So you're wondering why a dealership would want to buy that three-year-old car that you're giving back to get the newest and best model available. Well, that used lease may be worth more than you think.
Most cars that come off lease are first looked at by car dealers to see if they can be sold in the used car department. A low-millage lease return could be a gold nugget for a dealership.
Manufacturers like to see dealerships buying back lease returns, since it helps keep the make with a dealer that has both the resources to sell and to maintain the vehicle. This also helps retain the vehicle's value, since you know that the car has been maintained by a dealership it's entire life.
Some manufacturers actually give their dealerships extra cash for buying back lease-end vehicles. Dealerships will usually list the lease returns certified for resale. Manufacturers will often demand that dealerships sell certified vehicles to meet certain quarterly requirements.
Most used car buyers like to know where their used car was before they are buying it. A used car that was owned locally and only by one other owner will have a big advantage to a potential buyer over a similarly equipped vehicle found elsewhere with two or three owners.
Dealerships will sometimes be able to buy vehicles for less than their residual values if they purchase a set number of lease returned vehicles at once. Remember the banks want these cars sold as quickly as possible after they return off lease. Storage fees can add up quickly.
