Kia Lease Buyout Guide: Options, Fees & Examples 

Kia Lease Buyout: Key Takeaways 

• You can buy your Kia at the end of the lease or even earlier, typically for the residual value listed in your contract, plus taxes and standard fees 

• Financing your buyout is common, with loan terms usually between 24 and 60 months and loan interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 10.5%, depending on your credit 

• Don’t assume you can flip your lease, as Kia often shuts down third-party buyouts. A quick call to Kia Finance or a scan of your contract will tell you where you stand 

• At lease-end, you might run into some familiar culprits: sales tax, DMV filings, maybe even a surprise fee tucked in under ‘purchase option’, often $300 to $500 

• When your car’s worth more than the price to buy it, congrats, you’ve got built-in equity. That could mean walking away with cash, or just a great deal 

Ready to make your Kia officially yours? You’re not alone, and it might be easier than you think. 

With used-car values still surprisingly high in 2025, many drivers are deciding to buy out their lease instead of returning it.  

Still, lease buyouts don’t come with a universal playbook. What you’ll pay and what’s allowed depends a lot on where you live and what’s in your original deal. 

In this guide, you’ll learn: 

• What your Kia lease buyout options really look like 

• Which fees to expect and how to potentially avoid them 

• Whether Kia allows third-party buyouts (and what that means for you) 

• How to finance your buyout without getting stuck at the dealership 

• Tips to decide if buying or returning your Kia is the smarter move 

Kia Lease Buyout Options Explained 

When your Kia lease is almost up, you’ll usually have three lease buyout options, and each one depends on your goals, your car’s condition, and your budget. 

1. Buy Out the Car at Lease-End 

It’s what most people do: wrap up the lease, then buy the car at the pre-set value written into the contract. 

• It’s a good option if you’ve taken great care of your car 

• You avoid excess wear, mileage, and disposition fees 

• You may save money if the car’s market value is higher than the buyout price 

2. Buy It Out Early 

Yes, Kia typically allows early buyouts, but there are a few key considerations. 

• You’ll pay the remaining lease balance plus the residual value 

• Early termination fees may apply 

• It could be worth it if you’re trying to avoid mileage overages or want to lock in ownership sooner 

3. Return the Vehicle 

If you’re ready for something new or don’t want to commit to ownership, returning your Kia is always an option. 

• Return the car, and you’ll likely face that $350–$500 disposition charge and possibly more if your mileage or wear is over the limit 

• Mileage or wear-and-tear penalties may apply 

• You’ll start fresh with another lease or finance deal 

Pro tip: Always check your lease contract for buyout terms and call Kia Fina.

Kia Lease Buyout Fees You Should Know With Real Examples 

Let’s break this down clearly, not just talk about what might cost you, but what drivers are actually paying.  

Here’s what to expect when you’re thinking about buying out your Kia lease. 

1. Residual Value + Buyout Fee 

This is the core cost: the price set in your lease (the residual value), plus a small “purchase option fee”, typically around $300 to $600.  

• At Orléans Kia, they note these are the usual fees for buyouts: residual value, purchase option fee, taxes, and registration costs.  

• One EV6  lessee calculated their residual value at around $27,504. With 36 payments of $385, their total buyout ended up near $41,368, meaning the matchup between payments and value can surprise you if you haven’t done the math. 

2. Sales Tax & DMV Fees 

Yep, Uncle Sam wants a cut. You’ll owe sales tax on the buyout price, just like when you buy any other used car. 

• The rate depends on your state. In California, it’s around 7.25%; in New York, it could be closer to 8.875% 

• Example: On a $16,500 buyout in Texas (6.25%), you’d owe about $1,031 in tax 

• Some states charge it all up front. Others let you roll it into your loan if you’re financing 

3. Early Buyout Charges (if Applicable) 

If you’re wrapping up your lease early, you might owe: 

• Any remaining lease payments 

• Possible early termination fees 

• Additional interest depending on material terms 

Also: 

• Kia sometimes charges $300–$500 just for exercising the buyout option 

• This fee is non-negotiable, so check your original paperwork so you’re not surprised 

• Some drivers on Reddit mentioned seeing this labeled as an “administration” or “dealer processing” fee 

A Leasehackr member who attempted an early arly buyout noted that there were no rent charges in the contract, but cautioned about dealers sneaking in extra warranties or markups, such as $1,500 in “Perma plate” add-ons. 

