Wear and Tear Guide
These standards define how vehicle condition is evaluated when you turn in your vehicle. They ensure fairness for customers and consistency across inspections.
1. Purpose
This guide outlines what counts as normal wear (no charge) and excess wear (reduction to buyback amount).
It is incorporated by reference into the Customer Acknowledgment.
In case of conflict, the Customer Acknowledgment governs.
Final condition determinations and any related Buyback Amount adjustments are made as part of the inspection process.
Photographs must be taken in daylight or equivalent lighting per the submission instructions. Areas that cannot be assessed due to photo quality may require resubmission.
FlexPass is administered by LeasePass LLC ("LeasePass LLC", “FlexPass", “Company”, "we", "us", or "our").
2. General Expectations
A returned vehicle must:
Be safe, drivable, and free from warning lights.
Be clean inside and out. If the vehicle requires detailing beyond a standard wash to reach retail-ready condition — including stains, heavy soiling, pet hair, or odor treatment — a detail charge of $250 will be deducted from the Buyback Amount.
Contain all original keys, manuals, and accessories.
Have all systems functioning normally.
Have no open safety recalls; any open recall must be remediated prior to turn-in or the cost of remediation will be deducted from the buyback amount.
Be free of aftermarket badging, decals, dealer stickers, or adhesive residue
Have factory floor mats present and in serviceable condition for all seating positions
If damage exceeds the limits below, or maintenance was neglected, the buyback amount may be reduced based on reasonable market repair costs.
3. Condition Categories
Mileage
Normal: Within the mileage limit shown in your agreement
Excess: Above the limit — charged per mile as listed in your agreement
Tires
Minimum tread depth: 5/32" across all tires
Condition: No plugs, sidewall cuts, dry rot, or exposed cords
Matching: All four tires must match in brand, size, and speed rating
How to check your tread with a penny: Insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down into the tire. If the tread covers the top of the Lincoln Memorial, your tread is above 6/32" and passes. If the top of the Memorial is visible, your tread may be below our 5/32" minimum. You can also have it measured at any tire shop, most of which check tread for free.
If tread is below 5/32" or if tires are mismatched, damaged, or unsafe, the Buyback Amount will be reduced to replace the tires.
Wheels
Normal: Minor scuffing under 1 inch on one wheel, with no structural bend and no exposed bare metal
Excess: Any bent, cracked, corroded, or mismatched wheel; curb rash exposing bare metal; scuffing on more than one wheel; or any single scuff 1 inch or longer
Exterior (Paint, Panels, Body)
Acceptable:
One small ding, under 1 inch, without paint break, anywhere on the vehicle
Up to 4 paint chips under 1/8 inch, limited to the front bumper, hood leading edge, and rocker panels
Scratches under 2 inches that do not expose metal or primer
Reduction to Buyback Amount:
Any dent 1 inch or larger, or more than one ding on the vehicle
Any scratch through the paint, or any surface scratch 2 inches or longer
More than 4 paint chips, chips outside the areas listed above, or any rust, corrosion, or substandard paint repair
Cumulative cosmetic wear that, while individually within the limits above, would require more than $500 in reconditioning to bring the vehicle to retail-ready condition
Measurements are assessed straight-line on the surface; curved lengths are not counted.
