Excess Mileage Fees: What They Really Cost

Educational explainer. U.S.-focused; costs and rules vary by state and by country.

Mileage limits are one of the biggest “gotchas” in leasing. If your driving pattern changes, a small per-mile fee can become a meaningful bill at the end of the term.

Practical tip: If you’re close to the limit, track miles monthly—don’t wait until the last 60 days.

Key points

Common caps are 10,000–15,000 miles/year (≈16,000–24,000 km).
Excess mileage fees are often $0.15–$0.30 per mile, but vary by contract.
Buying extra miles upfront can be cheaper than end-of-term penalties.
A lease-end buyout can sometimes avoid excess-mileage charges (check terms).

FAQ

What if I exceed by 5,000 miles?

Multiply excess miles by your contract’s per-mile rate. Example: 5,000 × $0.20 = $1,000.

Can I avoid excess mileage fees?

Sometimes by purchasing the vehicle at lease end, but confirm your contract language first.