Knauz Continental Autos

Lease-End Guide and Options

The Road Ahead

If you are currently leasing through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, you may have questions about what to expect at the end of your lease.  This guide provides you with an explanation of lease-end options,the procedures to follow at vehicle turn-in, and examples of what we consider "acceptable wear and use."

With three months to go before your current lease ends, you have several exciting choices in front of you. 

The three routes represent your three choices.  The route you travel next depends entirely upon what you plan on doing with your current Mercedes-Benz.  Review the choices that you have ahead  and pick the option that's best for you.

What is the First Class Finish? 
It is our lease-end process that is specifically designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible. The First Class Finish lets you cruise effortlessly through the lease-end process.

 
What choices will I have at the end of my lease? 
1. Return your vehicle
2. Extend your lease
3. Pay off your vehicle
 
What costs will I incur when I turn in my car?
If returning at lease maturity, you are responsible for past due payments, unpaid fees, excess mileage, excess wear and use, and fees and taxes associated with your end of lease.

If you return your vehicle early (prior to maturity), you will be responsible for the above charges as well as remaining payments.

Please review your lease agreement for additional details. Also, for more details, contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer or the Mercedes-Benz Financial Business Center at 1-800-654-6222. 

 
What is the purchase price before or at lease maturity? 
Visit the Account Information section of this website or call our 24-hour Automated Payoff Quote and Account Information Line at  1-800-654-6222. Your original Mercedes-Benz Dealer can also provide a payoff purchase price before maturity.

 
How can I determine my payoff amount? 
For a payoff quote, call our 24-hour Automated Payoff Quote and Account Information Line at 1-800-654-6222. You can also use this web site to access your Account Information or contact your local Mercedes-Benz Dealer for details.

Where should I send my payoff amount? 
For the fastest processing, please send a Cashier's Check to:
 
PAYOFF ADDRESS:
Mercedes-Benz Financial
P.O. Box 9001886
Louisville, KY 40290-1886
 
OVERNIGHT PAYOFF ADDRESS:
Mercedes-Benz Financial
Attn: Payoff - 9001886
6716 Grade Lane
Bldg. 9, Suite 910
Louisville, KY 40213
 
Please print and complete the blank Odometer Statement and send it with your payoff. Also, please tell us the address to which you want the title sent.

 
What is The Three-Point Inspection?
The standard for excess wear and use is set forth in your lease. Mercedes-Benz Financial's unique Three-Point Inspection process helps you understand how many of the important components of excess wear and use are assessed to determine the condition of your vehicle.

The Three-Point Inspection is:
The Credit Card Test: Generally, if exterior and interior damage cannot be seen when placing a credit card over it, then it "passes the test" and you will not be charged.*
Windshield, Lights, Wheels and Tires: A quick visual check of these areas can also help take the guesswork out of the damage assessment process.
Missing Items: Check for the original equipment and verify that scheduled maintenance is up to date.
* The Credit Card Test does not apply to windshields, lights, wheels, tires, exterior cracks, gouges, collective damage or holes in the sheet metal or frame, or other major damage outside of ordinary wear and use.

Your 90 day to maturity package contains complete guidelines for chargeable damage. 

 
What is The Credit Card Test? 
Most vehicle damage happens to the exterior or interior fabric and trim. At Mercedes-Benz Financial, we've created a simple, yet comprehensive way to evaluate when such wear and use becomes damage. Basically, if the damage can be hidden with a credit card, it passes the test and is not chargeable damage. Guidelines for tires, glass and a few others are equally innovative and fair. Three months before your lease ends, we'll send you The First Class Finish - Your Lease-End Guide, which explains the entire process in detail.

How do I know what I will need to repair? 
Before you return your vehicle, take a few minutes to do your own Three-Point Inspection using the criteria in your lease-end guide (sent to you 90 days before your maturity date). You may also contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule an optional Vehicle Condition Review to prepare for your lease-end inspection. 
 
Interior and Exterior
- Is your vehicle free of interior and exterior damage?
- Does it pass The Credit Card Test?
- Is your car free of holes to the sheet metal and frame?
 
Tires and Wheels
- Are all of your tires the same size?
- Is your spare tire and rim in the trunk?
- Are all of your tires free of sidewall plugs, cuts or exposed cords?
- Are all your wheels matching and in good condition (not cracked or broken)?
 
Glasses and Lenses
- Are windows, the windshield and all other glass, lenses or plastic shields free of stars, cracks, holes and plugs?
 
Mechanical and Electrical
- Has all Maintenance Service specified by the manufacturer been performed, and is the most recent documented by:
- A stamped service book?
- A copy of the repair order?
 
Missing and Broken Parts
- Are all factory-installed parts present on your vehicle and not broken?
 
Aftermarket Alterations
- If you made any Aftermarket modifications, were they Mercedes-Benz authorized or installed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer?
 
Mileage
- Is your mileage within the mileage allowance provided for in your lease agreement?
 
 
Who do I contact with Lease-End questions? 
Contact your salesperson, or call a Mercedes-Benz Financial Program Advisor at 800-873-5471. 

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