Vehicle Leasing Checklist

Leasing through our Energy Country Ford dealership allows drivers around Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, and Lake Charles, LA, drive a vehicle that will amplify their daily routines. If you’re a customer currently driving a leased Ford sedan, truck, or SUV, you may be curious what needs to be done before you return the car.

Follow our vehicle leasing checklist to learn more about what to prepare for ahead of time.

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Schedule a Lease Inspection

While some drivers may keep an attentive list of the dings, scratches, or general wear and tear expected over time, that may be too much to keep track for most. Because your leased Ford is restricted to certain limitations, a lease inspection is required prior to the vehicle’s return to our dealership.

The lease inspection should be completed around 60 to 90 days before the end of the lease. By doing so, you have time to make repairs on anything noted during the inspection, such as:

• Improper or unfinished body work
• Dashboard service light switched on
• Dents and scratches exceeding two inches
• More than three dents on a single panel

The better the car’s condition, the less likely you’ll need any repairs completed.

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Detail and Clean the Car

In the same vein as the lease inspection, you should prioritize the general cleanliness of the vehicle, both inside and out. Generally speaking, getting the interior cabin professionally detailed isn’t a requirement, but it certainly helps sustain the quality of the car. At the very least, we suggest vacuuming, dusting, and throwing away any trash before your lease ends.

Additionally, make sure the car is cleaned of any dirt or debris. A thorough car wash should get this done—but it wouldn’t hurt to clean any harder-to-reach spots as well. There’s nothing wrong with presenting the car in its best-possible shape.

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Manage Your Miles & Documents

Lastly, you’ll want to track down and collect all documents relevant to the leased Ford car. This could include inspection reports, repair jobs, or any documentation you were given at the beginning of the lease. These receipts and various forms of paperwork can help verify the validity of anything that needed to be worked on during the course of the lease.

The yearly mileage limit you agreed to as a new lessee also plays a role in the potential for added charges. Overage fees can run up the bill if you aren’t keeping track of your mileage, which is why we recommend taking a close look at how far below or over you might run prior to returning the leased car. If necessary, you can purchase more miles to avoid added charges.

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Return the Leased Vehicle

With the complicated steps out of the way, the only thing left for you to do is drop off the leased Ford car at our Energy Country Ford dealership. In fact, your options aren’t just limited to returning the model—you can renew or select a different Ford to lease.

Whichever route you decide to take, we’re around to provide assistance. We proudly serve the region surrounding Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, and Lake Charles, LA, so reach out to us the next time you’re nearby.