
Most companies will offer you coverage at any point in your ownership and even provide extended warranties on a used car, as long as your vehicle lies within the guidelines of the company. However, if you want to have the option of opting for an extended warranty at any point, then a third-party extended warranty is the way to go. However, if it is a bundled deal that allows for extra savings, then go for it. You can always buy an extended warranty when you purchase the vehicle but this means you'll end up paying interest on a warranty that you won't be able to claim in the near future. If you insist on having an extended warranty from the manufacturer, we suggest enrolling for one right before the end of your factory warranty coverage to ensure that there isn't a gap in your coverage. Though most modern automakers have a clause that requires car owners to enroll in an extended warranty program before the manufacturer's warranty program ends. Yes, you can always purchase an extended warranty after your manufacturer's warranty ends. What is a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?Ī bumper-to-bumper warranty will include a list of exclusions which usually include the list of items that are subject to wear and tear, such as tires, brake pads, and windshield wipers, and routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, though it is recommended to read the terms of the policy as these components and the kind of coverage often differs from provider to provider. The coverage offered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty plan however can vary from provider to provider, so make you go over the terms and conditions.Ī powertrain warranty will more often than not, explicitly mention the specific components that are covered but that might not be the case with a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Meanwhile, a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost every component that isn't a part of the powertrain. Under this type of warranty, only the components that comprise the powertrain have coverage and others parts, no matter how closely related, will not be covered under this warranty program. Certain brands do offer Zero-deductible plans but the most important point is that quoted prices aren't final, there's always room for negotiation so research and refer to different agencies/providers to get the best possible deal.Īll auto manufacturers offer a basic warranty on their products by default that covers repairs to essential parts, These components usually include the engine and transmission for a set number of years or miles which can range anywhere from one year and in some cases up to five years or even higher.Ī powertrain warranty is self-explanatory. There are also deductible charges per visit that usually can go as high as $100. The average cost of an extended warranty can range between $1,600 to $4,500. Buying one usually prolongs the duration of coverage provided by a vehicle’s factory warranty, in certain cases, these plans can be purchased even after the factory warranty runs out. This article takes a closer look at some of the pros and cons of buying an extended warranty (also referred to as an extended service contract) for a car.An extended warranty program is a service contract provided by either the manufacturer or a third-party vendor, that extends the manufacturer's warranty coverage for the repair or replacement of parts that may break within the warranty period. Even the most generous of original warranties supplied by the car companies expire after 10 years or 100,000 miles of driving, while many last for just 3 years or 36,000 miles. Today, consumers are keeping their cars for longer periods of time than ever before, and because new vehicles are loaded with complex technology and electronics, an extended warranty may be appealing. Or it may be that consumers know that if they want a longer warranty, they can buy one. It could be that people value a car's actual track record for reliability, and not whether someone else is going to pay the bill if a breakdown occurs. This may be due to recent expansions of original warranty coverage by many automakers, which makes warranty coverage a non-issue for many buyers. Power research, the gulf between them is significant. Reliability and a better warranty are not dichotomous concepts, yet in J.D. The same study, however, consistently finds that consumers say reliability and durability are the most important factors in their choice of vehicle. Power and Associates 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study SM, a better warranty is not one of the most important factors considered by consumers when choosing a new vehicle.
