Lease car about to be returned...what can I expect?

[magnus911]

Hi, just looking for some experience here please.

My Audi was leased for 24 months and 12k pa and the deal ends on Friday. They have agreed to inspect it on Thursday.
This was my first ever lease.

I am 6,000 miles over the agreed amount, which will cost 6p / mile + VAT. Ok, not too bad.

Otherwise, there is a ding in the door from a supermarket carpark style event (about the size of a 1p piece) and a small scratch on the rear bumper which would probably buff out if I had the gear.

There are some scratches on the front bumper though, quite deep which would probably require respraying. And a long crack in the windscreen.

Are Audi going to bend me over about these things? I know i probably should have fixed them in advance but I just didn't have the time. What about the windscreen? Should I at least get that done on my insurance pre inspection?

Thanks in advance.

[HellDiver]

magnus911 said:

Are Audi going to bend me over about these things?

Get plenty of lube, you'll need it.

[Carfiend]

You know that scene in Pulp Fiction with the Gimp? That is what it is going to be like and you are Marcellas Wallace and there is no Bruce Willis to save you.

[Escort2dr]

Ask for a copy of the BVRLA guide to fair wear and tear to give you an idea. The screen will almost certainly need to be replaced at your cost - may be cheaper to have done it on the insurance.

[frosted]

Why don't you go and get it fixed ?

[anonymous-user]

Well I'd certainly get the windscreen done if it's a significant crack. That will make it look like you treated it really badly and they might be more inclined to charge you for the other stuff.

[lost in espace]

I would have been on the phone to chipsaway and autoglass a week ago myself! And then treated myself to the obligatory PH hookers and coke with the savings.

[SystemParanoia]

i'd have also clocked the bloody car lol

[mercfunder]

Why not get the windscreen replaced on your insurance?

Get the car really well cleaned and you may get away with the dents and scratches, most companies expect the car back looking like a dog, if you turn up with it shining and no major issues obvious, you will quite often get away with a cursory inspection.

It all depends what they are going to do with the car afterwards, onto the forecourt or straight to auction.

[hornetrider]

Get the windscreen done on your insurance ASAP.

Get some Megs Scratch-X (less than a tenner) and buff out the scratches as best you can. Pop into an Audi dealer and get a touch up pen for the front bumper gouge and give it your best effort.

You may get away with it for less than £20 of investment in some raw materials.

[chevy-stu]

Why not get it all fixed as it'll cost you alot less than Audi will charge you, and then you've only got the mileage to haggle over...

[SystemParanoia]

they will goatse you!

[edo]

chevy-stu said:

Why not get it all fixed as it'll cost you alot less than Audi will charge you, and then you've only got the mileage to haggle over...

this.

[Deva Link]

There's a thread somewhere from a guy who was returning a Polo leased for his daughter. He spent quite a lot getting it right pre-return and VAG still billed him £1700.

[turbolucy]

I'd get a screen put in, get a chipsaway guy out to do the repair (may not be the best but it's not like you're keeping the car) and possibly a dent guy to do the dent if it's that bad. May cost you a few hundred pounds but less than if Audi bill you for it.

[anonymous-user]

I used to work in the 'Disposals' department of the 6th biggest vehicle leasing company in the uk so I have a fair idea of how this works...

Basically they will charge you pretty much what you would pay yourself to fix the damage.

For example a small ding/dent that hasnt broken the paint and that can be removed by one of those guys who does painless dent removal, will charge you about £50-75.

A panel that has been damaged to the point it will need paintwork, about £300-500.

Windscreen, about £250-400 depending on model.

Front bumper respray, about £250.

Biggest problem was cars with scratches on each panel... The guys just used to write 'full respray' on the collection note and watch the customer start crying...

They will however, ignore minor marks here and there as 'fair wear and tear' such as light kerbing of the wheels, however heavy curbing or abuse would be charged.

[mattviatura]

VWFS are particularly heavy on damage at the moment, they are also VERY keen to get cars back at the end of the lease.

I've said this a million times before on here but treat the car as if you are selling it, get small scratches and dents fixed, it costs very little and saves big bills.

OP, if you PM me I will give you a copy of the BVRLA guide and try to answer any specific questions you have.

[Deva Link]

mattviatura said:

VWFS are particularly heavy on damage at the moment, they are also VERY keen to get cars back at the end of the lease.

Mate of mine is returning his Golf this week and I asked about buying it - VW's price was same as the screen prices on a dealer's forecourt.

[PaulG40]

I'd expect them to want to make 'profit' out of you if they fix it themselves too. As has been said many times, fix yourself, also get it valeted aswell so its looking gleaming when you hand it back.

[Jonboy_t]

Clearly got the wrong car to begin with - should have got an S-Line and you wouldn't be where you are today.....