Pat Milliken Ford Lease FAQs
General Lease End Questions End Questions
When does my lease officially end?
Your lease end (maturity) date is shown on your original lease agreement and on each monthly statement. This is typically 30 days after your last payment is due.
What are my options at the end of my lease?
At lease end, you can return the vehicle, purchase it for the agreedupon buyout price, or move into a new Ford lease or finance another vehicle. Regardless of where you initially leased your vehicle, Pat Milliken Ford can help with any of these options!
When should I start the leaseend process?
We recommend starting conversations with us about 90 days before your lease ends so there is plenty of time to inspect the vehicle, review your options, and take advantage of any loyalty programs. Of course if you’ve waited to the last minute we can still help – in many cases we can help you terminate your lease and get into a new vehicle in as little as one day.
Do I need to schedule a leaseend inspection?
Yes. Ford Credit typically provides a complimentary prereturn inspection that helps identify any potential excess wear or mileage charges before you turn in the vehicle. If any charges are identified, Pat Milliken Ford can help you determine the best way to deal with these. In some cases they can even be waived!
Can I end my lease early?
There are a number of ways to terminate your lease early. We recommend you reach out to one of our leasing experts to talk through your unique situation and see what options work best for you.
What happens if I’m over my mileage allowance?
If you exceed your contracted mileage, the lender charges a permile fee outlined in your lease agreement. These charges are assessed at lease end. We recommend you contact our lease specialists to discuss ways you can avoid paying out-of-pocket for these charges.
What counts as normal wear and tear vs. excess wear?
Normal wear includes small scratches and dings and light interior use. Excess wear includes larger dents or scratches, cracked glass, damaged wheels or stained upholstery.
Can I make repairs before turning in my vehicle?
Yes. Making repairs before turnin can sometimes be more costeffective than paying excesswear charges. However we recommend speaking with one of our lease specialists before you spend any money – we can help you find the most cost-effective way to make repairs and in some cases even get these charges waived!
Are there any leaseend fees I should expect?
If you return the vehicle and do not lease or purchase another Ford, lenders typically charges a disposition fee as listed in your contract.
Do I need to return the vehicle to the same dealership where I leased it?
No. You can return your leased vehicle to any authorized Ford dealership. Pat Milliken Ford is one of the largest leasing centers in the country and experts as helping our customers find the best lease end options regardless of where they originally leased their vehicle.
Turning In the Lease (Lease Return)
What do I need to bring when I return my leased vehicle?
Bring all keys, owner’s manuals, and any factoryinstalled equipment that came with the vehicle.
Do I need to return both keys, manuals, or accessories?
Yes. Missing items such as a second key or charging cable may result in additional charges.
What happens if something is missing?
The lender may assess a replacement fee based on the item and vehicle model.
How is excess wear and tear determined?
Excess wear is identified during inspection using the lender’s published wearanduse guidelines. If you’re worried about this we suggest a pre-termination inspection.
Will I get a bill after I turn in the vehicle?
Possibly. If there are mileage overages, excess wear, or unpaid fees, a final statement will be mailed. This can be avoided by working with our leasing specialists to review your specific situation in advance of lease termination.
Can I turn in my lease early without penalties?
There are typically no “penalties” for turning your lease in early, however if you do this without planning you will still owe the remaining payments. Our lease specialists can review your situation and in many cases can help reduce or eliminate these costs.
Can I dispute wearandtear or mileage charges?
Yes. Ford Credit allows disputes within a specific time period after the final bill is issued.
Buying Out the Lease (Lease Purchase)
What is my lease buyout price?
Your buyout price is the customer purchase option value shown in your lease contract, plus applicable taxes and state fees.
Is the buyout price negotiable?
No - that buyout amount is set at the beginning of the lease.
Does my buyout price include taxes and fees?
Taxes, title, and registration fees are added at the time of purchase.
Can I finance my lease buyout?
Yes. You can finance through Ford Credit or another lender, subject to credit approval. Pat Milliken Ford can review your options with you.
Can I use my current vehicle as a tradein instead?
Yes. If the vehicle is worth more than the buyout price, any equity can be applied toward another Ford. This is one of the reasons we recommend working with a leasing specialist at Pat Milliken Ford well in advance of your lease termination date.
