Nissan Lease Ending? What You Need To Know

As your vehicle lease comes to an end, it’s important to know what steps to take next and how to prepare to return your leased vehicle. Whether you’re considering leasing a new Nissan, purchasing your current vehicle, or simply returning it, planning ahead can make the process smooth and stress-free. At Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee, we’re here to help you navigate your lease-end options and ensure you make the best decision for your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how we can assist you in making the transition as seamless as possible.

Quick Lease-End Tips

  • Review Your Lease Agreement – Check for mileage limits, wear-and-tear policies, and lease-end fees to avoid surprises.
  • Schedule a Pre-Return Inspection – Identify any potential charges for excess wear and tear before turning in your vehicle.
  • Know Your Mileage – If you’ve exceeded your allowed mileage, be prepared for additional fees or consider purchasing your vehicle.
  • Consider Your Next Step – Decide whether you want to return, buy, or lease a new Nissan before your lease expires.
  • Required Documentation – Have your lease agreement, registration, keys, and any original accessories ready for return.
  • Clean and Prepare Your Vehicle – Remove personal items, give it a good clean, and take care of any minor repairs.
  • Schedule Your Lease Return Appointment – Contact Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee to make the return process quick and easy.

 

Navigating Your Nissan Lease-End at Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee

Leasing a Nissan comes with flexibility and convenience, but as your lease ends approaches, it’s important to understand your options. At Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition whether you choose to return, purchase, or lease a new Nissan.

Things To Consider When Returning Your Leased Vehicle

As your Nissan lease comes to an end, there are a couple of important factors to consider to ensure a smooth return process. First, assess your vehicle’s condition and check for any excess wear and tear. While normal use is expected, significant dents, scratches, tire wear, or interior damage may result in additional charges. Making sure to schedule a pre-return inspection can help you address any issues in advance, potentially saving you money.

Mileage is another key factor to keep in mind. Most lease agreements include a set mileage limit, and exceeding it may lead to extra fees. If you’ve gone over your allowance, you might want to compare the cost of excess mileage fees with the option of purchasing your vehicle instead. Additionally, be sure to gather all necessary documents, such as your lease agreement, registration, and keys, and return any original accessories that came with the car. By planning ahead and understanding your lease terms, you can avoid unexpected costs and make your lease return at Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee as hassle-free as possible

Understanding Car Depreciation and Residual Value in a Lease

When you lease a vehicle, your monthly payments are based on the car’s depreciation rather than building equity as you would with a traditional auto loan. Depreciation refers to the decrease in the vehicle’s value over the lease term, which is the primary factor in determining your payments. Instead of paying toward ownership, you’re covering the estimated loss in value that occurs as the car ages and accumulates mileage.

Once depreciation is accounted for, the remaining worth of the vehicle at the end of the lease is known as its residual value. In simpler terms, this is the predicted buyout price if you choose to purchase the car when your lease ends. The residual value is determined at the start of your lease agreement and is based on a percentage of the vehicle’s original MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price). Whether it’s listed as a percentage or a set dollar amount, this figure is calculated by the financial institution managing your lease and remains unchanged throughout the contract.

Finding Out What Your Leased Vehicle Residual Value Is

What is the residual value of a leased vehicle? The residual value of a leased vehicle is set at the beginning of your lease and represents its estimated worth and lease end. This number is included in your lease agreement and can help you decide whether buying out your lease is a smart financial move. If the market value of your vehicle at lease-end is higher than the residual value, purchasing it could be a great deal. However, if the car’s value has depreciated more than expected, returning it and exploring a new lease may be the better option.

What Are Your Lease-End Options?

As your Vehicle lease nears its expiration, you have three main choices:

Woman in front of her new white jeep cherokee with the car dealership entrance as the backdrop

  1. Return Your Nissan or other vehicle and Lease a New One
    • If you love driving a new vehicle every few years, upgrading to the latest Nissan model is a great option.
    • Explore the newest Nissan lineup, featuring advanced technology, safety features, and fuel-efficient performance.
    • Our team can assist with lease specials and financing options to make your transition seamless.
  2. Purchase Your Current Nissan
    • If you’ve grown attached to your vehicle, you can buy it at the predetermined lease-end price.
    • Avoid the hassle of shopping for another car while keeping a vehicle you already know and trust.
    • Our finance team can assist with financing options if needed.
  3. Return Your Nissan and Walk Away
    • If you no longer need a vehicle or want to explore other options, you can easily return your Nissan.
    • Be sure to schedule a lease return inspection and settle any remaining obligations, such as excess mileage or wear-and-tear fees.

Preparing for Your Vehicle for Its Lease Return

To ensure a hassle-free lease return process, follow these steps:

  • Schedule a Pre-Return Inspection: This helps identify any excessive wear and tear before turning in your vehicle.
  • Check Your Mileage: If you’ve exceeded your lease mileage limit, there may be additional charges.
  • Gather Required Documents: Bring your lease agreement, registration, keys, and any original accessories that came with the car.
  • Clean and Empty the Vehicle: Remove personal belongings and return the vehicle in good condition.

Lease-End Support at Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee

At Russ Darrow Nissan of Milwaukee, we aim to make your lease-end process easy and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, buy your leased vehicle, or return it, our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your options and find the best solution for your needs.

FAQ About Lease-End Options

What’s the Difference Between Lease Buyout Price and Market Value?

The lease buyout price is the pre-determined residual value stated in your lease agreement, while the market value is what your car is worth at the end of the lease. If the market value is higher than the buyout price, purchasing your leased car could be a great deal.

Can I Negotiate My Lease Buyout Price?

In some cases, yes. If your dealership needs more used car inventory, they may be willing to negotiate the buyout price. However, the residual value is typically set in your lease contract.

Should I Buy My Leased Car?

If your vehicle is in great condition, has low mileage, and the buyout price is lower than similar used cars, purchasing it could save you money. However, if the market value is lower than the residual value, returning the car may be a better option.

Can I Get a Loan to Buy My Leased Car?

Yes! If you don’t have the cash to buy your car outright, you can apply for an auto loan. It’s best to shop around for the best financing rates before discussing the buyout with the dealer.

Can I Sell My Leased Car for a Profit?

Once you purchase your leased vehicle, you can sell it. If the market value is higher than your buyout price, you might make a profit by selling it to a private buyer or a dealership.

What If I Can’t Find a New Car When My Lease Ends?

If inventory is low and you need more time to find your next vehicle, you may be able to extend your lease on a month-to-month basis or for a fixed term. Contact your leasing company for details.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Buying and Reselling My Leased Car?

If you plan to sell your leased car for profit, consider the extra steps involved, such as securing financing, handling paperwork, and finding a buyer. Some people prefer to trade it into a dealer for convenience.

Visit us or call to learn more about Nissan lease-end options and special offers!