Brand Guide - Updated January 2026
Toyota Lease Return Guide
Returning a leased Toyota? Toyota Financial Services inspects vehicles for excess wear and may charge for damage beyond normal use. Learn what to expect, how charges are calculated, and how to dispute unfair fees.
Quick Answer
Toyota uses the Credit Card Test for lease-end wear assessment. Damage smaller than a credit card (about 2 inches) typically qualifies as normal wear. The disposition fee is $350, often waived for loyalty. Our users successfully dispute an average of $350 in charges.
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Common Toyota Lease-End Charges
These are typical charges Toyota lessees see at lease return. Charges marked with a green checkmark may be contestable using the Credit Card Test or other defenses.
Potentially Contestable Charges
| Charge Item | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
Minor dents Credit Card Test applies | $100-300 |
Paint scratches Surface scratches may be normal | $125-350 |
Wheel scuffs Minor curb rash often waived | $150-250/wheel |
Interior stains Steam cleaning may resolve | $75-200 |
Windshield chips Small chips often accepted | $50-125 |
Fixed Fees (Generally Non-Negotiable)
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
Missing owner manual Required for return | $50-100 |
Disposition fee Waived for loyalty | $350 |
Excess mileage Lower than luxury brands | $0.15/mile |
Dispute Tip
For any charge marked as contestable, apply the Credit Card Test: if the damage is smaller than a standard credit card (about 2 inches), it typically qualifies as normal wear under industry standards and federal Regulation M guidelines.
Toyota Wear Guide Thresholds
Toyota Financial Services follows industry-standard wear guidelines. Damage that falls within these thresholds is typically considered normal wear and should not be charged.
The Credit Card Test
Industry standard: If damage (scratch, dent, scuff) is smaller than a credit card (approximately 2 inches), it typically qualifies as normal wear. This is your primary defense against unfair charges.
| Damage Type | Normal Wear Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Scratches | Up to 2 inches length | Normal |
| Dents | Up to 2 inches, no paint damage | Normal |
| Tire tread | 2/32" minimum remaining | Normal |
| Interior | Normal wear, no tears or burns | Normal |
| Glass | Minor chips under 1 inch | Normal |
| Wheels | Light cosmetic damage | Normal |
What Counts as Normal Wear
- - Scratches under 2 inches (credit card size)
- - Minor dents without paint damage
- - Light interior wear from normal use
- - Small windshield chips not affecting visibility
Likely Chargeable Damage
- - Deep scratches with paint damage
- - Large dents (over 2 inches)
- - Interior tears, burns, or stains
- - Cracked windshield or major glass damage
Legal Authority: Under Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013.4), lessors must disclose standards for determining excess wear. These standards must be reasonable and applied consistently.Toyota's wear guide represents their interpretation of reasonable standards.
Toyota Inspection Process
Toyota Financial Services conducts inspections through dealerships or authorized third-party inspectors. You can schedule a pre-inspection through your local Toyota dealer.
Tips for Toyota Lease Return
- Toyota has some of the most reasonable lease-end terms in the industry
- TFS excess mileage rate ($0.15/mile) is lower than most competitors
- Pre-inspection available through Toyota dealerships 30+ days before return
- Toyota Lease-End Protection covers up to $5,000 in wear if purchased at signing
- Consider purchasing your Toyota at lease end - resale values are typically strong
Dispute Unfair Toyota Charges
Our tool analyzes your TFS inspection report against industry standards and generates a formal dispute letter citing Regulation M and the Credit Card Test.
Dispute Letter
Cites Regulation M & OEM guides
Credit Card Test Analysis
Industry-standard defense
Documented Savings
Average $1,200 disputed
$29 - Avg Toyota dispute: $600 - Potential 20x return
Toyota Financial Services Contact
Phone
1-800-874-8822Website
TFS PortalMailing Address (for disputes)
Toyota Financial Services, P.O. Box 105386, Atlanta, GA 30348-5386
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Toyota charge for excess wear?
Toyota Financial Services charges are generally more reasonable than luxury brands. Expect $100-350 per damage item. TFS follows the industry-standard Credit Card Test - damage smaller than a credit card (about 2 inches) typically qualifies as normal wear.
What is Toyota's excess mileage charge?
Toyota typically charges $0.15 per excess mile - one of the lowest rates in the industry. Compare this to luxury brands that often charge $0.25-0.30 per mile. If you're over, calculate whether paying mileage fees or purchasing the vehicle makes more financial sense.
Does Toyota charge a disposition fee?
Yes, Toyota charges a $350 disposition fee at lease end. This fee is waived if you lease or finance another Toyota through TFS. The fee is disclosed in your lease agreement and is standard for the industry.
Can I return my Toyota lease at any dealership?
Yes, you can return your Toyota lease to any authorized Toyota dealership, not just the one where you leased. However, it's recommended to contact both your original and return dealership to ensure a smooth process.
Is Toyota strict about lease return inspections?
Toyota is generally considered one of the more lenient manufacturers for lease returns. They follow standard industry wear guidelines and are often willing to work with customers on borderline charges. Pre-inspection is still recommended.
What if I disagree with Toyota lease-end charges?
You can dispute TFS charges by contacting customer service with documentation (photos, measurements). Reference the Credit Card Test and Regulation M requirements. Toyota has a reputation for reasonable dispute resolution compared to some competitors.
Compare Other Brands
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Based on Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013) and Toyota Financial Services wear guidelines