Car Warranty Advisor

Types of warranties
When you buy your used car, it may come with some portion of the original new-car warranty remaining, or a transferable extended warranty purchased by the previous owner.

If you buy from a dealer, there could also be a short-term limited warranty provided by that dealer. This is usually provided for "certified" cars that have been inspected by the dealer. Certified cars usually cost more — that is, you pay for the inspection and warranty.

Or there could be no warranty at all. But did you know that most vehicles are eligible for extended warranty coverage anytime (well, almost anytime) after the purchase, even after the original warranty has expired, and after the vehicle has changed hands.

Remaining factory warranty
If you're buying a relatively new used car, you may be getting some remaining portion of the original manufacturer's new-car warranty. Be sure to check.

These warranties generally come in two parts: a "general" ("bumper to bumper") warranty, and a "powertrain" warranty, which often covers a longer period of time than the general warranty. There may also be separate warranties for rust corrosion, emissions system, restraint system, tires, and battery. The Owner's Manual for the vehicle will spell out these coverages.

General warranties are typically for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. These warranties cover just about everything on the vehicle that is not covered by another warranty. They don't cover normal wear-and-tear items and other items that are specifically listed in their "exclusion" clause. Since all manufacturers' warranties are different, you should consult the Owners Manual that comes with your car, or contact the manufacturer directly to understand your coverage.

Powertrain warranties are usually for a longer period, say, 60,000 miles or 60 months and cover the engine, transmission, transaxle, and drive system — parts related to getting power from the engine to the drive wheels. Again, this varies by manufacturer. Just remember that after your general bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, only the powertrain warranty is in effect, which only covers a relatively small portion of your vehicle.

Extended warranties
We are all aware that vehicle repairs are expensive, inconvenient, and that most problems will typically occur after the manufacturer's warranty has expired. Manufacturers know precisely when most of their problems will occur — and it's not while their warranty is in effect.

This is where extended warranty companies come in. They typically offer even better coverage than factory warranties in most cases, including wear-and-tear coverage, fewer "exclusionary" parts, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance.

Extended warranties usually have mileage and car-age restrictions and might require an inspection. So, if you're in the market to buy a used car and you want the protection and peace of mind of an extended warranty, be sure to check the car's eligibility with the warranty company before you buy.

Extended warranty companies are generally much easier to deal with than car manufacturers, and offer a variety of protection plans and prices. And you can get your repairs done just about anywhere. Most plans will also cover the cost of repairing "secret" problems as well (see Technical Service Bulletins), without haggling with a dealer.

Choosing an extended warranty company
Since warranties are their business, the success of any extended warranty company depends on having satisfied customers and having a good business reputation.

The worse possible scenario is to have to deal with a warranty company that doesn't fulfill their promises and fails you when you need them the most.

Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a warranty company that:

• Has been in business for years and written thousands of policies (stay away from new companies that may not be around when you need to file a claim)
• Has a proven customer track record and solid BBB history (the company is trustworthy and can be counted on)
• Has substantial assets (so that they can pay off when needed)
• Is accepted by car dealers, banks, and credit unions (so that you know they are not just a fly-by-night Internet reseller or broker)
• Offers a variety of coverage plans (to meet your specific needs and budget)
• Fully explains their plans with details, not just vague promises (so that you know what you're buying)
• Offers a detailed written copy of their terms and conditions (so that you know exactly what is covered and what is not)
• Covers all 50 states (provides you coverage no matter where you happen to have a problem)
• Has a money-back guarantee (in case you feel you didn't get what you paid for)

While we haven't evaluated every warranty company out there, we can recommend that you seriously consider Warranty Direct. This is a company who meets, and exceeds, all our qualifications. Be sure to read their "Company Information - Just the Facts" page. We suggest that you get a free quote from them and compare them to any other company you want.