Hi everyone,

I just got a packet in the mail from VFNA the other day on my options when my lease ends in less than 6 months. At this point, I am most likley turning the car back in and leasing/buying a car from a different manufacturer. I've had too many issues with this car to keep it any longer.

My question is this: VFNA included a guide on what they consider normal wear and excess wear. My car is in excellent shape for the most part. The only things I could see them being picky on are a couple scuff marks on the wheels and some nick marks on the back bumper from 3 years of parallel parking. How detailed does the inspection company VFNA contracts get? Will they harp on EVERY nick and scratch? I'm worried that they will hit me with some outrageous fee when I turn the car back in.

Thanks!

Tennberg:

Usually if you can cover the damage with a credit card or something that size, it's considered normal wear and tear. If you have along scratch, the bumper's hit in several places or things like that, have it retouched prior to returning your car....it'll be cheaper this way.

I hope this helps.

Vince

I found that, like many other things, it pays to "shop around". When the lease was about to expire on my 1998 S70, it had scrapes on both front and rear bumper covers. Otherwise, no visual blemishes. Tires and brake pads were relatively new (less than 8,000 miles), and all scheduled maintenance had been performed at the dealer. I obtained a quote from the dealer to replace or repair the bumper covers: $275 each. So, if the VFNA inspector demanded a higher price than $550, I would fix them myself. Mileage was 2000 miles under the 36,000 allowance.
Imagine my surprise when the inspector calculated a $2200 charge. In addition to the bumper covers, he claimed tires must be unused and all brake rotors must be replaced, even if OK (he never even looked at them).
I live in a small state, so drove to a dealer in a neighboring state. Their inspector came out, and after a 30 second glance, decreed "no charge" if I turned the car in there. I even pointed out the bumper cover scrapes, but he insisted it did not matter. So, I saved $2200 by travelling 40 miles.