US Bank review: I will never lease a car from u.s. bank again 110

Wow, if I had known then what I know I never would have leased through US Bank. I was a very good customer to them- all payments on time and regular maintenance done, I took care of this car, and the thanks I got was to the tune of $2000 in bogus "excessive wear and tear" charges. Their customer service post lease maturation leaves a lot to be desired, and I am just furious at the way they are sticking it to me. I am going to file a complaint with the BBB and small claims court. I am also going to post a sign in my car window that says US BANK CAN SUCK IT! If there is a class action lawsuit against US Bank, I'm am in for sure! I'm tired of these big corporations treating the consumer so poorly- It has to stop!

I just googled US Bank Lease complaints to see if anyone has had issues and this pops up! I just had the inspection for my lease and got the report from an outside contracted vendor for US Bank. $1680 bill. I paid them $1500 a month for this LS460 and this is the thanks I get? I called my dealer and they said they don't use US bank anymore due to too many complaints. I guess they never learn!

I am 52 years old. My wife and I have been leasing two cars every other year for the past 27 years. Never had a problem, never had a turn in charge, never had an issue... until we leased from US Bank. We treat our cars with exceptional care and they are always in excellent condition at turn in time. When I turned in my Cadillac CTS in to US Bank at lease termination, I was SHOCKED to get a subsequent for over $1, 700. There was a $395 "contract termination fee, " a $500 charge for "mismatched" tires (I purchased new ones from the Cadillac dealer 7, 000 miles before turn in, $350 for "scratches, " and a $400 charge for a windshield (even though I had the very minor stone chip professionally repaired). The contract termination fee is ludicrious. They charge you this if you do not buy the vehicle. First of all, if i wanted to but the vehicle I never would have leased it in the first place. Secondly, US Bank turns right around and sells your vehicle at lease termination anyway. They sell it regardless and make you pay anyway. I was furious with all of these charges so here is what I did. I filed a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau and also filed a formal small claims lawsuit in my home town (where I leased the vehicle). I also e-mailed there heirarchy telling them of my extreme dissatisfaction. One week later, one of their lawyers and their Operations Manager called me and told me they were dropping all of the charges. They said a "mistake" had been made. They told me I would still have to pay the $395 contract termination fee, which I reluctantly agreed to do. It is in the original contract and my attorney advised me to pay it. That was all I paid. The other $1, 300 was dropped and I never would have paid it anyway. My credit rating is near 850 and I did not want this to affect it in any way. US Bank counts on my people blindly paying these charges and this is how they make a good deal of profit. Not I and neither should any of you. I will continue to lease vehicles, but never from US Bank again. Lesson learned. I had a horrible experience with US Bank and would not recommend them at all. You do have an option though. Smalls Claim Court and the cost was only $35 to file, which I gladly paid to be vindicated of this nightmare.

I am in the same boat as many of you. I haven't had my car inspected yet, but I've got a few scratches and dings that are going to cost me $$$. My father's US Bank lease is up this month and he got nailed for $200 in excess wear and tear plus the $395 fee. But of course that could go even higher when the "real" inspection is done, OFFSITE and WITHOUT THE LESSEE PRESENT. What a total scam. I called for a payoff because I am 8, 000 miles under, and they quoted me the payoff amount plus sales tax and a $350 purchase fee. What a sec, there's a $395 lease turn-in fee if you don't purchase, yet there's a $350 purchase fee? Another scam. While the $395 turn-in fee is in my lease docs, the $350 purchase fee is not. It just lists my buyout price and then says: plus any applicable fees, taxes, etc. I guess they are masters of covering their butts with vague verbiage. I'll never lease with US Bank again. If you are doing a GM lease, go with Ally. No turn in fee and so far no issues with them.

I have to turn my car in on December 16th...Any advice? I am under miles currently, I have a new set of tires because after driving the car for a year and a half the tires had flat spots in them so under warranty they were replaced. I have a small (about one inch which is considered normal) dent from car doors on each side of the back fender, other than that the car is in perfect condition. Its in my lease contract that I have a $395 termination fee, so I'm okay with that since its in my original lease documents. I'm scared to turn this in after reading the reviews...

