Need advice - damage to leased car

[DavidS]

For the first time, we have leased a car (Volvo S60). The car is coming off lease next February and we plan to turn it in for a newer or different model.

This morning, my wife called to tell me that she hit a high curb while trying to park at her office. Only the front bumper on the driver's side is damaged, but "it looks like someone went at it with a cheese grater."

We obviously want to get it repaired and will eat the cost (i.e. not report it to our auto insurance). Do we have to get it fixed through the dealer's body shop or can we take it anywhere? How will this affect us when we turn it back in in a few months?

Edit:
1) I'll be also doing a Google search for this info.
2) I know that I need to read through all the leasing documentation very carefully. It is at home, so that is part of this evening's homework.

[rgG]

I believe you can get it fixed wherever you want, since it is just cosmetic.
As long as it looks like it never happened, you should be good to go.

[fauch]

Yeah just get it fixed in a way that they "won't notice" when you give it back...

[Michael]

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

[Speedy]

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[M A V I C]

I had someone hit my front bumper, leave a black streak, on a leased car many years ago. I was debating on trading it in or buying it at the end of the lease. When I was at the dealer, they said it wasn't an issue.

A lot of dealers have on site companies that do minor body work for things like that (potentially.) They might be able to fix it for a pretty low price.

I'd ask the dealer. Plus I wouldn't get it fixed until the end of the year at the earliest - if the same spot gets smacked again, you'll have to get it fixed twice

[testcase]

Before going to all that trouble and expense, why not check with the dealer you'll be getting your next vehicle from? If its truly minor cosmetic damage, it will be easy for a dealer to have repaired. If they really want your business, they shouldn't slam you a over minor item. Even if they deduct slightly more than you'd pay for a repair, you'd have far less aggravation.

[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.

[DavidS]

Here is a picture of the damage. It is on the very bottom of the front bumper, driver's side. It wold be great if a body shop could just sand it down smooth and repaint/refinish it, but I have no idea if that is an option. I have a bad feeling they are going to quote me the cost of a new bumper.

And yes, this does count as excessive wear and tear (any scratches more than 2" long).

[Harbourmaster]

That should be easily repaired by a competent body shop... a little touch-up and a fresh coat of "Rock Guard"* and it will be invisible.

*Rock Guard is the product that gives the lower portion of the bumper the rough/stippled texture, it is there to help prevent and hide damage from small road debris.