How to prepare your car for a rental inspection

Over 2015 million new vehicles were sold in 16.5, the highest since 2006. However, according to the Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, 25 percent of all new cars were not actually "sold" but leased out. Usually rent...

Over 2015 million new vehicles were sold in 16.5, the highest since 2006. However, according to the Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, 25 percent of all new cars were not actually "sold" but leased out.

Typically, leases are for three to four years. At the end of the lease, you will have two options: either buy the vehicle at the residual value (the dollar value that was calculated and agreed upon at the start of the lease), or cancel the lease.

Part 1 of 4: Review your lease and find out your options

Check out the rental terms and find out about the different options available to you. There are two rental options:

• Option 1: Buy a rental car. The most important part of any lease is the residual value. If your car is worth more than the residual value on the open market, you may want to consider buying the car and keeping it. Or you can buy a car, sell it, and keep the difference.

• Option 2: Buy a new car. If you don't have the money to buy a rental car right away, consider transferring the deposit you paid on your current car to a new car. This will reduce the amount of money you will need to come up with in order to get a new lease.

Part 2 of 4: Preparing for the inspection

Whether you're looking to buy, rent, or give up, your car will need to go through a thorough inspection at the end of the lease. The vehicle will be inspected for mileage, wear and other issues that may reduce the value of the vehicle. It is best to prepare for the end of the lease in advance by doing the following:

Step 1. Check your mileage. Three months before the end of the lease, check the mileage.

Most three-year leases allow you to drive 12,000 miles per year. By the time you return the car, the mileage should be 36,000, XNUMX miles or less.

If you have exceeded your mileage limit, be prepared to pay an additional mileage charge for any number of miles that exceeds the maximum mileage allowance.

Step 2: Avoid high mileage. If you think that you may exceed the mileage limit by the end of the rental, cut back on driving for a while.

Excessive mileage fines accumulate very quickly once you exceed the mileage limit.

Step 3: Detail Your Car. Take a close look at your car inside and out before you take it in for inspection. Be very careful and make your car look its best.

Part 3 of 4: Checking all checkpoints

All vehicles are subject to normal wear and tear. However, after the end of the lease, most dealers want to do as little as possible with the car and resell it quickly.

Step 1: Follow the Checklist Before Checking. Before checking, make sure you pay special attention to the following factors.

Step 2: Fix all problems. Hire a certified mechanic to fix any problems you notice during the pre-inspection process.

Part 4 of 4: Pay attention to the details

At the end of the rental, it is mandatory that you return the vehicle and its components in the same condition in which they were transferred to you. Here is a list of last-minute details to prepare before checking:

Step 1: Collect both sets of keys. If you received two sets of keys at the start of your lease, make sure you return two sets of keys.

Step 2: Assemble the original floor mats. If you have replaced floor mats, return the originals back to the leasing company.

Step 3: Prepare all repair kits and manuals for return. At the end of the rental period, you need to return the cargo covers, third-row seats, lock nuts, spare tires, jacks, repair kits, and instruction manuals.

Step 4: Revert all changes. Revert any changes you have made and make sure your vehicle is in the condition you received it in before returning the vehicle or you will be charged for canceling upgrades.

Renting your car gives you more flexibility at the end of the rental period. You can buy back your current rental car, rent another car (either the same make or try something new), or simply return the car and cancel the lease.

At the end of the lease agreement, you will need to return the car to the dealership. Your vehicle must be thoroughly inspected before it is accepted back. Follow the steps above to prepare for your rental check and make sure your car is in good condition.

If you need professional help checking your rental car, hire a certified mechanic like AvtoTachki to do a safety check.