Lease Return - General Q's

[bloodhound]

Hey everyone,
Will be returning my G37 in soon, wanted to know past experiences etc from others that have.

I got the car inspected a week or so ago. I have a report that says $0.00 in overages (althought I doubt this really means I have $0 in overages). Some notes about bug sprayed on front bumper & some smudges on the doors (which I cant see). Granted the car was dirty since it rained the days before. A regular car wash and I think you'd be hard pressed to find smudges, bugs etc.

So quick Q's (I know I should ask Infiniti - just wanted to hear peoples feedback from their experiences)
Can I return the car at any dealer?
Does it have to be in before a certain time on the day its due?
Will someone reinspect the car the day I take it in?
How do overages work once its turned in? Whats not to say someone dings my car after its turned in and they try to charge me for it?
What was your past experience(s) with brakes / tires / curb rash etc?
Do I just hand the keys & inspection report to someone and call it a day?
Do I have to erase / wipe all the stuff from harddrive (music / stored navigation etc) Or will they do it and charge me for it?

Thanks in advance guys.

I've set aside a fund - just in case fund if you will - just being overly precautious.
Wish I didnt have to return the car but unfortunately I will be moving and the car is too much of a headache at that point. Its been an awesome experience - will be back one day...

[gan78mao]

moving back to asia?
i dont know if infiniti charge restocking fee or not, but ive heard otehr dealeships such as mercedes and bmw charge 500 dollars basic fees restocking fee or somethign like that.

[Mike]

1. Yes, you can return at any dealer. Take your inspection with you, and all manuals, both keys, etc. 0.00 in overages = everything is covered, and you do not owe for excessive wear and tear or damages.

The notes you see are for reference when the car will be reconditioned to be sold as a used (and possibly certified) car.

2. It has to be on or before the maturity date of your lease. You can return it anytime after your final payment has been made.

3. No. It has already been inspected.

4. Unless there is substantial damage, or you go crazy on miles and go over, you will nto be charged.

5. You have already been charged ZERO for damages. Don't stress it. "normal" wear and tear is all covered. Just how a used car will not be perfect when you buy it, they don't expect a used car to come back in perfect condition.

6. Yes, you typically make an appointment with the individual at the dealership who manages lease returns. You give them the keys, they check miles, you sign a document releasing the car to the dealer to hold onto the vehicle until Infiniti comes to pick it up.

7. No, but you probably want to delete all personal information.

It looks like you leased your car before Infiniti added the fee at the end of the lease. I believe this happened roughly a year ago.

[Former USMC]

Originally Posted by bloodhound

Hey everyone,
Will be returning my G37 in soon, wanted to know past experiences etc from others that have.

I got the car inspected a week or so ago. I have a report that says $0.00 in overages (althought I doubt this really means I have $0 in overages). Some notes about bug sprayed on front bumper & some smudges on the doors (which I cant see). Granted the car was dirty since it rained the days before. A regular car wash and I think you'd be hard pressed to find smudges, bugs etc.

So quick Q's (I know I should ask Infiniti - just wanted to hear peoples feedback from their experiences)
Can I return the car at any dealer?
Does it have to be in before a certain time on the day its due?
Will someone reinspect the car the day I take it in?
How do overages work once its turned in? Whats not to say someone dings my car after its turned in and they try to charge me for it?
What was your past experience(s) with brakes / tires / curb rash etc?
Do I just hand the keys & inspection report to someone and call it a day?
Do I have to erase / wipe all the stuff from harddrive (music / stored navigation etc) Or will they do it and charge me for it?

Thanks in advance guys.

I've set aside a fund - just in case fund if you will - just being overly precautious.
Wish I didnt have to return the car but unfortunately I will be moving and the car is too much of a headache at that point. Its been an awesome experience - will be back one day...

Bloodhound,

I just returned a FX35. I received an inspection from a third party company hired by Infiniti.

