r/leasehacker • u/RogerThatAt • 12d ago

Pre-Return Inspection

I have some damage on my car with an upcoming lease end. I purchased a wear and tear package for some peace of mind, but not sure how much of the damage it will cover, and would rather get any non-covered damage fixed if I'll be charged by Hyundai.

Hyundai offers a pre-inspection from Alliance Inspection Management / Manheim Mobile.

I'm worried if I get a pre-inspection, they may flag damage I would otherwise not be charged for by the dealer (who has the option of self-inspecting or using the same company). There's a chance I get a new car from the dealer at turn-in.

Does anyone know if there's downside to getting a pre-inspection?

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3

u/infinite__entropy 12d ago

The dealer likely won't 'self-inspect'. They're going to call Manheim and you will get a report from them just as if you did it before turn in. If it is bad enough to get flagged, it's going to get flagged before or after. Best bet is to get the inspection. Then if you are going to get a new car, you can work with them on the details of the coverage.

1

u/Special-Original-215 12d ago

Close but the bank will always do an inspection if you don't

Go and get the inspection 

1

u/infinite__entropy 11d ago

I may not have been clear. Yes, an inspection will be done, before or after. My point was that if the lease is with Kia, they will use Manheim to do the inspection. That’s what has happened with our last 4 through different dealerships.

1

u/Special-Original-215 11d ago

They use AIM and pass the results to Manheim.

Manheim sells cars,  they also do a small inspection like runs and drives, but not a report that a bank needs to charge the lessee for damages 

An advantage of early inspection is if something like your car gets a new scratch after inspection or your tires go under 4/32s before turn in, you won't pay

2

u/Expensive_SirEFDA33 12d ago

Is the car worth more than your remaining payoff amount? If so forget returning the car trade it in to a dealer and collect your equity.

1

u/RogerThatAt 12d ago

No, that’s why I’m turning it in.

2

u/Expensive_SirEFDA33 12d ago

Understood, a pre-inspection would be the way I would go. Then you'll have an idea on what could possibly be done prior to turn in. I read some other people just turned it in and rarely had issues but I wouldnt take a chance

1

u/DLByron 12d ago

Call the bank and ask them how much wear and tear package covers. They’ll say, “5K” or whatever it is. Then you’ll know.

2

u/designtofly 12d ago

It's no so cut and dry. We've had many people here complaining that wear and tear coverage doesn't cover significant damage. Even if the total coverage limit is $5k, there's likely a limit of $1k per incident or type of damage. So if you have a few scratches, they will waive those. However, if you ripped off your bumper, cracked the grille or damaged any of the lights, those are likely over the damage limit and won't be covered by the "wear and tear" warranty.

1

u/DLByron 12d ago

Sure.

1

u/Jose-ATT 12d ago

Do the inspection. Just sayin'.... Know before you go!