You are buying a new car. It’s probably a good model, but you’re suddenly at a crossroads. You might find the salesperson a bit too friendly when he or she introduces an “extended warranty” to the conversation. You’re now pondering, like a cat with 2 mice: is it a safety-net or another money-sucking scheme? Find out how.
Let’s first clear up some things. They’re like insurance, and they should give you peace of mind when your vehicle’s warranty expires. You might be covered for repairs to car parts or components that can drain your savings quicker than you blink. Do you need it?
Finding a review for an extended warranty on a car can be like searching through a haystack to find a needle. Everybody has a different opinion or complaint. Some claim to be the arch-nemesis for saving. Some sing their praises louder and more vociferously than a rooster crowing at dawn. The story of one user was: “I thought that I had scored big. I took the warranty and felt invincible. My transmission failed after three months. Warranty did not cover it. Imagine my surprise!”
Oh, that sneaky small print! It is smaller than the footprint of an ant and declares what’s covered – and more importantly, what’s NOT. It’s a mix of transmission, engine and gizmos. For some, deciphering the many terms that they have outlined may seem like reading an ancient scroll.
Some people swear that they have struck gold. Over coffee, a family friend said, “If I hadn’t taken the warranty, my piggybank would have been emptied twice.” Her car was prone to tantrums. Each one took a turn on the mechanic stage. Those repair costs? Covered.
Putting aside the fine print, the claims process can be tedious. Here, bureaucracy is a major factor. Agents may play hot potato and rotate your call like it was a new sport. One friend shared his experience: “My car whined more than a tipsy Ghost last Halloween.” The warranty company decided to drag its feet more than an overly sleepy toddler. It took me three whole weeks to get back to square one.
Consider the current condition of the vehicle and your plans for it when you browse reviews. Long-term deals can be just as helpful as mittens during a heatwave if you change cars every few years. In contrast, those who are loyal to their jalopies and cling on to them like a Koala to an eucalyptus might feel more secure knowing that their warranty is adhered to the refrigerator by alphabet magnets.
Also, consider local repair shops. You may find a preferred network through warrants. It’s important to have a backup plan in case your preferred mechanics fail, like a novice tightrope walker.
Verify experiences, yes, but also dive into reviews. Talk to other car enthusiasts and, most importantly, listen to your inner gears. You don’t have to choose a single answer. There are many options.