Turn in leased car with scratches. Should I let dealer take a look?

Question

I have to trade in my car next month but the dealers have been pressuring me to turn it in earlier. I don't mind but my car has a dent on my side and two thick noticeable scratches on my side. I was honest and told the dealer about it and told him I was planning on getting the car fixed, but he said bring it in anyways. I was going to bring it in today, is it a good idea?

Answer 1

If you do this, get a third party inspection form done.  This is a form the dealer fills out noting any damage to the vehicle.  Make sure that you and the dealer both sign a copy noting any dmage to the car.  This will protect you against any surprises.  If you do nto get this form completed, when the leasing company inspects the car yo ucan be charged for all kinds of damage that may occur after the car is out of your posession.

Answer 2

If they are chasing you I would go down and see what they say.  When you are there ask the dealer rep. a point blank question.  "If I get this fixed how much more will the trade in value be".  Then I would get a quote to fix the area from the repair center that most dealerships have on site.  Judge by compairing the two quotes.  My guess would be that fixing it yourself would cost you more in the long run because the dealership would charge you their regular rate while the dealership would do its own work for cost.

Answer 3

They would obviously charge you something to fix the damage to the car. I would get several independent shop estimates 1st to see which is cheaper to fix. Dealer overcharges on every and all service they provide.