens when you return it?

i know for sure they wont take it back unless it looks good and brand new but what about normal wear and tear / scratches / bumps?

also is it true that the warranty takes care of everything that might go wrong if you lease? thanks. i know that usual stuff tires/oil change/brake id have to pay but stsuff like timming belt engine transmission radiator alternator starter plugs? are they covered? thanks.

car is: crysler sebring 4door 149 on 24 months with 3,000 down.

[spf1971]

Normal wear and tear is fine in terms of returning. Anything more than that you would have to pay for, of course they get to decide what is normal and what isn't so you really need to watch out for that. The warranty with a leased car is the same as the warranty for a purchased car. Wear items and consumables you pay for yourself( Oil & filter, brakes, tires etc.) Other things are covered based on milage and age of vehicle. Warranties normally don't cover items if they feel that the problem is owner caused ( ie. you don't change/check your oil and the engine seizes because of it)

[Justin C]

I think with a normal 24 month lease you won't have to replace the tires, which will save you a nice bit of cash!

I wouldn't put any money down, if possible. Just take the higher monthly payments. Otherwise, if the car is totaled early in the lease the ins. co. pays the leasing company and you are out your deposit!

[Neb]

Don't mean to thread jack :) . But I have a question regarding maintenance on leased vehicle. I currently have a 36mos lease with GMAC. Besides doing regular oil changes, do I really have to perform all the Intermediate service, full service packages.. ranging from 300-500 every 16000km? Can i just check all that myself? will they ding me for not doing the services at the end of 36mos? I do not plan to buy back the vehicle.

[bizzmanager]

Don't mean to thread jack :) . But I have a question regarding maintenance on leased vehicle. I currently have a 36mos lease with GMAC. Besides doing regular oil changes, do I really have to perform all the Intermediate service, full service packages.. ranging from 300-500 every 16000km? Can i just check all that myself? will they ding me for not doing the services at the end of 36mos? I do not plan to buy back the vehicle.

You do not need to do your servicing at GMAC. Upon lease your contract does not specify any garage, only that you follow the repair schedule as closely as possible. If you look at your service booklet most of the items are recommended and not mandatory to replace/service. You need to use your common sense and ask your mechanic about all the items of concern. If he says you need a Transmission flush then do it, and get a receipt. This will be your proof that the work has been done.