Lease Return

Schedule a Mercedes-Benz Lease Return

If you need to schedule a Mercedes-Benz lease return, you’ve come to the right place! Our Temecula Mercedes-Benz dealership is also an authorized Mercedes-Benz lease return center. That means that no matter where you originally leased your Mercedes-Benz, we’re able to handle the lease return for you. We know that returning a leased car can seem like a hassle, so we aim to accommodate all Mercedes-Benz lease returns.

Not only that, but to encourage you to return your leased Mercedes-Benz to us, we’ll give you $100* to drop off your vehicle here at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula. Just one more reason why leasing with Mercedes-Benz of Temecula is the right choice! Contact us for more information, or simply get the process started by inputting your name, contact information, and vehicle details below.

When you’re nearing the end of a vehicle lease, there are some important decisions and financial commitments to consider. For example, you’ll need to decide whether to purchase your leased vehicle, swap it out for a new lease, or buy a new or pre-owned car instead. You’ll also need to be prepared to pay the required end-of-lease charges and additional fees you might have incurred. As you can see, there’s a lot to understand about returning your leased car, so we’ve compiled a list of the questions we’re most frequently asked about the end-of-lease process.

How Can I Prepare My Leased Vehicle for Return?

One of the most important ways you can prepare for the end of your lease is to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. A pre-inspection, which takes place before you return your vehicle to the dealership, can help determine if you’re likely to incur excess wear and damage charges upon returning your leased vehicle. These charges can occur when the vehicle has sustained damages such as large scratches or dents on the exterior, cracks in the windshields, or scratches or holes in the interior upholstery. Be sure to review Mercedes-Benz guidelines regarding what conditions qualify as excessive wear and damage.

Mercedes-Benz offers their customers complimentary end-of-lease pre-inspections with the independent third-party inspection company AutoVIN. The inspection can take place wherever is most suitable for you. AutoVIN will perform a pre-inspection at your home, work, or any other location convenient to your schedule.

What Can I Expect From an End-Of-Lease Inspection?

Before having an official inspection on your leased vehicle, we recommend conducting the “Credit Card Test” on your own. This is Mercedes-Benz term for a simple home test where the lease owner inspects their car for damage that might exceed the dimensions of a standard-sized credit card. If, for example, you place a credit card over a scratch on your fender, and the credit card covers the scratch entirely, you likely will not be charged for the damage. Of course, there are some limitations, but overall, it’s an easy and efficient way to prepare for your official end-of-lease inspection.

If you use Mercedes-Benz complimentary pre-inspection service, here’s what you can expect. First, you should schedule your pre-inspection 45-60 days before your lease expires. You can do so through your Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) account or by visiting AutoVIN’s website. Remember, you can choose a location that suits your schedule the best. Then, on the day of your inspection, you’ll turn your keys over to the inspector, and you can either remain present during the process or return after it’s completed. The entire inspection should take approximately 45 minutes.

Shortly afterward, the inspection company will make their report available to you online in your MBFS account or on its website. The report will cover any wear or damage discovered by the inspector and identify any items for which you may be liable. After you review the information, you have the option to resolve any chargeable items on your pre-inspection report with your Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Should You Buy Out Your Lease?

For many people, the biggest end-of-lease decision is whether to purchase the leased car, lease the same vehicle again, or return the leased vehicle and purchase another new or pre-owned vehicle. Because this decision is a major one, it should be made based on personal factors, including your satisfaction with your leased vehicle, the condition of your car, your budget, the buyout price you’ve negotiated with your dealership, and your particular driving needs and habits.

In general, though, there are some circumstances for which purchasing your leased vehicle might be the practical choice. They include the following:

• You love your car: Of course, buying your leased vehicle is a good option if the thought of parting with it will break your heart.
• You’ve significantly overshot your mileage limits: You might incur significant mileage fees for going over your limitations, so check how much you’ll be charged before returning the car. In that case, purchasing the vehicle might be better than taking out a new lease.
• The car has sustained significant damage or wear: Scheduling a pre-inspection will help determine if you might be responsible for excessive wear when returning the vehicle. You might consider purchasing your vehicle from the dealer if the extra costs are significant.

In many cases, Mercedes-Benz offers incentives when buying a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle and financing purchases or leases through MBFS. For example, if you return your leased vehicle and purchase a new Mercedes-Benz, you’ll receive a credit of up to $500 for excess wear and use charges. Additionally, when you finance a new lease or car purchase with MBFS, you’ll receive a credit of up to $595 toward your vehicle turn-in fee.

Other End-Of-Lease Options

Besides buying your leased vehicle, you can also choose to swap it out for a new one, which can either be leased or purchased. Of course, you may also simply return your lease and pay the corresponding charges and fees. However, because Mercedes-Benz offers loyalty incentives for leasing or purchasing another Mercedes-Benz when your lease ends, it’s a good opportunity to take advantage of the leasing credits they offer.

No matter which option appeals to you the most, your Mercedes-Benz dealer can assist you with any vehicle transition, whether you lease or buy. If you’re a Southern California resident in the San Diego, Temecula, southern Orange County, or Riverside County regions, our friendly sales and finance staff would be delighted to serve you.

Schedule Your Lease Return at Our Mercedes Dealership

At Mercedes-Benz of Temecula, we offer unparalleled customer care that will make the lease return process smooth and satisfying. In addition, we have a professional financial team on hand to handle all your returns and buyouts, and they will make your return process quick and painless. You can even start the process from your phone by simply scheduling your lease return through our website or contacting us for further guidance.