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First Class Finish: Lease Return Options

At the end of your Mercedes-Benz lease term, you have two options. You may either return your vehicle or purchase it.

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Return Your Vehicle

You can return your vehicle at the end of your lease and choose another brand-new Mercedes-Benz model to lease instead.

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Purchase Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is too good to let go, you can purchase it and skip returning your vehicle altogether.

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Preparing for the End of Your Lease

If you choose to return your vehicle, the process starts about four months prior to your lease end date. Mercedes-Benz of Chicago is happy to assist you with the lease return process. There are only four simple steps you will need to follow.

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Lease-End Steps

  1. Step 1: Schedule Your Vehicle Pre-Inspection

    First, you will need to schedule a complimentary third-party inspection of your vehicle. This can be completed at a time and location that is most convenient to you, including at your home, at work, or any other location that best suites you.

    You can visit www.autovinlive.com/Login to schedule an appointment online or contact Mercedes-Benz of Chicago for more information.

  2. Step 2: Review Pre-Inspection Results

    After you inspection is complete, you can review the results on www.autovinlive.com. If necessary, you will want to repair any excess wear and use that might have occurred during your lease to avoid any charges at lease-end.

  3. Step 3: Return You Vehicle

    After the vehicle inspection is complete, contact Mercedes-Benz of Chicago to schedule a day and time to return your vehicle. Make sure to also disconenct your vehicle from your Mercedes me connect account. You can do so in the Mercedes me portal: https://me.mercedes-benz.com.

  4. Step 4: Lease-End Statement

    After returning your vehicle, you will get your final lease-end statement in the mail. This statement details any charges incurred for mileage overages and/or excess wear and use. These charges will be based on the final, third-party vehicle inspection that will be conducted at vehicle turn-in.

Assess the Condition of Your Vehicle

Prior to having your vehicle inspected, we suggest checking over it yourself and making any necessary repairs at Mercedes-Benz of Chicago beforehand. This will ensure the third-party vehicle inspection and lease return process is as seamless as possible.

You can use The Credit Card Test® and the vehicle condition guidelines below to determine if your vehicle has incurred excess wear and use that you may be charged for at lease-end.

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The Credit Card Test®

Not sure if you will be charged for that scratch or ding? Feel free to use The Credit Card Test® to assess your vehicle’s exterior damage. Generally speaking, if exterior damage cannot be seen when a standard size credit card is placed over it, you won’t be charged.*

Interior & Exterior

The following vehicle conditions will result in excess wear and use charges:

Tires & Rims

The following vehicle conditions will result in excess wear and use charges:

Mechanical & Electrical

The following vehicle conditions will result in excess wear and use charges:

Aftermarket Modifications

The following vehicle conditions will result in excess wear and use charges:

Missing Parts

Prior to turn-in, be sure to remove all personal items from the vehicle, complete all scheduled maintenance,

Mileage Provisions

If your mileage is over the maximum number of miles allowed on your Lease Agreement (plus any additional miles purchased midterm), an excess mileage charge will be assessed at vehicle return. Refer to your Lease Agreement for the per-mile rate.


*The Credit Card Test® does not apply to any of the following: damage to windshields, lights, wheels, tires, exterior cracks, gouges, holes in the sheet metal, collective damage, tears, cuts, holes, or burns to the interior.