I do.

Who wants in on a class action suit?

I have had a very similar experience with US Bank and their "excess wear and tear" charges which I thought were bogus. I stood up to them and refused to pay it. They turned me over to a collection agency and listed me as a "serious delinquent" with the credit bureau which has affected my ability to get low interest loans. I'm 62 years old, I've never been late paying a bill or loan payment in my entire life (with only one exception for a late credit card payment and I paid the penalty fee). What took me years to accomplish and be proud of with my credit, US Bank ruined overnight because I didn't agree with the $170.00 they tried to charge me for excess wear and tear on my leased vehicle. This tactic is clearly a revenue generator for US Bank. Not until we all stand up together and fight them, will this fraudulent activity stop for the consumer. I truly beleive that what "goes around" "comes around" and US Bank will get their payback someday. US Bank is the slimiest bank corporation in the United States. Don't do business with them on any level!

Everything posted here is true; US Bank is terrible. Even the Acura dealership here in Miami told me this was the worst bank I could deal with when I turned in my peice of sh-t Mitsubishi Outlander to them for a real car. Stay AWAY from US Bank Auto Leasing; they'll rape you financially at the end of the lease if you don't want to keep the car! I'm into bullsh-t charges of minor scratches and missing rim center covers; to the front 2 NEW tires not exactly matching the 2 NEW rear tires - total $497 plus $395 end of lease profit for this bank. STAY AWAY!

I've ignored all the US Bank robocalls trying to get me to buy the car. Their records indicate that they have tried to contact me an "excessive" number of times to discuss lease termination. This is another tactic to strongarm the consumer to purchase the car. I am wondering if it is even worth it to paint a half inch scratch on the front bumper of my car if they will charge me for the whole new bumper anyway.

US Bank plain SUCKS! I've had the same experiences listed here with both the branch operation and an auto lease. They charged me a lease termination fee of $395, even though the dealer purchased the vehicle from me! WTF!

I too Have a lease with US Bank that is maturing in 60 days
I am right side up by about $8000.
I wanted to sell the car to car max who made me an excellent offer.
Much to my surprise they told me that could not do so and was only allowed to trade the car in or purchase it my self.
The payoff to the dealer was at market value. Not the residual plus the purchase fee as customary with every other lease I have had.
When I spoke to the bank Very arrogantly they responded that I could buy the car myself but I needed to give them 45 days notice.
Lucky for me I still have 60 days until maturity and will purchase the car
And then sell it to car max.
Do not use us bank they are not honest. Their customer service is zero.
And they will try and get you someway.
If you are in the unlucky position of having a lease with them.
Make you do all your due diligence with plenty of time so you control the ultimate disposition of the vehicle and not them

Having same problems, they are insisting I return the car to original dealer, who is no longer in busines. I live 500 miles away from city where leased and would like to return it to a closer dealer.--Bob

I leased a 2005 Pontiac GTO, at the end of my lease I took the vehicle to Car MAx for appraisal and found that it was worth approx 2000$ more than the residual. After negotiating for a new car at a local dealership, the dealership was told that they could not buy the car for my residual, they would have to paty RETAIL! This ofcourse took my equity out of the deal so the dealership was nice enough to pay off my last payment AND repair a dent in the rear bumper, in return I bought their vehicle at a decent price.
US Bank picked up the vehicle and promptly billed me 600 dollars for excess wear and tear!
Not only did they "cost" me 2000$ in equity, but they insist that I owe them 600$ more!
They can collect when hell freezes over.

US Bank is horrific towards customers at lease end, beware of the ripoff in fees and try to buy your car and they will jack up the price on you and especially the dealer if you are trading it in. BEWARE!

I Agree, I am in the process of terminating a lease with US Bank and the excess wear and tear charges are ridiculous 4 tires at $125 per tire for scratches that can be buffed out and 1 scratch on the bumper for $75. Grand total of $575 for excess wear and tear -- it's a 3 year old car... they all get scratches if you drive the car. Unreal, I will never do business with US Bank again.

