Purchase of a second hand car is one of the best deals to make. It is accompanied with a significant question of what happens after the sale. An excellent warranty may result in peace of mind and safeguard your budget. The attempt to be smart in choice is to understand the various forms of coverage. Not every warranty is equal and it is important to know the contents of the warranty.
Understanding the warranty options for used cars
The main types of used car warranties
Warranties of a few types may be common. All of them provide various degrees of security to your car. Being informed about the difference will enable you to compare offers of any dealer.
These coverage types will be common:
- Manufacturer’s remaining warranty – It is the original manufacturer warranty that might remain with new used cars and covers major parts of the car with a given time or mileage.
- Certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty- It is a warranty provided by the manufacturer which is accompanied with a strict inspection therefore it provides a warranty just like a new car.
- Dealership limited warranty – This is a warranty that is shorter term that is issued by the selling dealer and is usually a warranty on particular parts such as the engine or transmission during a several months period.
- Third-party service contract – It is a separate policy, which you can buy at an independent warranty company and which helps to cover the repair of a specified list of parts.
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Key questions to ask about any warranty
Request a warranty in writing whenever you make a purchase. Never rely on what is covered by verbal promises. The correct questions will save you from being caught by the unsuspected in future when you require a fix.
Make sure you get clear answers to these important questions:
- What is exactly covered and excluded – Request a list of which specific parts/ systems are covered, such as the engine or air conditioning, and which ones are not covered, such as major parts.
- What is the warranty term and mileage limit – Know what is the exact period of coverage in both months and miles and what happens when either period is achieved initially.
- Where can I get repairs done – Confirm whether you should use the service center of the selling dealership or can visit any authorized repair shop or dealership to have the covered repairs done.
- What are my payment responsibilities – Learn whether you are supposed to pay a deductible when you visit to get your vehicle repaired, and whether there are any fees and costs that are not paid under the warranty.
How a warranty affects your total cost
Warranty is also a significant component of the value of your car. It sometimes comes with it and sometimes it is an extra expense. You are supposed to set this price against the possible financial security that it offers.
These financial aspects to be considered include:
- Included versus added cost – Find out whether the warranty is being included in the price of the car being advertised or it is an optional addition to the total price that you buy.
- The value of bumper-to-bumper coverage – A full warranty which includes thousands of parts offers a higher degree of protection, but will be more expensive than a simple powertrain-only coverage.
- Comparing the cost of different plans – Have quotes of various levels of coverage to find out how much a short-term plan would cost in comparison to a more comprehensive and long-term one.
- Weighing cost versus potential repair bills – Weigh the price of the warranty versus the possible out of pocket cost of one of the major repairs, such as a replacement of the transmission.
Finally
An effective warranty is an intelligent way of securing your used cars in sacramento. It also assists in dealing with the danger of unexpected repair expenses. The appropriate cover provides you with peace in the road. Check warranty information whenever you are buying your car. Enquire and read through the contract to make sure you are covered.
