LanceK

Any advice on what I need to do before turning in to avoid charges?

TIA

nicoff

It depends on the leasing company. I recall that one company provided a template (about a credit card size) and said that anything smaller than that size was considered "normal" wear and tear and you did not have to pay for it.
Another company made an allowance of about $1-$1.5k (cannnot recall exact amount) and stated that as long as the aggregate cost of items to be repaired were below that threshold you were OK. You should check with your leasing company (they may send you a checklist of what they are looking for).
One last note: beware of tires. If your tires are going to be borderline at the time you turn the car in, you may be exposed to paying for a new set of tires that someone else (not you) will enjoy. I suggest you get a new set of tires earlier and enjoy them before turning the car in.

LVDell

Have you thought about contacting your leasing company???

Sanjeevan

What is your residual, it has to be much less than the market value. Why not try to sell it ?...you may even get a trade-in higher than most residual.

LanceK

Of course, but I wanted to get an unbiased view of people's real time experiences. I'm sure the leasing company (PCA) will give me generic information.

LVDell

Are you going to be purchasing another car from the dealer you turn it in to? If so, that might also make the process that much easier and they might even waive the return fee that is charged. I think it is sometihng like $350 for PCNA.

TT Surgeon

They usually wave fees if you re-lease.

teflon_jones

A lot depends on the inspector you get that comes to inspect your car. Basically though the best thing you can do is to contact your leasing company and ask for a lease return checklist. They pretty much stick to those pretty well.

UserA

Don't want to sound like a jerk here, but grease some inspectors and they will take a car back without wheels. Won't work all the time and may even blow up in your face, but if you feel them out and get the right guy $500 could save you 2K.