Advice on End of Lease Return Fines

[tonypwatson]

Hi All,

3 years ago I leased a car on a personal 3 year leasing deal. Subsequent to this, I have been battling with a nasty strain of cancer that has limited my ability to work. This is now sorted out, thank God, however, during the period of my illness, I was unable to service the vehicle due to lack of funds.

Of the 4 services that the vehicle should have had during the period, it has had 2.

The car is immaculate, and I have self serviced etc.

The question is what is the likely fine going to be for missing these 2 services.

Just a ballpark if any of you know?

Thanks
Tony

[isplumm]

Hi,

Have you thought to contact the company & explain situation ... they may be sympathetic ...

Mark

[nomoneytoday]

It may be the cost of the services, or the difference in car value...or nothing :)

[DealDrivers company representative]

First stop would be to dig out your original contract terms and read them, if they don't give you the answer call the company in question -each will have their own policy on this - they'll need something in place to enable them to recoup any loss in value due to the car having no full service history when it has to be re-sold.

Their original valuation at the appointed sale time would have been based on them being able to sell with a "FSH".

I know it is too late in this unfortunate instance (and no doubt you had more pressing things to worry about, I'm sure!) but for other users, always communicate with, and maintain open dialogue with, with the company who owns the car....keeping them informed of a problem when you can't maintain the car as contractually obliged, means a potentially less harsh result - as in this case you're about to tell them the bad news about missing services only just as the car is due to be returned to them.

On a general note, whilst a car still has a warranty, not having it serviced properly when required is likely to affect the warranty..and therefore its value...so its owner deserves to know so they can plan around it.

[Hintza]

An option might be to ask for a price to buy the car before you open your hand? Do some research and see if it is a good deal.