End-of-Lease Guide

Your lease is ending. Here's what happens, what your options are, and what to ask your provider.

Your Three Options

Exact processes vary by provider. Request written confirmation of your chosen option at least 3 months before lease end to avoid automatic rollovers or rushed decisions.

Surplus / Shortfall Calculator

Enter your residual and the expected trade value to see what you'll receive or owe.

Residual value (ex GST)

Estimated trade/sale value

Residual (inc GST)

$46,818

payable to buy out

Trade/Sale value

$55,000

estimated market value

Surplus (tax-free)

+$12,438

you receive this

See full residual risk analysis across multiple scenarios →

If you're facing a shortfall: the gap must be paid from after-tax funds at settlement — it's not pre-tax. Options include negotiating a higher trade-in price (get 2-3 dealer quotes), selling privately to achieve a better price, or budgeting the difference before lease end. This is why residual value matters at signing — an aggressive residual (set at the ATO minimum rather than a realistic resale estimate) increases your shortfall risk.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Before your lease ends, get clear answers on these. Tick them off as you go.

What is the precise final end date of my lease, and what is the cutoff date for submitting my final option notice?Can you provide a formal itemised End of Lease Payout Document showing the exact ex-GST and inc-GST balloon totals?Does your platform facilitate the dealer trade-in directly, or am I responsible for managing payment handovers between the buyer and your financier?What specific account closeout, lease disposal, or vehicle reconciliation fees will be charged upon termination?What is the current unspent balance in my running-cost account, and what is the processing timeline for returning those funds through my employer's payroll?If I roll into a new lease, does the starting asset valuation map across ex-GST?Is a formal end-of-term wear-and-tear inspection required if I choose to pay out or refinance?If I experience delivery delays on a replacement vehicle, can this lease be extended month-to-month under identical terms?Are there any outstanding maintenance or insurance claims pending that need to clear before my account is fully closed out?

Last reviewed: May 2026

End-of-Lease Guide

Your Three Options

Trade or sell the car

Refinance into a new lease

Pay the residual and keep the car

Surplus / Shortfall Calculator

Questions to Ask Your Provider