When deciding which car to buy, make sure you check the auto
warranty that comes with the vehicle. In this article we will
help you sort through all the auto warranty-related issues.
After all, not every new car warranty is created equally. Some
will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three
years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up
to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that
is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto
warranty.
It's important to understand the different parts of an auto
warranty as it is good to know the difference between a new car
warranty and an extended auto warranty.
A typical new car
warranty has two parts: the "bumper to bumper" warranty, which
covers everything except the "wear" items such as brakes and
tires; and the power-train warranty that covers all the parts
that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.
Bumper to Bumper
Few extended vehicle warranty plans
cover absolutely everything on a vehicle. Read the warranty
contract and find out exactly what is and what is not covered.
If the contract says it covers everything except for X, Y, and
Z; that's a lot more coverage than a contract which lists 10 or
20 items which are covered. Keep in mind your own history with
vehicles and what repair/maintenance you expect to have in the
next few years to your car.
Wear and Tear
Many
extended vehicle warranty plans cover parts that break, just as
they cover those that wear out. Once again, read the contract to
understand the differences and how they may affect your final
cost.
An extended auto warranty can be purchased to
prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most
people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at
dealerships. This is sometimes called a "factory warranty"
because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on
the car. There are also "third-party" warranties, which can save
consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many
third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs
before reimbursement. Weigh all these factors carefully before
you make your choice.
By looking carefully at your auto warranty before you buy,
you will save yourself much potential future problems.
About the Author:
John Thompson is editor of
www.autowarrantyplus.net a
website which provides
auto warranty information and
resources
