Ford Lease-End Options [Complete Guide]
As your Ford lease-end date approaches, it’s time to prepare for what to do next.
The more you know about Ford lease-end options, the better chance you have to avoid unnecessary fees. Furthermore, you’ll be able to ensure a smooth lease-end process.
This guide will walk you through the Ford lease-end options and what you need to know.
Table of Contents
| Ford Lease-End Options | |
| Vehicle Inspection |  |
| Return Lease | |
| Purchase Lease | |
| Return & Lease | |
| Extend Lease | (Limited time offer, extend for 6 months) |
| Lease-End Fees | $300-$400 Disposition Fee, Wear and Tear, and Excess Mileage ($0.10 - $0.20 / per mile over) |
| Lease-End Benefits | Waive disposition fee |
Ford Vehicle Inspection
You should schedule your lease-end inspection within 60 days of the lease-end. You can use the AIM self-scheduling tool at any time or contact the Self Schedule department, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
To prepare for the inspection, clean the vehicle, and remove any personal items.
The inspector will identify themselves and ask for the vehicle keys. Ford encourages you to watch the inspection, which takes around 30 minutes.
The inspector will tell you exactly what you would be charged for via a Vehicle Condition Report. This gives you a chance to repair any necessary wear and tear before lease-end, which can help you save money.
1. Return Ford Lease
One lease option is to return the leased vehicle. Here is Ford’s vehicle return checklist:
Schedule a pre-inspection to assess wear and tear. Knowing this ahead of time allows you to process any covered claims damage or make the repairs.- Contact your originating Ford dealer about your return option and any excess wear and tear/mileage questions.
- Schedule the appointment to return the leased vehicle by the lease-end date.
- Should you choose to, schedule the necessary repairs with your Ford Dealer to prepare the vehicle for return.
- Prepare the vehicle for return by removing personal items and gathering all original accessories that came with the vehicle.
- Return your leased vehicle during the appointment. You must fulfill all remaining financial obligations, sign the Odometer Statement, and complete the vehicle return process.
2. Purchase Ford Lease
Red Carpet Ford leases include a buyout option at lease-end. Those who purchase their vehicle do not have to pay excess mileage or excess wear and tear fees. Here’s what you need to do to purchase your leased vehicle:
- Log in to the Account Manager or contact customer support to receive your purchase option price.
- Reach out to your originating dealer to discuss the vehicle purchase option and final price.
- Schedule your appointment to purchase the lease on or before the lease-end day.
- At the lease-end, purchase your vehicle from your originating dealer. To qualify for this option, you must: have paid all financial obligations, review and sign the Odometer Statement, and finalize the vehicle purchase.
3. Return and Lease New Ford
You may also return your current leased vehicle and then buy or lease another Ford. If you plan to purchase a new Ford, you should follow all of the same steps as the lease return since you’ll still be returning the current vehicle.
However, you should also discuss your interest in leasing or buying another Ford with your dealership. At that time, you should begin looking for your next Ford based on your needs and preferences. Check out this month's Ford deals here.
Once you have found a vehicle that fits your needs, determine if you will lease or purchase the vehicle. If you plan to purchase the vehicle, then you can consider Ford financing or third-party financing.
Based on what you decide, the dealer can help you set up your new lease or purchase when you return the current vehicle.
4. Extend Ford Lease
Ford does not explicitly list lease extension as an option for lease-end.
However, in March 2021, Ford announced that it would offer a lease extension to help customers looking for new vehicles. Previously, extensions were provided for only unique cases. For a limited time, all customers can choose to extend their lease for six months at a time. The program is set to end on August 31, 2021, but there is always a chance for an extension.
Even if the Ford Lease-Extension Flexibility offer ends, you may still be able to extend your lease. To learn about lease extension options, contact your originating dealer.
Ford Lease-End Fees
Disposition Fee
Like most manufacturers, Ford charges a disposition fee for returning your leased vehicle. The disposition fee is indicated in your lease agreement. Ford does not state their fee, but on average, disposition fees range between $300 and $400.
Wear and Tear
You will also have to pay for any excess wear and tear. Ford lists all of its criteria for excess wear and tear on its website. Some examples include:
Poor quality repairs- Electrical or mechanical problems
- Unmatching tires
- broken/missing parts
- Interior tears or cuts (3+ per panel or larger than ½ inch)
- Wheel scratches greater than 6 inches
- Glass damage
The cost of excess wear and tear varies based on the extent and type of damage. Your lease agreement will outline the fees for various wear and tear.
Excess Mileage Fee
If you exceed the mileage allotment in your lease agreement, you will have to pay excess mileage fees. The excess mileage charges range between $.10 and $.20 per mile. Consider a high-mileage lease if you know you will drive much more than the standard 12,000 per year mileage.
Outstanding Payments
To complete your lease return, you must take care of all outstanding payments. You can view any outstanding payments by logging into your account.
Ford Lease-End Benefits
Ford does not clearly describe a lease-end loyalty program. However, they do state that customers who lease or purchase a new Ford/Lincoln may be eligible for a disposition waiver.
Ask your dealer what lease-end benefits they offer for purchasing or leasing another Ford upon returning your vehicle.
