Keeping Your Leased Car or Buying an Off-Lease?

Leasing has become a popular way of acquiring a vehicle. For those who face the decision regarding turning the vehicle in at the end of a lease versus taking ownership, the Car Care Council offers a suggestion: Invest in a comprehensive inspection by an independent expert before the lease has expired. This is especially important in the case of a high mileage vehicle.

A vehicle with 50,000 miles or more may need maintenance and repair work that can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of acquisition. The checklist should include such parts as drive belts, brake pads, filters and fuel ignition system components.

While few, if any, of these components will need attention on most lease-end vehicles, the possibility of excessive wear or damage does warrant a close inspection. Even in early stages of a lease, a damaged rubber CV boot, for example, can soon lead to expensive repairs.