When Dennis first got the keys to his shiny Tesla Model 3 Performance, he likely imagined sleek commutes and zero-emission trips—not a jaw-dropping €13,700 bill at the end of the ride. Yet, that’s exactly what greeted him as his lease contract ended in July 2024. How did a car return morph into such a financial plot twist?
The Unexpected Shock at Lease-End
Returning a leased car should be as simple as dropping off your keys and saying goodbye, right? At least, that’s what Dennis expected. Alas, things took a sharp turn during the final assessment. The inspection, carried out by TÜV SÜD—a company renowned for its thoroughness—left no stone unturned. Their evaluation wasn’t limited to a few superficial scratches or the odd coffee stain. Multiple forms of damage were reported, turning what Dennis thought would be a routine procedure into a growing list of issues and, ultimately, that staggering €13,700 invoice.
So, what exactly did they find? Far from minor annoyances, these were problems that included:
- Scratched rims
- Cracked lifting points
- Deterioration of the battery housing
And the list, unfortunately for Dennis and his wallet, kept expanding. Particularly sneaky were some defects—like corrosion on support points and specific battery-related part replacements—that are notorious for affecting Tesla Model 3s from the 2020-2021 production years. Many of these are nearly invisible to the casual eye, only to ambush unsuspecting lessees during high-stakes inspections.
Electric Complexity Comes with a Price
Modern electric vehicles have many perks, but as Dennis discovered, their maintenance issues can hit hard on the pocketbook. According to the scrupulous folks at TÜV SÜD, the identified defects didn’t just cover cosmetic problems; they involved crucial (and expensive) components such as the battery casing. In some Teslas, accessing and repairing these bits is no small feat, which explains a good chunk of that hefty bill.
The heart of the matter is that electric vehicles combine advanced technology and complicated construction. As soon as anything goes awry, fixing it rarely comes cheap—especially when the repairs involve intricate battery elements and the structures that support them.
The Lesson: Inspect Before You Return
Dennis’s story isn’t an isolated one. Many leasing customers could be rolling toward a pricey surprise if they’re not attentive. The solution? Arranging a pre-return inspection by an independent professional can be a game changer. This allows hidden defects to surface and be addressed before the official lease-end examination—where the real consequences, and costs, are tallied up.
Keeping a close watch on rims and support points can go a long way towards protecting your bank account. These components might seem inconspicuous, but repairing them after damage can be much more expensive than a preemptive fix.
In particular, the 2020-2021 Tesla Model 3s appear more vulnerable to issues like corrosion and battery-related wear. That means regular, well-documented maintenance visits and preventive repairs aren’t just optional—they could be the difference between a smooth handover and a budget-breaking shock.
Takeaway: Don’t Just Charge, Check and Prevent
For Dennis, this costly experience drove home an important truth: maintaining a Model 3 isn’t just about keeping it plugged in. Proactive inspections, timely repairs, and attentive care cost little compared to what could await unsuspecting drivers at the end of a lease.
- Inspect critical parts regularly—especially those prone to hidden damage.
- Document every maintenance visit and repair.
- Seek professional, independent opinions before the lease is up.
A little foresight and attention can transform the car return process from nerve-wracking to breezy—and keep your savings out of the repair shop’s hands. After all, it’s better to invest in peace of mind than spend your vacation fund on surprise auto repairs!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