Is buying my leased vehicle a good financial decision?
While it can be if the buyout price is lower than market value or if you prefer to keep a vehicle you already know, in most cases it is not. In addition you often lose out on loyalty incentives by buying out your lease. We recommend reviewing all of your options with one of our leasing specialists.
How does my vehicle’s market value compare to the buyout price?
Pat Milliken Ford can provide a current appraisal to help you compare values.
Can I buy the vehicle before the lease ends?
Yes – Pat Milliken Ford can help you evaluate your options at any point during your lease.
What happens if I want to sell or trade the vehicle after I buy it?
Once purchased, the vehicle is yours and can be sold or traded like any owned vehicle.
Are warranties or protection plans available if I buy it?
Yes. Fordbacked extended service plans may be available at the time of purchase and we highly recommend reviewing these options.
Leasing a New Vehicle (Lease Renewal)
Can I lease a new vehicle before my current lease ends?
Yes. Many customers lease a new Ford 30–120 days early, especially if incentives are available.
Are there loyalty or pullahead programs available?
Ford frequently offers loyalty incentives to help customers renew their lease early.
Can remaining payments be waived or rolled into a new lease?
In some cases payments may be waived; otherwise they may be rolled into the new lease, pending approval. The lease specialists at Pat Milliken Ford are happy to review your options with you.
What incentives or lease specials are available right now?
Incentives change regularly. In addition to viewing our specials, we recommend talking to one of our leasing specialists to review private offers that may be available to you as a returning lessee.
How much will my payment change on a new lease?
Payments vary based on vehicle price, incentives, interest rates, mileage, and term length. Our team will work with you to find options that fit your budget.
Can I keep my payment about the same?
Often yes, depending on vehicle selection and available incentives. Its important to note that returning lessees often get additional incentives to keep their payments affordable. In some cases we are even able to lower your payment!
Should I lease again or finance this time?
Most customers choose to continue leasing but our sales team can review both options with you. Leasing typically works well if you prefer newer vehicles and don’t have to worry as much about expensive maintenance and repairs.
What lease terms should I choose next?
Most customers choose 24–39 months and mileage that matches their driving habits. To avoid charges down the road, you should be realistic in choosing the mileage you expedt to need.
Can I switch to a different model or vehicle type?
Yes. You can lease any eligible Ford vehicle.
How does my current vehicle’s condition affect a new lease?
Excess wear or mileage charges may apply unless covered by a Ford program. Let our lease specialists review your options – in many cases these charges can be reduced or even waived when you renew into another Ford.
Financial & Credit Questions
Will turning in my lease affect my credit?
As long as payments and any leaseend charges are paid on time, it should not negatively affect your credit.
Do I need a credit check to lease again?
Yes. A new lease requires a new credit application. We can easily help you with that using our online credit application.
What happens if my credit situation has changed?
Approval terms, rates, or required down payment are based on each customer’s unique credit situation. Our finance team are experts at helping you navigate your options. There are also finance programs available exclusively for renewing lease customers to help address this concern.
Can I add or remove a cosigner on my next lease?
Yes, subject to lender approval.
Can leaseend charges be rolled into a new deal?
Often yes, depending on credit approval and program guidelines. However we recommend working with our team to find ways to minimize these charges as much as possible.
Timing & Planning Questions
What’s the best time to decide—30, 60, or 90 days out?
30–120 days gives you the most flexibility and access to programs.
What happens if I wait until the last minute?
You may have fewer options but we can still help. We can even help customers on the last day of their lease!
Can I extend my lease for a short period?
Typically Ford Credit will only allow you to extend your lease if you’ve ordered a new vehicle and are still waiting for it to arrive.
What if I need more time to find my next vehicle?
We can typically help you find the vehicle you’re looking for in plenty of time. In the rare occasion where this isn’t possible, Ford Credit will typically allow you to extend your lease while you wait for your new vehicle to arriveAsk about lease extensions or interim options through Ford Credit.
Can I keep driving after my lease maturity date?
Only with Ford Credit approval, usually through an approved extension. Discuss this with our leasing team as soon as possible!