Glass & Lighting
Normal: One chip under 1/4 inch, outside the driver's line of sight
Excess: More than one chip, any chip or crack 1/4 inch or larger, any damage in the driver's viewing area, hazed or yellowed headlamp lenses, or broken/missing lenses
Interior
Normal: Light wear such as small scuffs or minor fabric fraying
Reduction to Buyback Amount:
Tears, cuts, burns, or holes in seats or carpet
Heavy odors (smoke, pets, mold, rideshare or commercial vehicle use) that require ozone treatment or replacement
Excessive wear to seat bolsters, door panels, or floor mats inconsistent with normal personal use
Staining or interior wear consistent with commercial passenger or rideshare use
Missing, damaged, or nonfunctional controls or panels
Any stain, spot, or discoloration visible on seats, carpet, or headliner that does not remove with standard cleaning
Scuffing, scratching, or wear on interior trim, door sills, or cargo area beyond light surface marks
Mechanical & Electrical
Normal: All systems and features operate normally; no active, stored, or pending warning lights or fault codes; all scheduled maintenance current
Reduction to Buyback Amount: Any of the following will result in a deduction based on standard market repair costs:
Active warning lights present at inspection
Stored or pending fault codes identified during OBD2 diagnostic scan, regardless of whether a warning light is currently illuminated
Required repairs identified through OBD2 scan
Missing or overdue scheduled maintenance, as documented by service records requested at turn-in
An OBD2 diagnostic scan may be required at the vehicle inspection. Deductions for mechanical findings are calculated at standard market labor and parts rates. The customer will receive an itemized written report of all fault codes and associated repair cost estimates if a deduction applies.
Note: Clearing fault codes prior to turn-in does not eliminate liability. Stored and pending codes are captured by OBD2 scan and treated the same as active codes.
Aftermarket Modifications
Normal: Factory equipment intact and functioning
Reduction to Buyback Amount: Any modification or damage from adding/removing accessories without written approval (via email to support@getflexpass.com)
Missing Items
All original items must be returned, including:
All keys/remotes
Owner's manual
Spare tire or inflation kit
Jack, tools, and cargo covers
Missing items will be charged at OEM or equivalent replacement cost at time of turn-in. Approximate ranges:
Key/remote fob: $200–$600 depending on vehicle
Owner's manual: $25–$75
Spare tire or inflation kit: $150–$400
Jack and tools: $75–$150
Cargo cover: $100–$300
Customers are encouraged to source and replace missing items prior to inspection to avoid these charges.
4. Accident History
Accident history can affect the buyback amount because vehicles with prior damage or structural repair usually have lower market values. We evaluate any reported or observed accidents using independent market data and vehicle-history sources such as CARFAX or AutoCheck.
Minor: Cosmetic repairs such as bumper, fender, or glass replacement with no structural or frame involvement.
Estimated market impact on buyback amount: typically 1–3%.
Moderate: Repaired structural or suspension damage, airbag deployment, or multiple panels replaced.
Estimated market impact on buyback amount: typically 5–10%.
Severe: Major structural damage including frame or unibody repair or replacement.
Estimated market impact on buyback amount:
— Frame rail repair or partial structural repair: typically 15–20%
— Full frame or unibody replacement, or multiple structural zones affected: typically 25–40%
These reductions mirror real-world market differences for comparable vehicles and are not penalties. If documentation conflicts arise (for example, an unreported accident discovered during inspection), we may request repair records or photos to confirm severity.
5. Inspection & Charge Method
Inspections are conducted by FlexPass using a standardized evaluation process supported by advanced imaging analysis. All findings are reviewed before any adjustment is applied.
Damage size is assessed from photographic evidence. Customers are responsible for submitting clear, well-lit photographs as specified in the photo submission instructions.
The customer receives a written report with photos if charges apply.
We may use third-party vendors for inspection and repair cost validation.
Repair costs are based on retail reconditioning rates. Where any repairs are required after turn-in, the Buyback Amount is reduced by a reconditioning administrative charge of $500, covering our administrative overhead while the vehicle is being repaired. Customers who complete repairs prior to turn-in avoid both the repair cost and this charge.
6. Pre-Return Checklist (Recommended)
Before returning your vehicle, you can avoid most charges by:
Having the vehicle professionally cleaned inside and out.
Verifying tire tread and pressure.
Replacing or repairing small items like missing keys or minor chips.
Reviewing this guide against your vehicle.
Gathering your service records. Missing scheduled maintenance documentation may result in a reduction.
7. Additional Terms
We reserve the right to determine whether a condition constitutes excess wear based on this guide, photographic evidence, and standard market repair methods.
This guide is not all-inclusive. Unlisted conditions may also reduce the buyback amount if they diminish the vehicle’s resale value.
All assessments are final unless corrected within the customer dispute window (5 business days from receipt of the inspection report)