I completely agree, we ar had the same problems, being charged $2800 for excessive damages on a leased vehicle, most of the charge for new wheels because they claim the old ones have corrusion. How can you drive a car on Pa's salted roads without getting some corrusion. They want a new car back. Our lawyer feels they are profileing people who have good credit, pay their bills on time and are trying to squeeze extra profits out of them. It is a shame they are getting away with this in America in this day and age.

Well, it's more like We're Being Screwed than them!

Our issues with USBank aren't about a car lease, but about equipment lease for our restaurant.

They have been way over-charging for Property Taxes and Sales Taxes -- and refuse to provide information about our account!

To make matters even worse, on the few tidbits they did provide, they have the wrong address for our restaurant -- so have been making payments to the WRONG CITY, WRONG COUNTY, along with over-charging us sales taxes on tax-exempt equipment.

I presume it's the same company. Sounds like the same bunch of thugs. I guess they just keep the change, huh?

I also agree with these comments! Not only was I forced to purchase my vehicle, but noboby could give me the actual price. They started with all the same BS in the inspection process. The inspector that came out actually told me that the scratches (small) were all very minor. When the lease matured the bill form US bank was $2, 800! I got hit with everything that everyone else did: worn tires, exsesive wear...rust on rear bumper, exsesive wear...they even noted that there was a small chip on the front bumper at that it would have to be REPLACED, funny since I did replace the bumper the day before he came out for the inspection. I ended up finding a buyer at the last minute for $2, 000 less than the buyout(better than $2, 800). Then, the lease maturity department had told me the wrong tax on the buyout and reduced it $261.00, that was great, BUT, they failed to tell the loan department that and they claim I still owe them even after the final "QUOTED" payment was made. I asked them about this and they stated that I would have to figure it out because that was a different department. Don't these small minded bankers talk to each other, I guess not. I will NEVER use them, recommend them or mention anything good about them for the rest of my days. In fact I've printed out a 1' x 1' US Bank logo with a big X through it and put it in the window of my car, my daughters car, my wife's car, and my motorcycle. US BANK = YOU GETTING SCREWED!

Do not lease with US Bank! I am in the process of turning in my 2006 Honda in accordance with US Bank end of lease requirements. I just found this site and read through the three pages of complaints. I have a feeling my bad experience with a US Bank auto lease termination has just begun.

I asked the US Bank lease termination operator for more than one option in terms of inspection service prior to turning in the car. I was told there is only one "approved" option, contrary to what they list on their website under leasing requirements. When I contacted the approved inspector to set up a date for inspection they asked first for the date of termination of my lease. When I told them, they said their first available date was 10 days after the termination date. I called US Bank and asked what options they gave consumers in cases like this. They suggested I purchase the car.

I've ignored all the US Bank robocalls trying to get me to buy the car. Their records indicate that they have tried to contact me an "excessive" number of times to discuss lease termination. This is another tactic to strongarm the consumer to purchase the car. I am wondering if it is even worth it to paint a half inch scratch on the front bumper of my car if they will charge me for the whole new bumper anyway.

Clearly, US Bank is developing its own standards for "wear and tear" that conflict with the industry standard. The fact that they are able to get away with this without legal penalties is shocking. Doesn't this constitute a shake-down of the consumer? How is this any different from a mob-run operation that shakes down or extorts US citizens? And why haven't they been stopped by local, state or Federal authorities? I am truly afraid of what I may be shaken down for and required t o pay once I terminate.
It appears an auto lease agreement with US Bank is something to be avoided at all costs!

I'm more than happy to pile on here. US Bank became my first and only black mark on my credit report when I refused to pay a bogus excessive wear charge. The customer service person I spoke with, who reviewed the photos of the alleged wear (a knick in the headlight smaller than the size of a child's pink nail) said that repairing it shouldn't cost more than $40, but when the bill came, it was $900 for complete replacement of the light, housing etc...After multiple calls, and denied requests to speak to management, I requested that my call logs be pulled so that I could prepare a formal complaint. No response and a few months later, I was notified that my perfect credit had been severely damaged by US Bank. It's ridiculous and sad. Has anyone discussed or have any information on a Class Action suit for all of these complaints?

