GM Vehicle Lease Return Guide

Returning your leased GM vehicle (Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, or GMC) isn't as simple as taking a drive to the dealer's shop and handing them the car keys. You need to first satisfy certain requirements and processes for you to successfully bring your lease to an end.

There are different lease-end options available to you. You may choose to purchase the vehicle,trade it for another vehicle of your choice, or just hand the keys to the dealer and bid the carfarewell. In this article, we'll guide you on how to return your leased vehicle, and outline the lease-end options that are available to you.

How to return your leased vehicle

As your lease is coming to an end, you need to familiarize yourself with the terms of your contract. Know the amount of mileage permitted, and the potential lease charges you may need to pay.

Step 1 Pre-Return Inspection

The first step in terminating your lease on a GM car is to schedule a pre-return inspection within 120 days of the end of your lease. Although this inspection is optional, it will help you plan any repairs that may need to be made before returning the car.

This inspection can be scheduled with your originating GM dealer or any GM franchise dealership. If visiting a dealer is difficult, the third-party groups that work with GM can perform an examination at your home or office.The goal of the inspection is to look for any damage to the car that may result in a surcharge when you return it.

The inspector checks the vehicle for dents, scratches, dings, window cracks, and excessive tire wear. They'll also inspect the interiors for tears in the seats, stains that won't come off, and any other noticeable damage.

Step 3- Remove your personal belongings

Remember to remove all personal items from the vehicle and wipe all personal data. Clear your garage door codes, saved phone numbers, app data, and navigation addresses.

Also, make sure the vehicle is clean and well-vacuumed before returning it to avoid excess dirt being misinterpreted as wear and tear.

Remember to return all of the accessories that came with the car. If they are incomplete, you may incur additional fees.

Step 2- Review the vehicle report and make repairs.

After the pre-return inspection is performed, you will receive a report on the vehicle's condition. The dealer might recommend repairs that will help you save money. You can then choose to perform the repairs or budget for additional charges.

If you decide to do the repairs, send the repair receipts to GM Financial so that the credit can be posted to your account. Otherwise, any permissible excess wear and tear charges will be billed to your account and mailed to you within 60 days of the lease's termination.

Some of these accessories include:

All keys and key fobs
Owner's manual
Entertainment system headphones
Original manufacturer wheels that came with the car
Power charging cables for electric cars

Once you've met all of these requirements, you can return the car to the dealer.

GM lease-end options

There are three lease-end options available to you when bringing your lease to an end. These options include:

Option 1: Purchase or trade-in for a new GM vehicle

This is one option that's popular among drivers. You can return your leased vehicle and get a newer model of what you're already driving or try something different.

You also have the option of structuring your new lease or purchase to incorporate your current vehicle.

Schedule an appointment with your aGM dealer to select your next GM vehicle and discuss what financing options are best for you.

Option 2: Buyout your leased vehicle

If you want to keep the car instead of returning it, you can buy out your lease. You can purchase your leased vehicle at any time during your lease period or at the end of your lease.

The common practice is for drivers to wait till the end of the lease term to buy the vehicle. Drivers who take the early buyout option do so when the vehicle has been damaged or its mileage limits have been exceeded.

You'll pay the amount that was determined by the dealership at the start of the term if you want to buy the vehicle at the end of your lease. You can also contact your originating GM dealer to discuss your purchase options.

Option 3: Return your leased vehicle

This option allows you to return the leased vehicle at the end of your lease term. You simply say farewell to the vehicle.

Have more questions? Give our team a call, chat with us online or stop in!