Those who lease a car...

I am new to this. DH squeezed the garbage can btwn my new car and the porch railing resulting in scratches along the side of my car

Now, pardon my ignorance, but what should I do? Should I just ignore it (I could live with it, I don't really care) or do I have to get it fixed? How does this whole thing work? I have always owned my cars...

Re: Those who lease a car...

It depends...when I leased my Honda Civic I had gotten two big dings in my door, that I didn't get fixed. BUT, I had a clause in my lease that allowed up to $1500 in damages upon lease termination. So, I was in the clear and didn't have to pay anything at the lease end.

Now I have an Altima, and I don't think they offer the same deal. Of course, so jacka$$ dinged my door big time at Target...but I don't intend on getting it fixed...at least until I know what my next car will be. If I lease another Nissan, they'll probably let it slide.

I guess if you want your car to look cosmetically perfect...you could opt to get it fixed.

HTH

Re: Those who lease a car...

I bought the smart lease option so I dont have to really worry about minor damage. (like pp I am covered for damage under a certian dollar amount)

When you take the car back if you are going into another lease, they may overlook it.

If not they will charge you for the damage.

Maybe the scratches can just be buffed out???? If you are in the beginning of your lease I would just wait for a while and see...

Message edited 6/30/2007 10:35:39 AM.

Re: Those who lease a car...

Wait untill the end of your lease to fix it because you might get more dings by then. If you have a clause about minimal damage ignore it.

Re: Those who lease a car...

I live in Long Beach and I have to tell you this has to be the worst place to live with a leased vehicle - especially in the summer. People constantly bump and ding my car while they are parking or leaving.

Overall I have some minor dings and scratches. There's a place that will do a full detail and buff out the dings and remove the scratches.

However, like the previous poster said - they also may let it slide.

Re: Those who lease a car...

Wait until the end of the lease. If you decide to get another car from the same dealer, they may overlook the damage.

Re: Those who lease a car...

Thank you for all your advice. I am going to wait. I was totally stressing it and I felt bad b/c DH totally didn't mean to do it. Thanks!