What Is a Lease Buyout?

We have several nice Mazda automobiles for lease. No wonder so many of our Escondido lease customers ask us about buying their cars before the lease is up. That’s why a car lease buyout seems like such a good option for so many of them. What is a lease buyout, exactly? How does a lease buyout work? How do you know if it’s right for you?  The friendly finance department at Mazda of Escondido can help you sort through all of that. But in the meantime, let’s talk a little bit more about buyouts, starting with a lease buyout definition.

LEASE BUYOUT DEFINITION

A lease buyout involves the purchase of the leased vehicle by the lessee. All lease contracts will specify the terms under which the purchase can occur, and price is usually set at signing. Almost all leasing plans allow for a lease-end buyout, and some contracts also allow the lessee to purchase the vehicle while the contract is still active.

HOW DOES A LEASE BUYOUT WORK?

Our San Marcos area customers often come to find out that a car lease buyout is a little more involved than you might think. But it’s not so complex as to make it a major inconvenience. How does a lease buyout work? You will want to notify our finance department that you wish to buy your leased car.  Your lease agreement should specify the terms for a lease buyout. However, if you buy your car early in the lease, there may be a penalty for ending the lease early. There may be other fees involved. So, check your lease agreement. Here are some things to consider before you decide whether a car lease buyout is right for you:

• Early termination fees. You may have to wait until there are less than six months left in the lease to avoid these.
• The market value of the car. Most lease agreements set the buyout price at the residual value of the car. That’s what the lease company thinks the car will be worth at the end of your lease. But this value is set at the beginning of your lease. By the time your lease is over, the price you would normally pay for your car at Vista area dealerships could be far less than the predetermined residual value. That would mean you’d be buying the car for more than what it’s worth.
• Mileage and wear and tear. A car lease buyout can make sense when your car has more mileage or wear and tear on it than it should have according to your lease. Excessive mileage or wear and tear can incur fees when it’s time to turn in your lease. A car lease buyout is a way to avoid paying those fees.

LET OUR FRIENDLY FINANCE DEPARTMENT HELP OUT

Now that you know what a lease buyout is, come talk with our finance department about your options. They can help you figure out whether leasing or buying is better for you. We’re just a short drive away from Carlsbad. So drop by or contact us today!