Walk-Away Lease

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Walk-Away Lease'

A common type of car lease in which the lessee returns the car at the end of the lease period, ending the lease agreement. The lessee bears very little risk under this type of lease agreement  because the total costs of ownership (minus maintenance and repair costs) are known in advance. In other words, the lessee does not bear the risk of selling the vehicle at the current market price when the lease is over.

Also known as a "closed-end lease".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Walk-Away Lease'

On a walk-away lease, the lender assumes the risk of predicting what the residual value of the car will be at the end of the lease period. The predicted residual value is not only an important consideration in establishing an appropriate amount to charge for lease payments, it ultimately determines how much profit the lender earns on the lease of a vehicle. Ideally, the total value of all lease payments in conjunction with the vehicle's residual value should be greater than the cost paid for the vehicle.

Related Definitions

  • Lease

    An agreement in which one party gains a long-term rental agreement, and the other party receives a form of secured long-term debt.
    Read More »
  • Closed-End Lease

    A rental agreement that puts no obligation on the lessee (the person making periodic lease payments) to purchase the leased asset at the end of the agreement. Also called a "true lease", ...
    Read More »
  • Fair Market Value

    The price that a given property or asset would fetch in the marketplace, subject to the following conditions:1. Prospective buyers and sellers are reasonably knowledgeable about the ...
    Read More »
    • Blue Book

      A guidebook that compiles and quotes prices for new and used automobiles and other vehicles of all makes, models and types. Formally known as the Kelley Blue Book, it was originally only ...
      Read More »
    • Appraisal

      A valuation of property (ie. real estate, a business, an antique) by the estimate of an authorized person. In order to be a valid appraisal, the authorized person will have a designation ...
      Read More »
    • Residual Value

      How much a fixed asset is worth at the end of its lease, or at the end of its useful life.If you lease a car for three years, its residual value is how much it is worth after three ...
      Read More »
    • Lien

      When a creditor or bank has the right to sell the mortgaged or collateral property of those who fail to meet the obligations of a loan contract.
      Read More »
    • Fixed Price Purchase Option

      The right, but not the obligation, to buy a leased item at a predetermined price. With a fixed price purchase option, the purchase price is established when the lease terms are agreed ...
      Read More »
    • Gap Amount

      Insurance will only cover a certain amount of coverage if leased items are stolen or totaled. There is often a difference between the amount the insurance company covers and the amount ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links