Here is a more up to date post for those of you thinking of leasing using US Bank...DON'T! Everything here is true and almost identical. It seems they have a history of bogus claims of "excess wear and tear". My 2006 volvo was in excellent condition and 15k under miles. I got my first "not final bill" for $1, 700! Same things...windshield (not a chip in it when I left it at the dealership), alloy wheels dinged (4 yr old car!) and a scratch on the bumper that was not through the paint and about 2" long. They have quite the scam going!

As mentioned here over and over again, I just turned in my 2006 Acura TL. I have leased several vehicles in the past which were thru American Honda. My most recent TL was leased thru US Bank - I had no idea there was a difference, it was just another company to me that my dealer signed me up with! We never had a problem with American Honda - no phantom fees, etc.

Well now US Bank - that's another story!

Here's my story. I turned in my Acura TL a couple of months early. I purchased a new Honda Civic. Negotiating the new car, my dealer agreed to make my last two payments to US Bank. Prior to ending my lease - US Bank was pressing me to buy out the TL - I declined as I wanted a new vehicle. I turned the car in, contacted US Bank and they explained that the turn in process would involve an inspector evaluating the car. Of course, being the trustworthy soul that I am, I figured they would be honest. In the review process the inspector found that 3 of the 4 tires were worn, some minor scratches to the bumpers and a chip in the windshield. Actually, I agreed with those findings. However, in my past leases with American Honda they would allow for this since the rest of the car was in PERFECT condition. I maintained the cars extremely well abiding by the manufacturers suggested maintenance guide - plus maintaining the appearance. US Bank had no such allowance, citing these issues as EXCESSIVE WEAR.

So now, I receive my bill for the excessive wear, excessive milage, end of lease fee ($395.00) plus my last two months lease plus sales tax for these items. I contacted US Bank and told them that my new car dealer said they mailed in a check a few weeks ago to pay the last two months of the lease. The rep acknowledged that there was indeed that payment received.

Okay, now I wait a few weeks for the final bill to come in as I was told it was and of course, it is the same bill as I received before with the payment that my dealer made still marked as unpaid. There was also the sales tax which I had questioned. I never new there was sales tax on excessive milage, wear and tear, lease ending fees, etc. The tax alone was almost $300.00 making my total $3, 496.09

Here's the breakdown...

Termination Fee: $395.00
Excess wear and tear: $1124.80
Excess milage: $643.32
Outstanding rent: $1044.30
Sales Tax: $288.67

I was unaware of the sales tax and once I calculated this I found it to be 9%. The rep told me that was the sales tax for my state (Pennsylvania). I told him that it was 6%.

I spent a lot of time on the phone and explained that I have learned a lesson to never lease a car again and most definitely wnever do business with US Bank. She told me that leasing is not for everyone. I then went over the two months of payment that they claimed was due and she told me that it must be a clerical error and was not marked as received.

Now we are down to $2, 357.80. I was not happy and said I need to work out a payment plan. She said that if I pay by the end of the month they could knock 20% off the bill.

The bottom line here is that I feel like I was scammed by a company that is either unorganized or they just figure to send the bill and maybe the customer will pay!

I will be forwarding this link and my message to my local major news station. They are pro-active when it comes to issues like these. Since I am not the only complaint, perhaps they may consider this as newsworthy.