4. Real Cost Example: Kia Forte  

One Kia Forte driver found themselves staring at a $21,600 buyout, but Carvana only offered $20,800. Close, but no equity. He was reminded that Kia doesn’t allow lease transfers, so he had to buy it out and then sell or resell it.  

Why It Matters 

• You could pay $300–$600 in documented fees, plus whatever your state demands in taxes and title 

• Early buyouts can vary, sometimes contract-free, other times paired with substantial surcharges 

• Missing documentation (like in CA) can result in double taxation 

• Used car market shifts mean your Kia may be worth less than your buyout, do the math before deciding 

Does Kia Allow Third-Party Lease Buyouts? 

Yes, Kia Finance allows third-party lease buyouts. But you will need a third-party company, such as Lease End Department, to handle this buyout process. 

What You Need To Know (Quick Facts) 

• You must be the buyer. Only the lessee can complete the buyout, no exceptions 

• Transfers aren’t allowed. You can’t have someone else, like Carvana or a friend, take over the lease directly 

• Buy first, resell later. If you want to sell the leased car, you must buy it yourself first, then sell it separately 

• State rules may apply. In some places (e.g., CO, FL, PA, SC), you may need to complete the buyout through a Kia dealership 

Pros and Cons of a Kia Lease Buyout 

Here’s a quick look at the upsides and a few things to watch out for before you commit. 

Pros of Buying Out Your Kia Lease 

• You already know the car. No surprises with condition, history, or maintenance, you’ve been the one driving it. 

• You might have equity. If your Kia’s market value is higher than your residual value, you could save money or even turn a profit. 

• No return fees. Skip the disposition fee, excess mileage charges, and wear-and-tear penalties that come with returning your lease. 

Cons of Buying Out Your Kia Lease 

• Upfront costs can be high. You’ll need to cover the buyout amount, taxes, and fees, or secure financing with interest. 

• No warranty if expired. Once the original factory warranty ends, you’re on the hook for repairs unless you purchase extended coverage. 

• Financing terms vary. If your credit isn’t great, you may face higher interest rates on a lease buyout loan than you’d expect. 

Make Your Kia Lease-End Work for You With Lease End Department 

You’ve made it this far in your lease, and now it’s time to decide what’s next. If your Kia has served you well, buying it out could be the smartest move you make this year.  

You skip the dealership games, keep the car you already love, and possibly save money in the long run. 

At Lease End Department, we make the next step simple: 

• We’ll help you understand your Kia’s buyout value 

• Compare market prices to see if it’s a smart deal 

• Walk you through financing (if you need it) 

• Handle all the DMV paperwork and plate delivery; everything is 100% online 

No dealerships. No pressure. Just innovative, clear options. 

Kia Lease Buyout: FAQs 

If we haven’t answered all of your questions above, here are some common questions you still might be asking yourself.

Can I buy my Kia at the end of the lease? 

Yes, absolutely. Your lease agreement includes a residual value, which is the price you’ll pay if you choose to buy the car at lease-end. If your Kia’s in great shape and you’re happy with it, a buyout could be a smart move. 

What’s included in the Kia lease buyout price? 

It typically includes the residual value (set in your original lease), sales tax, title and registration fees, and possibly a small documentation or purchase option fee. Please review your lease contract or contact Kia Finance for the exact  and details. 

Can I finance my Kia lease buyout? 

Definitely. Many drivers finance their buyouts with lease-end loans that run between 24 and 60 months. You can go through a bank, credit union, or a service like Lease End Department that handles everything online. 

Does Kia charge a disposition fee if I buy the car? 

Nope! If you buy your Kia instead of returning it, you’ll usually avoid the disposition fee, which can range from $350 to $500. It’s one of the perks of choosing the buyout path. 

Can I negotiate the buyout price of my Kia lease? 

In most cases, no. The residual value is specified in your contract and is non-negotiable. However, some dealerships may offer promotions or waive specific fees if you buy through them. Always compare that to a third-party option to see which gives you the better deal. 

Can I return my Kia to any dealership? 

Yes, Kia typically allows you to return your leased vehicle to any authorized Kia dealership, just call ahead to confirm.  However, keep in mind that if you’re buying out your lease through a third party, you may not need to set foot in a dealership at all. 

Is a Kia lease buyout worth it? 

If your car’s market value is higher than your residual price, a buyout could save you thousands. Even if it’s close, keeping a car you know is often cheaper and less stressful than starting over with a new lease.