As your Ford Escape lease winds down, take some time to think about how well it worked for you. Did the size and fuel efficiency meet your lifestyle needs? The Escape is renowned for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and tech-friendly features, including Ford SYNC and available all-wheel drive. Did these enhancements improve your daily drives? Many drivers find themselves surprised at how attached they've become to their Escape by the time the lease ends. Your answers to these questions will help shape your next move, whether it's leasing the latest model, switching to a different Ford vehicle, or going a completely new route.

Every Ford lease comes with a mileage cap, typically between 10,500 to 15,000 miles per year. If you're over that limit, you could face charges of 15 to 25 cents per mile. Therefore, it's worth doing the math before returning the vehicle. It's also a good idea to review the wear and tear on your Escape—look for things like cracked windshields, damaged upholstery, or tires with less than 1/8" tread depth. Ford provides a wear and use guide to help you assess what's considered normal. At Tri-Star Ford Somerset, we can even help you go over your vehicle and let you know what to expect during the official inspection.

The ideal time to schedule your lease-end inspection is 30 to 60 days prior to your contract expiration. This gives you enough time to review the results and address any necessary repairs or excess wear without feeling rushed. Inspections are free and typically performed by an independent third party—not the dealership—so the process is fair and objective. You'll receive a detailed report within a few days, outlining any potential charges. If the report flags anything, Tri-Star Ford Somerset can assist with repairs or even offer solutions that help you minimize or avoid penalties.

Many drivers don't realize how many choices they have at lease-end. You can return your Escape and walk away, lease a brand-new Ford, or buy your current Escape at a pre-set purchase price, often referred to as the "residual value." That number is listed in your lease agreement, and it may be less than what your Escape is worth today—especially if you've kept it in great shape and mileage is low. Our finance team at Tri-Star Ford Somerset can review your options with you, including potential loyalty incentives, current lease deals, and purchase financing rates.

When you're ready to act, we'll make it easy for you. If you're returning your vehicle, please bring it in with the keys, owner's manual, and any accessories that came with it, such as the second key fob or cargo cover. We'll help finalize the return and confirm everything is documented properly. If you're buying your Escape, we can guide you through a straightforward purchase process, including trade-in options and warranty extensions if desired. At Tri-Star Ford Somerset, we've helped hundreds of drivers transition smoothly out of their leases, and we're here to ensure yours is just as stress-free.

At Tri-Star Ford Somerset, we're dedicated to making the end of your Ford Escape lease as easy and straightforward as possible. Whether you're returning your vehicle, upgrading to the latest model, or deciding to buy out your current Escape, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or want to get started, fill out the form below—let's make your next drive your best one yet