Need advice - damage to leased car

[Gareth]

Michael wrote:
If you want to maintain a low profile, I'd use a smaller repair place that doesn't report to Carfax.

Not sure what the criteria is, but I had a vehicle go to a body shop twice (both insurance claims), and neither incident showed up CarFax when I sold it later on.

I don't lease myself, but I once had to turn in a leased car for a friend. Towards the end of the lease, they'll send someone out to inspect the car and give you a list of charges for unusual wear and tire, excess mileage, etc. I imagine at that point, you could decide if it's cheaper to pay the dealer, or fix it yourself, or if you're going to lease another car with the same dealer, you can probably make a deal.