Mike

I leased a Pontiac Solstice and recently returned it with 24, 000 fewer miles than allowed. You can imagine my surprise when I received a bill for $1578.24 in excess wear and tear charges! They were so nit picking that I had to believe that they were charging me for the dirt left on the vehicle.
I too have leased many vehicles in the past with not one cent charged to me upon returning the car. This bank has truly found a profit center in excess wear and tear.
A couple of scrathes on one chrome wheel amounted to $764.64 to replace that wheel. The trunk was unlatched and the inspector claimed the trunk lid does not close all the way and they want $250.00 to "realign" it. I slammed it shut and fixed it immediately. Then they claimed my door had "prior repair, waves in panel and debris in paint." This car never was painted other than when it came off the assembly line. They waves in the panel and so-called debris in paint could not be detected by the dealer or myself. They also claimed the front bumper cover was "misaligned" and needed to be refinished for $250.00.
When my dealer called them to attest to these facts he was told in no uncetain terms that "this is not your battle to fight" and hung up on him. They also claimed to have offered me an opportunity for "early inspection." I never saw anything of the sort but I did see many offers for me to buy the car which I refused to do at the price they demanded. I suppose the only way to avoid these outrageous charges is to buy the car. They obviously don't want it back so they hit you over the head with these idiotic charges to force your decision.
My advice is to stay away from this company by all means. They are definitely a scam outfit. I will never lease a car or do any business with this bank again.

I just completed a 3-year lease on a 2007 Honda CR-V and, since I had a very low payoff, decided to trade it and buy a new car. Imagine my surprise when the dealer was quoted a payoff amount almost $9, 000 more than my payoff. When I called US Bank, they said, "We're under no obligation to sell anyone the car at YOUR payoff except for the dealership you leased it from."

Where was this in my contract? Oh, it wasn't ! Nor were the fees I am now having to pay to BUY my car in order to keep from losing all my "equity". I guess I'm just lucky they aren't finding a way to charge me wear and tear. I'm still struggling with the buyout paperwork.. evidently, if everything isn't sent in the same package on the same day by registered mail by a certain date, it doesn't count. There is no way these people should be allowed to continue to operate.

I'm reporting them AND the dealership to everyone and anyone I can think of, for all the good it will do.

Well this is my situation. HORRIFYING ans the most STRESSFUL situation I've ever had to deal with... I purchased my Toyota Highlander 11/29/04. Key word "purchased". I return from my honeymoon on 9/3/09 and find out my car was put into a lease by Toyota of Newburgh NY w/US Bank. When I called toyota to discuss my car terms, they repeatedly stated that my car was not a lease and the bank didn't know what they were talking about. Any way, I have been contacting US Bank since September 09 to get clarification on the terms of my loan. I then ask them to fax me a copy of the contract they have on file, because now I know somethings not right, I finally get it 3 weeks later. Believe it or not the contracts DIFFERENT. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION 2 DIFFERENT CONTRACTS. Where it would have the excessive mile amounts and the turn in fees my copy states these terms are N/A( not applicable) the banks copy has it crossed out with initials that I DID NOT do... I've contacted the fraud department, I've contacted the lease end department and I even went as far as writing a letter to the President of the bank Richard Davis and 4 other cronies w/in the company. Certified return receipt letters which they all received. No response. So now I have to get the final inspection done by Data scan, after reading the above comments I am mortified as to what they will come back with. This car on the return will cost me about 10k. I'm am so disgusted and sick I have contacted an attorney. I have every intention on them to court. These bullying and scare tactics are unacceptable. The deceptiveness is a crime in itself which is a civil case which I also plan on pursuing. I have gone to the attorney general here in NY and they have done nothing. We vote these people in to do what?!

I tell you what. .. you are ALL right. I returned my car in April 0f 2009. The billed me for nearly $3, 000 in damages that didn't exist. I turned them into the BBB, and every state, local and federal govt agency that I could find that was even remotely interested in my cause-then I hired a lawyer. USB says they have turned me over for collection and ruined my credit. My lawyer says they better not. They are horrible. Next step? The White House. If President Obama can have a beer with 2 guys who disagree, maybe he can do something about this crooked bank that has taken advantage of so many of us!

I am trying to purchase my vehicle at lease end from US Bank. They are billing me for an extra lease payment "because we have not yet received your lease end payment" which isn't due yet!

