Your Honda Lease Is Ending — What's Next?
Whether your lease ends in 6 months or 6 weeks, now's the time to understand your options. We'll walk you through every choice — and help you make the smartest move for your situation.
We recommend starting the conversation 3-6 months before your lease ends. This gives you time to explore options, schedule a pre-return inspection, address any wear issues, and make an informed decision — without rushing.
Your Four Lease-End Options
Every Honda lessee has these choices at the end of their term.
Lease a New Honda
The most popular choice. Upgrade to the latest model with new features, safety tech, and style.
How it works: Return your current Honda and sign a new lease on any new Honda in our inventory. We handle all the paperwork — often the disposition fee is waived when you stay with Honda.
Best for: Drivers who love having the newest features, want to stay under warranty, and enjoy the flexibility to upgrade every few years.
Current advantage: As a returning Honda lessee, you may qualify for Honda Loyalty incentives — additional savings on your next lease or purchase.
Buy Your Leased Honda
Love your current Honda? Keep it. You already know its history, condition, and maintenance.
How it works: Purchase your leased Honda at the residual value stated in your original lease agreement. This price was set when you signed — it doesn't change based on current market conditions.
Best for: Drivers who love their current vehicle, have kept it in great condition, or find the buyout price is below current market value.
Pro tip: In today's market, some lease buyouts are below what the same vehicle would cost used. We can help you compare and determine if buying makes sense financially.
Return Your Honda
Walk away with no further obligation. Simple, clean, done.
How it works: Bring your Honda to our dealership, complete the return inspection, turn in your keys, and you're finished. Pay any applicable disposition fee (typically $350-400) and excess mileage or wear charges.
Best for: Drivers whose needs have changed — different vehicle type, brand change, relocating, or simply taking a break from car payments.
Schedule early: We recommend a pre-return inspection 2-3 months out. This identifies any issues so you can address them before turn-in — often cheaper than lease-end charges.
Extend Your Lease
Need more time? Most Honda leases can be extended month-to-month.
How it works: Contact Honda Financial Services (or ask us) to extend your lease on a month-to-month basis. Same payment, same terms — just more time.
Best for: Drivers waiting for a specific new model, need a few extra months to decide, or are between life transitions.
Note: Extensions typically max out at 6 months. Additional mileage during extension counts toward your original allowance.
Your Lease-End Timeline
What to do and when — a simple checklist for Columbia area lessees.
6 Months Out: Review Your Lease
Pull out your original lease agreement. Check your mileage allowance, residual value, and any applicable fees. Start thinking about what you want next.
4 Months Out: Explore Options
Browse new Honda models. Get pre-approved for financing if considering purchase. Compare your buyout price to current market values. Talk to our team about your situation.
3 Months Out: Schedule Inspection
Schedule a complimentary pre-return inspection at our service department. We'll identify any excess wear so you can address it now — often cheaper than paying charges at turn-in.
2 Months Out: Make Your Decision
Decide which option is best. If leasing new, work with us to select your next Honda and finalize terms. If buying, arrange financing. If returning, address any inspection items.
1 Month Out: Final Prep
Clean your vehicle thoroughly. Gather all keys, remotes, manuals, and accessories. Confirm your appointment for return or pickup of your new Honda.
Lease End Day
Bring your vehicle to Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray. Complete final inspection, turn in keys, and — if you're staying with Honda — drive home in your new vehicle.
Potential Lease-End Charges
Know what to expect — and how to minimize costs.
Disposition Fee
A fee charged when you return the vehicle (typically $350-400 for Honda). Often waived if you lease or purchase another Honda from us.
Excess Mileage
Charged if you exceed your mileage allowance — typically $0.15-$0.20 per mile over. Check your odometer against your allowance now so there are no surprises.
Excess Wear & Damage
Charges for damage beyond normal wear — dents, scratches requiring body work, stained interiors, bald tires, etc. Pre-inspection helps you address these early.
Missing Equipment
Charges for missing items — second key fob, owner's manual, cargo cover, etc. Make sure you have everything that came with the vehicle.
💡 How to Minimize Lease-End Costs
- Schedule pre-inspection early — fix issues yourself for less
- Lease or buy your next Honda — disposition fee often waived
- Buy your leased vehicle — no wear, mileage, or disposition fees
- Replace worn tires before return — often cheaper than lease-end charges
- Touch up minor scratches — professional detail can help
Should You Buy Your Leased Honda?
Sometimes keeping your current vehicle is the smartest move.
Your lease-end buyout price (residual value) was set when you signed your lease — it doesn't change with market conditions. In today's market, this can work in your favor.
Consider buying if:
- Your buyout price is less than current market value for similar vehicles
- You've kept the vehicle in excellent condition
- You've driven fewer miles than allowed (that's value you've paid for)
- You love the vehicle and know its complete history
- You want to avoid new car shopping hassles
- You have excess mileage or wear charges (these go away if you buy)
We can help you compare: Bring your lease to us and we'll show you your buyout price versus current market value, plus financing options if you decide to purchase. No obligation — just information to help you decide.
Lease-End Questions
Common questions from Columbia, Lexington & Irmo lessees.
Where do I return my leased Honda?
You can return your leased Honda to any Honda dealer, including Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray. We make the process simple — and if you lease or buy your next Honda from us, we often waive the disposition fee.
What if I'm over my mileage limit?
You'll pay a per-mile fee (typically $0.15-$0.20) for miles over your allowance. If you're significantly over, consider buying your leased vehicle — excess mileage charges don't apply if you purchase it.
Can I trade my lease in early?
Yes. We can work with Honda Financial Services to get a payoff quote. If your vehicle is worth more than the payoff, you may have equity to put toward your next Honda. If not, remaining payments can often be rolled into a new lease.
What's included in a pre-return inspection?
We'll check exterior condition (dents, scratches, glass), interior condition (upholstery, carpets, smell), tires, and all equipment. You'll get a report of any items that may result in charges — giving you time to address them.
Do I have to return the Honda to the dealer where I leased it?
No. You can return your leased Honda to any authorized Honda dealer. If you're in the Columbia, Lexington, or Irmo area, we're happy to handle your return even if you leased elsewhere.
What if my leased Honda was in an accident?
If repairs were done properly by a certified body shop, there typically aren't additional charges. Keep repair records to show the work was done correctly. Significant damage history may affect buyout decisions.
Let's Talk About Your Options
Whether your lease ends next month or next year, we're here to help you make the best decision.
Or stop by — 750 Western Ln, Irmo, SC 29063
Your Lake Murray Honda Dealer
Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray — making lease-end simple for Columbia, Lexington & Irmo families.
750 Western Ln, Irmo, SC 29063 · (803) 392-0488 · View Hours