Used Car Warranties, What you need to know

Posted Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024

A car warranty offers full coverage for repair or replacement costs of

Buying a new car guarantees full coverage regarding repair costs due to defective parts of your vehicle. However, if you have chosen to purchase a used car, it does not mean you can face the cost-free benefits that a warranty provides. While a used car warranty does have its limitations, there are ample ways to navigate to ensure the protection of your vehicle and your wallet.

What is a used car warranty?

A used-car warranty is a contract designed by the seller and buyer that states the coverage options regarding the replacement costs concerning failure of mechanical parts. Before procurement or a used vehicle, it is important to review the terms and conditions within the warranty.

Coverage options are limited in comparison to newly purchased vehicles. However, used car warranties differ based on the age and mileage of the vehicle. That is not to say that there are no benefits to purchasing a used vehicle. Reduced out-of-pocket repair costs are a significant benefit that quality car dealerships offer.

Before purchasing a preloved vehicle, it is important to go over the contractual agreement or entrust the legal process to a trusted dealer who can assist you in making cost-effective decisions.

Importance of Warranties for Used Cars

Warranty plans for used cars offer the benefit of extensive repair costs for vehicles that are susceptible to mechanical failure due to their age.

Inflation has greatly impacted multiple market sectors including the automotive industry, the estimated cost of new and old vehicles has witnessed a rise over the recent years. Comparing the statistics over four years ago, the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) states the variable rose to 31% higher for used cars.

If you have decided to cut down on the costs by purchasing a new car, used car warranties protect you from facing the direct brunt of the costs associated with the breakdown of mechanical parts. As older cars are susceptible to mechanical failure due to their age, used car warranty plans reduce the out-of-pocket costs significantly.

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics faced a recession in the price of used cars and trucks estimated by the U.S city average as of June 2024. These varying estimates create room for additional extensive warranties that you can benefit from. An integral component that you should consider is that you can always opt for an extended warranty plan offered by the dealer.

Types of Used Car Warranties

To choose the best kind of warranty, you must be familiar with the protection the types of warranties offer:

Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty:

Many manufacturers offer CPO programs before selling used vehicles. These cars undergo meticulous inspection and replacement of mechanical parts that are proven to be detrimental to the functionality of the vehicle. These warranties offer comprehensive coverage for a limited duration or mileage.

Extended Warranty:

An extension of the vehicle service contracts are normally offered by used car dealerships or third-party sellers. These agreements can be customized to your specific requirements; however, these warranties strictly apply to a limited number of mechanical components.

Limited Warranty:

Used car dealerships offer the convenient option of limited warranties for their pre-owned vehicles. Coverage options are restricted to specific components, such as the engine and the transmission, for a limited duration. These warranties do not offer the same flexibility or comprehensive coverage as CPO or extended warranties.

Implied Warranty:

Implied warranty is an unwritten legislation providing assurance that the used vehicle meets the buyer's expectations and is up to functional standards. Under the circumstance that the vehicle fails to meet the expectations of the buyer, the seller will be endorsed with repair, replacement, or refund costs.

Coverage and Limitations:

Prior to purchasing a used vehicle, it is important for the buyer to go through the fine print and investigate the types of warranties and their coverage options. Although the coverage options vary drastically between different warranty plans, each plan will offer maximum coverage of the essential components and systems.

  • Engine and Transmission: The pistons, crankshaft, and gears are normally included in the coverage options as they are the utmost important components of the internal engine and transmission.
  • Drivetrain: The warranty covers the repair or replacement costs of the drive axles, drive shaft, and other related components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
  • Electrical System: The alternator, starter motor, and electrical wiring are also included in the various coverage components.
  • Steering: The basic components of the steering system are covered by a pre-owned warranty.
  • Brake System: Coverage includes the braking system which includes components assisting in braking such as the master cylinder, brake calipers, and lines.
  • Fuel System: Used car warranties offer comprehensive coverage options for the vehicle's fuel tank system.
  • Cooling system: The vehicle's cooling system is an additional cost covered by the used car warranty.

Warranty Inspection and Maintenance Requirements:

Before finalizing the deal on the used car from a third party, it is advised to conduct a warranty and maintenance inspection of the vehicle. If you do not trust the buyer to be transparent regarding the condition of the car, an inspection can save you from potential out-of-pocket repair in the future.

Warranty inspections are a key component to protecting your investment. Hiring an inspector will aid you in knowing the key coverage options provided by your particular warranty as multiple buyers often get deceived by imposter buyers. Similarly, vehicle inspections can be feasible in uncovering possible maintenance defects that will allow you to negotiate the price of the car.

Essentially, used car warranty inspections and car maintenance routines assist you in making cost-effective choices in the long run.

Making Warranty Claims

A car warranty claim can be issued when a car owner faces mechanical and functional issues in the components of the vehicle. Making a warranty claim enforces the costs of the defects onto the third-party buyer or dealership. Depending on the type of warranty, the cost of the defective mechanical parts and the cost of labor will be covered by the warranty. It is crucial to make your claim urgently as the warranty is applicable for a limited duration. Failure to make the warranty claim can lead to personal financial compensation for the defective parts.

Access Preloved Vehicles with Honest Autos:

Purchasing a used car does not necessarily signal stepping down. Honest Autos presents themselves as a reliable used car dealership option for the residents of Fruitland Park, Florida. Our professional dealers carefully handpick and curate a variety of high-quality and low-mileage vehicles for you to choose from. Visit us and browse to your heart's content to get the best deal for a preloved car.

FAQs about used car warranty:

  1. Are used car warranties worth it?

Yes, used vehicles are susceptible to the breakdown of mechanical parts in everyday use. Used car warranties offer coverage against such out-of-pocket costs affecting your wallet.

  1. What's the best warranty on a used car?

A warranty that offers comprehensive coverage for a maximum amount of time or mileage that aligns with your budgeting requirements is ultimately the best warranty for a pre-owned vehicle.

  1. Do all dealers provide used car warranties?

Used car warranties are not a legal requirement of the seller; however, most car dealerships offer a reduced cost of the purchase if you choose not to take up the warranty option.