What to Know About a Used Car Warranty

If you buy a used car, it would be a good idea to check out the used car warranty that is provided with the car. Used car warranties do not usually provide very much coverage or for a long time-period. While it's important to realize what we mean by "used car", it's also important to realize the different kind of used car warranties that are available.  Find out which extended auto warranty company we recommend.

A car can be one year old and be classified as a used car. A car that is that "new", however, will most likely still be covered under the original manufacturer's warranty, which was for at least 36 months or 36,000 miles. There may be a chance that a car one year old has 36,000 miles on it, but it's rare. If it does, the original warranty may no longer be in effect, so you should be looking at some other type of used car warranty.

When you purchase a used car from a dealer, there is usually some sort of used car warranty that comes with it. Unfortunately, the used car warranty is usually only for 30, 60 or 90 days. These warranties also generally only cover major parts like the powertrain or engine. Occasionally, they may take care of more than that but you may want to check with the dealer.

In fact, it's a good idea to ask for the used car warranty in writing and have the dealer go through it with you explaining what it covers and what it does not cover. Don't be afraid of asking too many questions. Buying a car is a large investment and you should know what you'll need to pay for in the case of a breakdown.

Extended warranties are another type of used car warranty. It's important that you know what an extended warranty is and what it covers.

When a car is new, it has a two-part warranty. One part is called a bumper to bumper and it covers almost everything the name implies: from front bumper to back bumper. The only things that are not covered in a bumper to bumper warranty are things that need replacing as a result of normal wear like tires or brakes. The other part of the warranty is a powertrain warranty, which covers the engine, powertrain and any parts that make the car move.

Extended warranties take over the bumper to bumper warranty when the original warranty expires. Many people don't understand this and think it replaces their original warranty. There are many different parts of the car that may break down which the extended warranty won't cover, however.

Before purchasing an extended warranty, know what you're going to get and what it's going to cost. The cost of the extended warranty will depend on what type of car you have as some of them are more reliable like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, etc. This is also something you may want to check on before you purchase a car. Some break down more often than others.

Make an educated decision when shopping for a warranty, to make sure you are getting everything you need. There's more to getting a good used car warranty than getting the best price.

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