A couple of things they closely inspect - tires and dings. You are allowed 5/32 on the tires; 4/32 and you will be charged for a new tire. Dealers/inspectors don't care if you have four different tires (one Infiniti had a Bridgestone, Pirelli, BF Goodrich and a Continental - don't ask). You can even have bigger tires than stock as long as they are in good condition.

You are also allowed three dings per panel. On the FX35, there are four panels per side. Front fender, front door, rear door and rear panel. Therefore, you are allowed a staggering 12 door dings. You should have received a Infiniti Wear and Use Assessment Key for better clarification.

At the dealership, make sure the dealer gives you an odometer statement. Make the dealer go on line and send DMV notice that you are no longer the owner. They will not always do this. Although, you may be able to do it on line (I don't know). Just let the dealer do it for you.

Contact your insurance company and let them know you are no longer the owner - you will get a refund (if you pay annually). They may require you fax the odometer statement from the dealer; however, some insurance companies will not require this step.

Don't forget your CDs and erase your garage door settings. The dealer will assist if you ask.

I would also delete your home address if you've entered that in the navigation system. I would never put my home address in any navigation system. Why? Someone steals your car, enters the home address, goes to your house, presses the garage door opener and presto - they're in. Okay, they could probably get it from your registration card in your glove box.

Now the fun part - go get another new car.

Semper Fi

[bloodhound]

Its interesting you mention tires & dings.
There is not a single ding i am aware of on the car.
Tires is a borderline story.
I was told by the rep I was at borderline. As per the inspection report I was at 5/32. I did inform him of my plan to drive & he said as long as I didnt end up driving in miami, i should be okay for my trip (I did inform him of the distance).
I have since driven 1600 miles. Might add another 250 or so before the car gets turned in.
Original tires (car will go in at 27k miles - lease allowed is 30k miles)
I have not done burnouts etc.
Apparently its $300 per tire flat priced (which is cheaper than buying tires online & separate installation - how that is I do not know)
My other concern is borderline curb rash. He mentioned $140 per wheel for that - 2 potential suspects.
Honestly the car has been babied, and is under miles on return, its wishful thinking that they will balance / offset but realistically I think they will nickel & dime every last cent they can.

I absolutely loved the car. I do not want to get rid of it.
But numbers wise it just isnt a smart decision (have my own business).
$450 / month + gas + insurance + garage (in new location) = $700 a month
Id rather invest the $700/mo in my business.
I will get another some day, just a matter of which day.

Originally Posted by Former USMC

Bloodhound,

I just returned a FX35. I received an inspection from a third party company hired by Infiniti.

A couple of things they closely inspect - tires and dings. You are allowed 5/32 on the tires; 4/32 and you will be charged for a new tire. Dealers/inspectors don't care if you have four different tires (one Infiniti had a Bridgestone, Pirelli, BF Goodrich and a Continental - don't ask). You can even have bigger tires than stock as long as they are in good condition.

You are also allowed three dings per panel. On the FX35, there are four panels per side. Front fender, front door, rear door and rear panel. Therefore, you are allowed a staggering 12 door dings. You should have received a Infiniti Wear and Use Assessment Key for better clarification.

At the dealership, make sure the dealer gives you an odometer statement. Make the dealer go on line and send DMV notice that you are no longer the owner. They will not always do this. Although, you may be able to do it on line (I don't know). Just let the dealer do it for you.

Contact your insurance company and let them know you are no longer the owner - you will get a refund (if you pay annually). They may require you fax the odometer statement from the dealer; however, some insurance companies will not require this step.

Don't forget your CDs and erase your garage door settings. The dealer will assist if you ask.

I would also delete your home address if you've entered that in the navigation system. I would never put my home address in any navigation system. Why? Someone steals your car, enters the home address, goes to your house, presses the garage door opener and presto - they're in. Okay, they could probably get it from your registration card in your glove box.

Now the fun part - go get another new car.

Semper Fi