The Lease End Minute

Episodes

1. 9

   Dreading the Turn-In Inspection?

   Dents, curbed wheels, worn tires. How buying the car compares with paying turn-in damage charges. Key takeaways: Damage beyond normal wear can mean charges at turn-in. Buying usually skips the turn-in inspection. Compare buying as is, paying charges, and repairing first. Transcript:...

   Oct 20, 2026

   0m
2. 8

   Buying Your Lease Early

   Can you buy your leased car before the lease ends? Often yes. How an early payoff works and when it makes sense. Key takeaways: An early buyout usually covers remaining payments plus the residual. Ask for an early payoff quote in writing. Buy early only if the numbers beat the car's value....

   Oct 19, 2026

   0m
3. 7

   Sales Tax on a Lease Buyout

   Buying out your lease usually means a tax on the purchase, and it varies a lot by state. Here's what to ask. Key takeaways: Most states tax the purchase in some form. How it's figured varies by state. Get the tax in writing before you sign. Transcript:...

   Oct 18, 2026

   0m
4. 6

   The Purchase Option Fee

   A small line on your lease that people skip: the fee many leases charge if you buy the car, and how to plan for it. Key takeaways: Many leases charge a fee to buy the car, set in the contract. It's separate from the residual value. Ask for it on your payoff quote so you compare the full number....

   Oct 17, 2026

   0m
5. 5

   Is Your Car Worth More Than the Buyout?

   Don't trust one number. Three ways to check what your leased car is really worth before you decide to buy it. Key takeaways: Check pricing sites with your exact trim and mileage. Compare real listings for similar cars near you. Get a real offer: it's the number someone will actually pay....

   Oct 16, 2026

   0m
6. 4

   Check the Good-Through Date

   Payoff quotes expire. Why the good-through date matters when you finance a lease buyout, and how to time it. Key takeaways: Payoff quotes expire, often within a week or two. A lender financing your buyout needs a current quote. Line up financing first, then request a fresh quote and send it right...

   Oct 15, 2026

   0m
7. 3

   Over Your Miles? Do the Math Both Ways

   Excess-mileage charges are billed at turn-in. Buying the car usually avoids them, but high miles also lower its value. How to compare the two paths. Key takeaways: Excess-mileage charges are usually billed when you return the car. If you buy the car instead, there's normally no turn-in inspection...

   Oct 14, 2026

   0m
8. 2

   Your Residual Isn't Your Payoff

   The residual value in your lease contract is rarely the check you write to buy the car. Here's what else goes into a real payoff quote. Key takeaways: The residual value in your contract is usually not the full amount you pay to buy the car. A payoff can add remaining payments, a purchase option...

   Oct 13, 2026

   0m
9. 1

   Don't Just Hand Back the Keys

   Before you turn in a leased car, get your buyout price in writing and check what the car is worth. If it's worth more, that difference is your equity. Key takeaways: Ask your leasing company for your buyout price in writing before you turn the car in. Look up what your exact car is worth today,...

   Oct 12, 2026

   0m