Leasing and sale · Alcobendas
Preparing your car for lease return or sale
At a lease return, dents are charged as damage, and in a sale they reduce the price. Before you hand the car over, we check it all under the lamp and remove what we can without paint, so it reaches the inspection or the buyer in its best condition.
- Typical time
- Same day
- Where
- Workshop or on site
- Warranty
- 24 months in writing
- Quote
- Free from a photo, < 2 h
What gets charged at a lease return inspection?
Damage beyond normal wear according to the company's guide, and dents above a certain size are usually included.
Each company has a return guide defining what counts as normal wear and what counts as damage. They usually measure dents by diameter and consider whether the paint is damaged. Whatever is classed as damage is charged at body shop rates, often including paint.
The Spanish Vehicle Leasing Association (AER) publishes general information for drivers. Also check your company's specific guide, usually in your customer area.
What does the pre-return check involve?
We check the car panel by panel under the lamp, show you every dent and give you a per-panel quote so you can decide what to repair.
- We run the lamp over every panel: doors, wings, bonnet, roof, tailgate and pillars.
- We mark and photograph every dent.
- We give you a per-panel quote and tell you what is worth repairing.
- We repair what you approve, usually the same day.
- We give you before and after photos, useful if the inspection is disputed.
Most of what we find are parking dents and door dings. If you cannot bring the car, we come to your home or office with our mobile dent repair service.
Repair before returning vs. paying at the inspection: which works out better?
Quick answer: removing dents without paint before a lease return usually works out better than paying at the inspection, because damage there is priced at body and paint rates.
| Criterion | Repair beforehand | Pay at the inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Fixed PDR quote | Company assessment, often including paint |
| Control | You decide what to repair | The inspection decides |
| Timing | Your choice | At hand-over |
| Evidence | Before and after photos | The inspector's photos |
Is it worth removing dents before selling your car?
Yes, because a car with no dents and no resprays looks better cared for, sells faster and gives buyers fewer reasons to haggle.
Buyers and traders run a paint gauge over the body more and more often. A visible dent invites a lower offer; so does a resprayed panel. Removing dents without paint deals with both.
Our blog explains which dents can be removed without paint. If you manage many vehicles, see our service for dealers, leasing and fleets.
More services from Varillero Coche
Frequently asked questions
What do people ask about lease returns?
What we get asked before a car is handed back.
How far ahead should I bring the car?
Ideally three to six weeks before the return. That leaves time if several panels need work or something needs paint at another shop.
Do leasing companies charge for small dents?
It depends on their fair wear and tear guide. Many accept very small marks but charge for dents above a certain size or with damaged paint. Check your company's guide.
Will the inspection show that the dent was removed?
No. Because nothing is painted, the gauge reads the original thickness and the panel is as it left the factory.
Do you also check scratches and wheels?
We check the whole body and point out what we see, but our speciality is paintless dent removal. For deep scratches or wheels we recommend a specialist.
Is it worth it when selling the car?
Yes, especially if you are selling privately or to a trader who checks with a gauge. A car with no resprayed panels sells faster and negotiates better.
Free quote from a photo
Can you send us a photo of the dent?
We reply with a fixed quote within two working hours, with no obligation.
Take 2 or 3 photos in daylight: one from a distance showing the whole panel and one at an angle where you can see the reflection bend. That is enough for us to tell you whether it can be repaired without paint, how long it takes and what it costs.
- C. Valgrande, 10, Nave 1, 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid)
- +34 673 50 67 93
- info@varillerocoche.es
- Monday to Friday: 9:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00
Tell us what happened to your car
We reply with your quote by phone or WhatsApp. You can attach up to 3 photos of the dent here or, if you prefer, send everything via WhatsApp.
Last updated: . Written and reviewed by David, PDR technician and founder of Varillero Coche.