Lease end payoff documents provided by USBank have an address that FEDEX says doesn't exist. I called the customer assistance number and she got really snippy with me for questioning the address. I finally was able to ask if the alternate address provided by FEDEX would work, and she said yes.

Terrible people!

U.S Bank is a very slimy organization. I leased a 2005 Corvette through them. I made every single payment on time. The residual value (the amount that the vehicle can be purchased for at the end of the lease) was $23, 000 (and change). A contact of mine sells European Cars, Exotics, etc... He sells 150+ high end cars a month. He is also my neighbor and runs the Finance Department. He told me that he would take the Vette on trade for $28, 000. I called the lease-end department at US Bank and was told I would have to pay $23, 000 (the amount of the residual on my contract), plus sales tax. I explained that I was trading it in and US Bank rep told me that the payoff could be made by the dealer without sales tax.

Needless to say when the dealer called US Bank, they got a payoff of $24, 345, or $1300 more than I was told. I called US Bank and was told they can charge whatever they want for the car. They said they typically charge more for dealers than for customers who purchase the car! Of course, who gets stuck for $1300! ME. Thanks, US Bank of crooks!

The Finance Manager has been running auto financing for 15 years and had NEVER heard of this. His wife is the head of finance for all the Mometum delaerships in Houston (2 BMW, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Porsche, etc...). SHE had never heard of this. A good friend of mine is the head of auto loans for ALL of Chase. SHE had never heard of this.

NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH US BANK

I will also never do business with US Bank again.

I was recently nearing the end of a 48 month lease with US Bank and attempted to sell the car to CarMax, as I have done with other leases in the past, to avoid the frustration of a turn in. I was informed that they have "brand new policy" that prohibits the sale to third parties.

My only options where to 1 terminate early, 2 buy the vehicle or 3 trade to a dealer where I was buying a new vehicle. Fine, I thought...I will trade.

What's my payoff? "Well, YOUR payoff is $xxx" but that is only good for you because we set the residual too low and the car is worth more than that. Dealer calls and get a quote that is nearly $1500 higher!

Can anyone tell me why it would matter to US Bank where they get the money from, so long as they get it? It should be 1 price, no matter where the vehicle ends up, in my opinion. You know they don't it back, just so they can wholesale it auction. They would make less money on it that way for sure.

The only thing I can figure is that the money grubbing executives there are just doing anything they can to make an extra buck somewhere. In other words, there customers are paying for their shortcomings, due to years of predatory lending in other departments. Screw them!

On August 31, we turned our lease car into a Chrysler dealer near us. The car was then termed as "grounded" (out of service). The U.S. Bank just couldn't seem to get an inspector to our home to look at the car in the last 45 days and the lease was to be up on September 16, so the U.S. Bank told us to turn it into the nearest Chrysler dealer. Since we didn't want to incur any additional costs on that vehicle that's what we did. That turned out to be a 2 hour hassle as the dealer tried to get the U.S. Bank's authorization to accept the car...it appeared they did not want the car back. The car sat in the dealer's lot and was not inspected until September 10. We just got an outrageous bill like everyone else on this site. Almost $900 to repair the outside of an immaculate car that was kept in the garage for the last five years and was turned in approximately 3, 000 miles under what was allowed on this lease. This $900.00 bill is open ended as it does not include any engine damage or power train damage...so they state on their bill that there may be more charges coming. When we signed this lease we had no idea that there would be no end to this lease. We also have a $395.00 charge owing at the end of this lease like all of you. What the U.S. Bank is asking all of us for is to have the car restored to a NEW car condition; this is a five-year-old car in excellent condition and anything showing is from "ordinary use!" We were billed for a September payment, which we do not owe. We were not afforded any opportunity to repair any minimal damage since the car is "grounded." What the U.S. Bank is doing here has to be illegal as they are gouging their customers with inflated and unwarranted charges. This is highly immoral and unethical and they seem to be extremely unrealistic and untrustworthy in determing what is considered "ordinary use." I have a feeling they do this to all of their customers no matter how perfect the condition of the car is. Like all of you we paid all of our payments on time and treated the car like it was our own. I agree with all of you who indicated that there should be a class action suit against the U.S. Bank. The courts should determine what "Out of ordinary wear" is. In actuality the U.S. Bank is forcing all lessee's to insure the total car and even a car manufacturer won't do that without an extended warranty and even then not everything is covered. I'm sure there are a lot more of us out there! You can count me in on a class action suit!

