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Car Leasing FAQ

When Do You Pay Excess Mileage Fees?

When Do You Pay Excess Mileage Fees?

You typically pay these charges:

  • At lease return

  • After the final inspection

  • Before closing the lease account

The leasing company calculates the final mileage during the end-of-lease inspection.

How to Avoid Excess Mileage Charges

  1. Choose the Right Mileage Allowance

    Estimate your driving habits realistically before signing.

  2. Purchase Additional Miles Upfront

    Some leases allow you to prepay extra miles at a lower rate than end-of-lease penalties.

  3. Monitor Your Odometer

    Track your mileage throughout the lease to avoid surprises.

  4. Consider Buying the Vehicle

    If you’ve exceeded mileage significantly, purchasing the vehicle may eliminate mileage penalties.

Can You Negotiate Excess Mileage Charges?

In most cases, no. The per-mile rate is set in the lease agreement and is not negotiable at lease end.

However, dealerships may sometimes waive small overages if you lease or purchase another vehicle from them.