Whether you drive a top of the line vehicle worth six figures or a preowned clunker that’s beginning to shed paint, you need protection against unmanageable repair costs that typically happen when drivers least expect them. An automobile warranty is ideal for people who own vehicles with sophisticated electronics and machinery. It’s also a lifesaver for those who own aging cars and trucks and/or models with records of poor reliability.

Expensive vehicles

Some cars are manufactured with state-of-the-art components that are difficult to replace and even harder to work on. Even seemingly minor problems often require extensive diagnostic tests, and repair bills can quickly ascend into the thousands before a mechanic even reaches for his or her ratchet or wrench. Once they find the problem, many mechanics aren’t qualified to fix it. If you own an expensive import, you’ll need skilled technicians to conduct repairs. These professionals typically charge much more than ordinary mechanics; however, you don’t have to worry about this if you have a quality automobile warranty that will cover your expenses.

Ordinary drivers

Most Americans don’t own pricey automobiles; in fact, many are forced to drive cars and trucks they don’t completely trust. If you’ve had problems with your vehicle, or if it is beginning to age, you need an car warranty to protect you from inevitable problems. While unprepared drivers often end up stranded or forced into debt when breakdowns occur, savvy drivers enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they won’t be held responsible for outrageous service fees.

It goes without saying that used vehicles and risk go hand-in-hand. No matter how good used cars look, there’s simply no way for buyers to know what they’ve been through and what type of service they’ve received over the years. If you’ve recently purchased a pre-owned vehicle, you need to protect yourself against potentially crippling repair fees by securing a used car warranty.

Who can you trust?

Used car dealers are synonymous with scams and shady sales techniques aimed at swindling consumers. Even if you find one you think you can trust; the fact is, more often than not, they don’t even know that much about the vehicle they’re selling. All too frequently, a trade-in spends very little time on the lot before it’s turned around and sold to the next customer. Don’t expect dealers to tell you if something is wrong with your vehicle. Likewise, don’t expect them to spend a lot of time testing each component to see if it is functioning well.

Ultimately, when it comes to buying used, it’s buyer beware. Unless you are an experienced mechanic who can size up a used vehicle with a keen eye for detail, you should get a used car warranty to protect against potential breakdowns and malfunctions.

Choosing the right plan

Not every used car warranty provides full-scale coverage. To get a quality, reliable service plan at an affordable price, utilize CARCHEX as your one-stop, trustworthy source for the best, most affordable auto warranty plans.

A car used warranty is available in several different formats. Dealers often sell cars with used car warranties that are still in effect from the manufacturer. For an added fee, you can purchase the warranty, which in actuality is a service contract. Essentially all new vehicles come with a basic manufacturer’s warranty for free, which is technically included in the price of the car.

Some dealers offer implied warranties where there is no written contract, but if the car does not run or turns out to be a lemon, the dealer is required by law to fix any problems. This type of warranty is tricky, but major problems such as engine failure or the car not performing as promised are covered within a short window of time (i.e. 30 or 90 days) from the time the vehicle is purchased, depending on what State you live in.

Is a Car Used Warranty an Extended Warranty?

When a dealer sells a used car, it must have a buyer’s guide sticker on it, listing the type of warranty. The three major car used warranty types are the two mentioned above, along with an ‘As Is’ warranty, which provides no warranty at all. Used car extended warranties are different, and must be obtained separately. Some dealers offer extended warranties or can refer you to a reputable warranty seller, though the prices and coverage offered vary greatly based upon the type of extended warranty you purchase. This type of warranty will usually cost a couple thousand dollars and some used cars are not eligible if they are extremely high mileage.