HERE'S ONE FOR YOU. I DECIDED TO BUY OUT MY LEASE. I WENT WITH MY CREDIT UNION BECAUSE THEY HAD A WAY BETTER RATE. ANYWAY THEY SENT US BANK A CASHIERS CHECK FOR THE TOTAL BUY OUT AMOUNT ALONG WITH THE SUPPORTING PAPERWORK US BANK PROVIDED. THE LEASE WAS PAID OFF AND I NOW OWN THE TRUCK. BUT WAIT, 2 WEEKS LATER US BANK GOES AND AUTO DEBITS ANOTHER PAYMENT FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT. SO I CALL THEM AND 2 DAYS 5 DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND A TRIP TO THE LOCAL US BANK LATER THEY AGREE THEY STOLED MY MONEY BUT I WILL HAVE TO WAIT 2-3 WEEKS FOR THEM TO SEND ME A REFUND CHECK. WITH ALL THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT ARE REGULATING EVERYTHING WE DO, SHOULDN'T THERE BE ONE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE CROOKED AS HELL BANKS? DO NOT EVER USE US BANK. YOU DON'T NEED THE CAR THAT BAD!

Unfortunatley I didn't find this website sooner. My end of lease was coming up and I started reading all these horro stories about the end of lease inspections and fees. They were ALL TRUE. I leased a 2005 Toyota Sequoia through US Bank. The only damage to the vehicle is a small scrape on one wheel and a ding on the back bumper. The vehicle only has 40, 000 miles (20, 000 under what I was allowed). US bank is charging me $742.20 for what it considers "excess" wear and tear. The vehicle is seriously in excellent condition inside and out. All scheduled maintenance, etc. I have leased 3 other vehicle and NEVER had to pay a dime. When I asked if there was a credit for the low miles they just laughed at me. I told them to expect 60, 000 when it's returned and they said that was my right. They are charging us to repaint the hood, which is absolutely ridiculous - microscopic paint chips. My husband said if they are going to charge to repaint the hood then he is going to spray paint US BANK SUCKS in red paint. Also beware of the $395 termination fee if you don't buy the vehicle. Like I said, I've leased 3 other vehicles and never had to pay a dime.

I leased a Lexus SC430 through US Bank, and once my lease was up they sent an inspector out to inspect my vehicle. They found $3900.00 in excess wear and tear damages. They said a tiny scratch on the door was $290.00 to repair. My tires were worn down, and my factory wheels were after market wheels. After arguing with them for days to correct some of these charges, they reduced the bill for the wheels, and I had the tires replaced. They also were attempting to charge me $250.00 because the "low tire pressure light" was on... which only required putting some air in one tire. In order to get all of this done in a timely manner, they granted me a ten day grace period to turn in my car. Prior to the ten days, I called several Lexus dealership asking to turn in my car, which was denied. They all kept telling me that their car lots were too full to take the vehicle. I called the dealership that I purchased my vehicle from and they gave me the hardest time about returning the car to them, advising me to "have US Bank to pick it up". They finally agreed to take it. I returned the vehicle on the 10th day of the grace period. A few days later I received a phone call from US Bank regarding a payment. I explained to them they that I had returned the car and that I was granted a ten day grace period. At that point I was informed that the grace period was only for eight days and that I had returned the car two days late, and they were charging me an additional $890.00 plus a late fee of $39.00. This has been a nightmare with US Bank... I made note of every person I spoke with at US Bank letting them know that the dealerships were refusing to take the vehicle and each time I was told that I still had time to turn the vehicle in because of the grace period that I was granted. I will never do business with US Bank ever again!

