Getting out of a car lease in Canada can feel like a maze of paperwork, hidden costs, and limited options. Maybe your lifestyle has changed, you’re downsizing, or you simply don’t need the car anymore. Whatever the reason, LeaseBusters is often the first name that comes up — but it’s not the only way out.

If you’re looking for a faster, more straightforward alternative to a lease takeover, Clutch offers a modern solution. We’ll cover how LeaseBusters works, the drawbacks you might not know about, and the best alternatives — including how Clutch can buy out your lease without the usual stress, fees, or delays.

What Is LeaseBusters?

LeaseBusters is a Canadian platform that helps drivers exit their lease early by matching them with someone willing to take it over. Think of it as a marketplace for lease takeovers — you list your vehicle, and if someone is interested, they apply to assume your lease through your leasing company.

It’s a useful tool if your goal is to transfer the lease and walk away. However, it can take time to find a qualified taker, and you may still be responsible for fees, incentives, or ongoing payments if no one bites. In some cases, you might even need to offer cash bonuses to encourage someone to assume your lease.

Top Alternatives to LeaseBusters

If you’re looking for a faster, simpler, or more flexible way to exit your lease, there are several options beyond LeaseBusters. Here’s a breakdown of the most common alternatives, including why many Canadians are choosing Clutch for lease buyouts.

1. Sell Your Leased Car to Clutch

Clutch offers a seamless, tax-free alternative to LeaseBusters by buying out your leased vehicle directly — no need to find a new lessee or deal with time-consuming paperwork.

Here’s how it works:

1. Get a Firm Offer: Start by entering your vehicle details on the Clutch website for an instant, no-haggle offer.
2. Send Your Lease Info: Upload your lease buyout letter from the leasing company. Clutch can also request these documents on your behalf.
3. We Handle the Rest: Clutch pays off your lease directly, handles the paperwork, detailing, repairs, and safety inspection.
4. Get Paid Fast: We pick up the vehicle and pay you on the spot.

There’s no need to pay off the lease upfront, and with Clutch, there’s no 13% lease buyout tax in Ontario, which can save you thousands.

One-time fee: $999–$1,499, depending on the make.

Eligible brands include: Acura, Audi, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen.

2. Trade In at a Dealership

Many dealerships accept lease returns or trade-ins, especially if you’re planning to lease or finance a new car through them. They’ll handle the lease buyout for you, and you can apply the trade-in value toward your next car.

Keep in mind:

• You’ll likely be upsold into a new vehicle, even if you weren’t planning to replace your car.
• If you have negative equity, the dealership may roll that into your next lease or loan, increasing your monthly payment.

3. Use Manufacturer Lease Return Programs

Some automakers offer official lease-end or lease-transfer programs. These might include early lease termination offers or tools to transfer the lease within their network.

However:

• They often come with strict eligibility rules and early termination penalties.
• These programs aren’t available for all lease types or lenders.

4. Use Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

Sites like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace can help you find a buyer for your leased car or someone to take over the lease directly. But this option comes with more risk and effort.

You’ll need to:

• Vet potential buyers
• Coordinate with your leasing company
• Ensure all paperwork and financial obligations are handled correctly

This can take weeks — or even months — and may still leave you on the hook if the transfer falls through.

Why Choose Clutch Over LeaseBusters?

While LeaseBusters helps match you with someone to take over your lease, Clutch takes a completely different — and faster — approach. Instead of waiting for a buyer and coordinating a transfer, Clutch pays you upfront and buys out your lease directly.

Here’s how Clutch compares:

Why Drivers Are Choosing Clutch

• No cash needed to buy out your lease
• Save thousands in retail sales tax (RST) compared to other options
• All-in-one service — Clutch handles the buyout, paperwork, detailing, and safety certification
• Get paid quickly — payment within hours of vehicle transfer

How to Get Started with Clutch

Ready to get out of your lease the easy way? Clutch makes the process quick, transparent, and completely online.

Here’s how it works:

1. Get an Instant Offer: Enter your vehicle details on Clutch.ca to receive a firm offer in minutes.
2. Accept the Offer: Review the details and accept the offer if it works for you.
3. Upload Your Lease Buyout Letter: Provide a copy of your lease payout letter from the leasing company — this confirms the amount Clutch will pay on your behalf.
4. Schedule Drop-Off or Pickup: Choose a nearby Clutch location or arrange for us to pick up the vehicle — no cleaning or prep required.‍
5. Get Paid: When we pick up the car, the money is deposited into your bank account.

Eligible Makes: Acura, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi

One-Time Fee: $999–$1499 depending on vehicle make — covers everything

Thinking of alternatives to LeaseBusters?

Choose the hassle-free, tax-free, no-haggle way to get out of your lease with Clutch. It’s faster, easier, and you’ll walk away with cash in hand.

Ready to get started? Sell your leased car to Clutch