Wear and Use

Don't think of returning your vehicle as the end. Think of it as a new beginning.

Returning Your Vehicle

Approximately 120-150 days before your contract is scheduled to end, a Contract End Brochure will be sent outlining what to expect when returning your vehicle.

When you exercise the option to sell back your vehicle to Ford Credit, its overall condition will need to be evaluated to determine if there are areas of chargeable Excess Wear and Use. To help you prepare in assessing the condition of your vehicle, a Wear and Use Evaluator Card containing Normal Wear and Use measurements, as well as some useful guidelines are included in the brochure.

Inspecting your vehicle provides you with options that will help avoid charges at the end of your contract. Your dealer can provide needed repairs, genuine Ford, Lincoln or Mercury parts, service and expertise on whatever is needed to prepare your vehicle for return.

Approximately 35-45 days before your contract is scheduled to end you will be contacted by either your originating dealer* or a vehicle inspection company** to arrange a date for your vehicle inspection. This inspection is a standard practice and recommended so that you will be aware of our assessment of Excess Wear and Use on your vehicle. If for some reason you are not contacted about an inspection, contact your dealer for assistance.

On or before your contract's scheduled termination date, return your vehicle to your originating dealer.* We suggest scheduling an appointment for vehicle return in advance to ensure that your dealer will be ready to support your needs. In addition, failing to return your vehicle on time could result in additional charges as described in your contract. To fulfill your contract obligations, you need to be present at vehicle return to:

• Review and sign the Odometer Statement (required by federal law).
• Pay any Excess Mileage and Excess Wear and Use charges.
• Sign additional documents supporting the sale.

* If you've moved and now live more than 75 air miles from your originating dealer, you may return your vehicle to a participating Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. Be sure to contact them for an appointment prior to vehicle return. If you are having trouble locating a participating Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer, please contact our Customer Service Center.
** Vehicle inspection companies used by Ford Credit are:
      - Alliance Inspection Management (AiM)
      - DataScan Field Services (DFS)

Normal vs. Excess Wear & Use

As your contract states, Ford Credit expects balloon vehicles being sold back to be returned in good condition allowing for Normal Wear and Use (refer to your contract for information regarding vehicle Wear and Use). Chargeable Excess Wear and Use is the result of damage to a vehicle outside the Normal Wear and Use guidelines.

Excess Wear and Use also includes (see your contract for additional details):

• Broken or missing parts (e.g., keys, key fobs, spare tire)
• Poor quality repairs
• Mechanical or electrical malfunctions
• Tires that are not of appropriate size or rating for the vehicle

You will be responsible for any chargeable Excess Wear and Use remaining at vehicle return. To avoid these Excess Wear and Use charges, we recommend that you have necessary repairs made prior to returning your vehicle. Be sure to consult your dealer for any needs or questions you might have.

Some types of vehicle damage considered Excess Wear and Use may be covered by your insurance policy. If this is the case, be sure to allow sufficient time for claims to be processed and repairs to be completed before vehicle return.

Excess Mileage

If the mileage on your vehicle exceeds that allowed in your contract, you will be responsible for paying for the additional miles driven. Please refer to your contract for miles allowed and excess mileage charges. These charges will be collected at vehicle return.