If you go buy a car, both brand new or pre-owned, you are probably going to be offered the opportunity of buying an extended warranty for it, so it is normal for you to wonder if you really need the extra coverage or not.
The fact is that if you have a brand spanking new car, it already comes with a warranty. However, unless you plan on getting rid of the car before the initial warranty runs out, you are probably better off buying extended coverage.
If you’re buying a pre-owned car, or if the car warranty is ready to run out on your car, you will also want to give strong consideration to purchasing an extended warranty. And, if you plan to resell the car, you can use the extended warranty as a selling point.
What exactly is an extended car warranty? Very simply, it is a warranty that comes into existence as soon as the initial factory warranty runs out. When it comes to used cars, the warranty offer usually ranges between a month and a year.
When that warranty runs out, the extended warranty becomes effective. If you are going to keep the car beyond the expiration of the dealer’s warranty, it only makes sense that an extended warranty is well worth the money.
Consider this: It usually costs anywhere between a few and several hundreds of dollars to buy extended coverage. It sure sounds like a nice chunk of money. But, most cars begin to experience problems once the reach the 80,000 miles mark, and once things start breaking down, you are looking at repairs that could run into hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
It’s fair to assume that an extended warranty could pay for itself the first time you have to take care of expensive repairs. An extended auto warranty can be very valuable. Keep in mind, though, that not all warranties may be right for you.
Do a little research and select one that will truly serve your needs the moment you will need it. Some warranties cover some repairs, but not other types of repairs. Some warranties cover just about anything that can happen to your car.
Depending on the type of car you’re buying the warranty for, you’ll be able to choose one that makes sense for you. Different cars typically experience a certain type of problem - some have weak transmissions, while others run into failing engines. Buy an extended warranty that covers what you need it to cover.
Is buying an extended car warranty a good move for you? The answer depends on your individual needs, but as a general rule, extended car warranties are a good idea. If you’re planning to keep your car after the original warranty runs out, it’s a great idea to get an extended warranty, and often you’ll find that the warranty pays for itself with just one needed repair.