Your Guide to Getting the Best Used Car Warranty
It’s hard to deny the many benefits of purchasing a used car, including lower cost, better insurance rates, less depreciation, and more bang for your buck overall. However, whereas new cars typically come with manufacturer warranties, many people are deterred by the fact that a used vehicle may not still be under warranty.
Before buying a used car from a dealer, it is essential to find out if the vehicle is covered by a warranty, as well as what that warranty entails. Let’s take a closer look at everything you should know about a used car warranty before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
What is a Car Warranty?
A car warranty covers manufacturing defects or situations where the car fails to meet reasonable expectations, such as when faulty parts need to be repaired or replaced. However, warranties don’t cover damage from accidents, normal wear and tear, or situations where an owner uses the car in a way the manufacturer didn’t intend.
You never know what the future may hold and it is always better to be safe than sorry — especially when it comes to a valuable asset like your car. Although you may not need it, a car warranty gives you extra peace of mind that repairs will be covered during the first few years of owning your new vehicle. If your car doesn’t have a warranty and you run into any issues after driving it off the lot, you’ll likely have to pay for those repairs yourself.
How to Find the Best Used Car Warranty
Depending on what is covered by your warranty, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for certain repairs out of your own pocket. Whether you find a used car that’s still under warranty or you purchase an extended one, here are some things you should know about used car warranties.
1. Look at the Buyer’s Guide
If you are buying a pre-owned vehicle and want to know if it has a used car warranty, the first thing you should do is look at the Buyer’s Guide. All dealers are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to display this information on any used car they are trying to sell. A Buyer’s Guide is a disclosure document that provides consumers with important purchasing and warranty information regarding the vehicle for sale. You will be able to find out whether or not the car comes with a warranty by reading the Buyer’s Guide.
2. Check the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Depending on how old the vehicle is, there’s a chance that the manufacturer’s warranty still applies. These warranties only operate for a set period of time and mileage, often three years or 36,000 miles — whichever comes first. Ask the dealer for the vehicle’s warranty information to see what it covers, when it expires, and whether or not it’s transferable. Read the fine print carefully to make sure you understand all the details and know exactly what you’ll be getting before buying the car.
3. Consider Getting an Extended Warranty
If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you also have the option to purchase an extended warranty. Although this may seem like an unnecessary extra expense, an extended warranty can end up saving you money if your car needs repairs that are covered in the plan. If you’re buying a used car that’s no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, an extended warranty can give you additional peace of mind. To determine if an extended warranty is right for you, weigh the cost of the warranty against your ability to pay for repairs yourself.
4. Purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
If you want a used car but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience that comes with having a warranty, consider a certified pre-owned vehicle instead. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle is that it comes with an extended factory warranty. Similar to buying a new car, this means you can have your vehicle repaired at your local dealership free of cost while the warranty is valid. You’ll get the best of both worlds!
Learn More: Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Cars: What’s the Difference?
Buying a Used Car From Burlington Kia
If you are planning to purchase a used car, it is important to see if the vehicle is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you may want to consider getting an extended warranty or purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle instead. You might not always need a used car warranty, but you will be grateful that you have one should a situation arise. To check out our wide selection of pre-owned vehicles, click the button below to contact us!