If you want to return the vehicle, you may want to ask the lessor to inspect the vehicle before scheduled termination and give you an estimate of any difference you might owe between the residual value and the actual value of the vehicle. The inspection may identify some items that could be repaired before you turn in the vehicle. If the cost of the repairs is less than the expected decline in the actual value of the vehicle, it may be to your advantage to have the items repaired.

You may want to ask about the cost-effectiveness of certain repairs. Some items may cost more to repair than the increase in value that would result from making the repairs. In that case, you may not want to make the repairs.

If you decide to make the repairs, you can take the vehicle to a repair shop of your choice, have the necessary repairs made, and return the vehicle as scheduled. If you choose this option, be sure you understand that the fit, finish, and workmanship of the repairs will affect the amount of increase in the vehicle's value. If the repairs are not done well or parts are not of good quality, the increase in value will be substantially less than would have otherwise been the case. The quality of the repairs may affect excess wear-and-tear charges. See glossary entry Excessive wear-and-tear charges.