Lease Return Information

At three months
The optional Vehicle Condition Review lets you evaluate your vehicle's condition by using The Credit Card Test and guidelines provided herein. Please review the Vehicle Condition Guidelines listed below. It's also a good time to make sure your scheduled maintenance service is up to date. Please remember, this does not replace the required inspection one month before lease end.

If you find any damage that needs repair, you'll have plenty of time to take care of it. Your insurance policy may even pay for the repairs. The information provided below, as well as the checklist will help you conduct your own Vehicle Condition Review.

*Remember to ask about leasing or purchasing another new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz.

At one month
A Mercedes-Benz Financial authorized inspection company will contact you to set up a time and place, at your convenience, for your required Vehicle Inspection.

The inspection company will evaluate your vehicle's condition using the Vehicle Condition Guidelines. After the inspection, they'll provide you with a Vehicle Inspection Report, which documents your vehicle's condition at that time.

If you have any damage, the inspection report will also include the repair cost, which tells you how much you'll owe for excess wear and use - unless repairs are made before you return the vehicle. If you choose to make any repairs after the inspection, please contact our dealership for assistance in performing the repairs. You are also welcome to contact Mercedes-Benz Financial's Lease Maturity Department at (800) 873-5471 for more information regarding the inspection report.

If you're over the mileage allowed by your lease, the inspection report will indicate the estimated excess mileage charge at the time of inspection.

Please note that you will be charged for any additional excess damage and/or mileage that occurs after the final inspections up until the time of turn in.

Note: This inspection is NOT required at this time if you are purchasing your vehicle or extending your current lease for more than three months. In addition, the inspection is only valid for 90 days; if you choose to extend your current lease for more than three months from the time of the original inspection, another inspection will be necessary.

If you are unable to have this inspection completed before you return the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz Financial will inspect it after the return. Please be advised that you'll be charged for any damage found at that time. Also, since this inspection takes place after you've turned in your vehicle, you won't have the opportunity to make any repairs.

At Lease end
After you've made arrangements for returning your vehicle, the dealer will check your vehicle's condition and compare it to your Vehicle Inspection Report to see if any repairs have been made or if there's any new damage. The final mileage and excess mileage (if any) will be recorded.

When you return your vehicle to our dealership, your signed Vehicle Inspection Report will be your record of the vehicle's condition. This document also includes the Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement, which must be completed by you at the time of turn-in.

Also, as stated in your lease agreement, you will be responsible for a vehicle turn-in fee at lease-end.

If you're interested in extending your lease, please contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach.

Anytime during your lease, you can pay off your vehicle or finance the purchase price by contacting us at Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach.

Under the terms of The First Class Lease you agreed to have your Mercedes-Benz serviced as the manufacturer recommended. Please refer to your Operator's Manual to make sure you followed maintenance policies and schedules.

"Excess wear and use" responsibilities

As stated in your lease agreement, you are responsible for excess wear and use. The Vehicle Condition Guidelines help define what is considered excess wear and use and will help determine the condition of your vehicle, including its interior, exterior and mechanics. Generally, when there's damage, there is excess wear and use. And according to your lease agreement, you are financially responsible for its repair. Below you will find specifics on when damage is considered excess wear and use.

As your lease agreement states, anything that makes the vehicle unsafe or unlawful to operate is also considered damage.

When you signed your lease agreement, you agreed to drive up to a certain number of miles during the term of your lease. If your mileage is over that amount when you return your vehicle, there will be an excess mileage charge. (Refer to your lease agreement for the per-mile rate.) To find out if you may have an excess mileage charge, simply complete the worksheet listed at the bottom of the page.

The Vehicle Condition Guidelines were developed in response to input from customers like you. They offer clear, concise parameters so there are no surprises at lease end. In addition to being easy to understand, they are also fair, taking into consideration that wear and use are a normal part of driving. As long as your Mercedes-Benz meets these established guidelines, it will be considered free of excess wear and use.

One way to easily determine what is and what isn't considered excessive damage is The Credit Card Test. It's simple. Generally, if exterior or interior damage can't be seen when placing a credit card over it, then it "passes the test" and you won't be charged.*

*Further details apply>