How much does going over cost?

Your contract lists a per-mile charge, often somewhere around 15 to 30 cents a mile. Multiply it by how far over you expect to finish. 3,000 miles over at 25 cents is $750.

Is it cheaper to buy miles early?

Sometimes. Some lessors sell extra miles during the lease at a lower rate than the turn-in charge. Ask yours for the price, and whether unused miles are refunded.

Do miles matter if I buy the car?

No. If you buy the car at the end of the lease, there's no mileage charge. You pay the buyout price in your contract instead.

Lease mileage guide

Over your lease miles? 5 options before turn-in

First, find out how far over you'll actually finish, not just where you are today. Then compare: drive less, buy miles, pay the overage, buy the car, or trade early. The earlier you know, the more of these you can choose from.

Step 1: know your number

Being over today doesn't always mean finishing over, and the reverse is true too. The calculator projects your mileage to lease end from your recent driving, and shows how many miles a day you can drive for the rest of the lease.

Your options

1Drive less from hereDivide the miles you have left by the days you have left. That's your new daily budget. Even a modest cut over many months can close a gap of a few thousand miles.
2Buy extra miles nowSome lessors sell miles mid-lease at a lower rate than the turn-in charge. Check the price per mile and whether unused miles are refunded before you buy.
3Pay the overage at turn-inSimplest option: pay the per-mile charge in your contract. It can make sense if you're only slightly over, or if you need the car for the extra driving.
4Buy the carMileage charges only apply when you return the car. If you'd keep it anyway, buying it at the contract price removes the problem.
5Trade or sell it earlyIf the car is worth more than the payoff, that equity can cover the extra miles. Ask your lessor whether they allow dealer or third-party buyouts first; policies vary.

A quick way to compare

Put a dollar figure on each option: the overage charge (miles over × your per-mile rate), the price of buying miles now, and what driving less would cost you in convenience. Then check your contract, because your lease agreement controls every one of these. When in doubt, call your lessor and ask for the numbers in writing.

Want to see your pace before deciding? Here's how many miles you should have right now.

Questions

How much does going over cost?: Your contract lists a per-mile charge, often somewhere around 15 to 30 cents a mile. Multiply it by how far over you expect to finish. 3,000 miles over at 25 cents is $750.
Is it cheaper to buy miles early?: Sometimes. Some lessors sell extra miles during the lease at a lower rate than the turn-in charge. Ask yours for the price, and whether unused miles are refunded.
Do miles matter if I buy the car?: No. If you buy the car at the end of the lease, there's no mileage charge. You pay the buyout price in your contract instead.

Check your own lease in 15 seconds

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