I sent a dispute letter about 2.5 to 3 weeks ago and haven't heard anything back from USBank. I'm guessing in the end, I'll have to pay up, but at least I'll feel better that I made them wait for their money. I also got the impression from speaking to someone there that nobody has ever disputed successfully and they indicated they would just send my account to a collections agency.

We terminated our lease five months ago and had a horrible wear and tear billing statement for a vehicle that was kept like new. We settled up and now they have the balls to bill me for a sales tax increase that they missed.

Wow..wished I had read these complaints 4 years ago. I just got the U.S. Bank treatment, in the form of a final bill for $675 for "body work" for a car that has no noticeable dents or scratches. The car is also very low in mileage and has brand new tires, was meticulously maintained inside and out, and had routine trips to the dealer. It made no difference. A man named "Lonnie" in their lease maturity department even laughed when I said I would challenge this bill, saying "U.S. Bank is noted for it's strict enforcement of their excess wear and tear clause in their lease. (Apparently that would also justify a $40 charge for removing a decal from a back bumper!)

Does anyone have any suggestion on how to fight these guys? or is everyone just paying up and moving on? Please feel free to notify me at yesman2020@aol.com if you have any tips on prevailing against these vultures.

I leased for 5 years as well. My end of lease fees were 2, 800 for ridiculous charges on a vehicle in pristine condition. In addition, they said they were "reserving the right to charge me for any damages or problems with the vehicle not noted at this time". This roughly translates to ... 10years from now they can charge me if they feel like it. Someone I read about paid the $800 he was charged and six months later was charged thousands for a blown engine. I'll tell you what I did, paid the excess miles, the turn in fee and wrote them a letter. In addition, I reported them to the BBB in MN, the State of Georgia Consumer Affairs Office who forwarded my complaint to the Federal Bureau of Consumer Complaints, the dealership in TX where I leased the truck (who, by the way no longer uses USB for these very reasons) and hired a lawyer. I am waiting to see what these crooks do to me next... The stress of dealing with them for 5 years alone was a nightmare now this!

My advice is take pictures of every inch of the car, document everything, pay what you honestly fee you owe, contact the MN BBB and get a lawyer! Good Luck-anyone dealing with these people needs it!

All of these are helpful but please share what you ended up doing! It seems that most of you were charged all these crazy amounts for normal wear but in the end did you end up paying them? If not, how did you get out of it? My lease is currenty under US Bank and I just want to prepare myself when the time comes to turn it in. Do I just count my losses now and already get in my head that I'm going to need to pay in the end.

I have a small ding in the back door (the color is still there, its just a ding), chips on my front bumber from all the rocks hitting it on the highway, and small scratches on the roof from wiping the snow off. But the rest is really clean, typical 3 years of use.

Please tell me the truth...am I doomed?

I can't believe I found this website with all these complaints. My issue is that I left the car at the dealership and I got the inspection report from US Bank and was completely blown away by the $1000 bill for excessive wear and tear. I went on vacation and upon my return (about a month or so after receiving the initial report) I called US Bank and wanted to discuss the charges and for the first time ever on the phone was told that I could view pictures and additional details made by the inspector. At any rate, I told them I wanted to get the car back so I could repair 2 items (as they even offer) and then was told the car was already gone from the Dealership. It was too late for that. I told the guy that their first communication to me w/ the report did not state any time frame that I needed to follow for obtaining my car. Was never contacted prior to them taking it to ensure I didn't want to make repairs myself. They do a very poor job of follow-up and providing all the rules at the end of the lease, or at a minimum, providing you a copy of the lease agreement indicating the exact steps to follow. They guy on the phone said there was nothing he could do, I owed the money and that was it. Plus the $395 fee. So then I told him I'd take my dear sweet time paying them back and he said they would turn me over to a collection agency. Can they do that if you put a dispute to them in writing? Anyway, I'll never use them again for sure! I'm just glad to know that I'm not the only one that got screwed or feels this way about US Bank. At the same time I do hate to hear it has happened to others though.