What Happens If You Go Over Your Lease Mileage?
You're six months from your lease ending and just realized you're 5,000 miles over your limit. Now what?
Going over your lease mileage isn't the end of the world, but it can be expensive if you're not prepared. Here's exactly what happens and what you can do about it.
The Cost of Going Over
When you exceed your mileage allowance, you pay a per-mile penalty. This rate is specified in your lease contract, typically ranging from:
Economy cars: $0.15 - $0.20 per mile
Mid-range vehicles: $0.20 - $0.25 per mile
Luxury vehicles: $0.25 - $0.35 per mile
These fees are due at lease turn-in, often as a surprise bill many people aren't expecting.
When Do You Pay?
Overage fees are calculated and charged when you return the vehicle at the end of your lease. The dealer reads your odometer, compares it to your allowed mileage, and calculates the difference.
You'll typically need to pay this amount before completing the lease return, though some dealers add it to your final bill or deduct it from any equity.
Your Options If You're Over
Option 1: Pay the Overage Fees
The simplest option. If you're only slightly over and the fees are manageable, just pay them and move on. Factor this into your budget before lease end.
Option 2: Buy Extra Miles Early
Many leasing companies let you purchase additional miles during your lease at a lower rate than the overage penalty—often $0.10 - $0.15 per mile versus $0.25 at turn-in.
Check with your leasing company. If you know you'll go over, buying miles early can save 40-50%.
Option 3: Buy the Vehicle
Here's a secret: if you purchase your leased vehicle, mileage doesn't matter at all. The buyout price in your contract is fixed regardless of miles.
If you love the car and the buyout price is fair, this eliminates overage fees entirely. Plus, you keep a car you know the history of.
Option 4: Negotiate at Turn-In
Dealers want your business. If you're leasing or buying another vehicle from the same dealer, they may waive or reduce overage fees to keep you as a customer.
This isn't guaranteed, but it's always worth asking—especially if you're a repeat customer.
Option 5: Lease Assumption or Transfer
Some leases can be transferred to another person through services like LeaseTrader or Swapalease. If someone takes over your lease, the mileage becomes their responsibility.
Note: Not all leases are transferable, and you may remain liable if the new lessee defaults.
How to Avoid This Situation
The best solution is prevention:
Track your mileage monthly from day one
Know your monthly budget (total miles ÷ lease months)
Adjust early if you're trending over
Consider higher mileage leases if you drive a lot
A few minutes of tracking each month beats a surprise $1,500 bill at lease end.
The Bottom Line
Going over your lease mileage is expensive but not catastrophic. You have options: pay the fees, buy extra miles early, purchase the vehicle, or negotiate with the dealer.
The smartest move? Track your mileage throughout your lease so you're never surprised.
📊 See Your Potential Fees
Drag the slider to see what overage could cost
3,000 miles over limit
$750
at $0.25 per mile
💡 Pro tip: Buying miles early could cost just $450 — saving you $300!