If you just purchased a car, the last thing you want to do is think about shelling out more money immediately for car repairs. But even with a quality used car dealer like Simons Motorcars, it can still be a good idea to think about purchasing the extended car warranty for repairs you may need down the road. A car warranty, or vehicle service contract, covers surprise repairs that you might need, without you having to shell out the repair fee from your own pocket. If you are the kind of person that likes to prepare for a rainy day, purchasing the extended warranty could be an excellent idea for you. The need for car repairs often comes at the most inconvenient times, and knowing that any car maintenance jobs are covered under your extended car warranty can take the worry out of used car ownership.
1. How Much Driving Will You Do?
When considering whether or not to get an extended warranty, consider how much you will be driving. If you need the car or truck to be a workhorse, and the reliability of your vehicle is extremely important, then a warranty is a good idea. The more you drive a vehicle, the more wear and tear it will have. So if you are putting some serious mileage on your car each day, buying a quality extended warranty is a good idea because there is a higher likelihood that it might break down.
2. What is Your Personal Risk Tolerance?
For some people, unexpected expenses are just a drop in the bucket. But if you are the type of person that likes to keep a careful budget and doesn’t like surprises, then buying the extended warranty is for you. With the extended warranty in hand, you can rest assured that if your car breaks down, there will be no surprises and you will not have to scramble to pay repair expenses out of pocket.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Another consideration is that you want to know what the warranty actually covers. This is the perfect time to read the fine print so you know what you are paying for. Most extended car warranties will cover most substantial breakdowns. This will help your bottom line because the cost of parts and labor can fluctuate over time. As long as you read and understand the fine print, you will likely be covered for most major repairs with the extended warranty in hand.
4. How Long Does the Warranty Extend?
In addition to finding out what exactly the warranty covers, you need to know how long the warranty will last. Owning a car is always a gamble because you never really know when the brakes or the transmission will go out on you. So you need to think about the timing of what could go wrong and how long the warranty will last. Most warranties last for 2 to 7 years, so you will need to do some planning about how long you need the car and how long the big ticket items in a car will usually last. Then you can make an educated decision on whether or not the warranty is right for you.
5. Is the Warranty Company Reputable?
Doing a little research about the warranty company itself is an important piece of the puzzle. It helps to use a reputable warranty company that will do the right thing by you, because you don’t want to pay for a warranty that doesn’t cover what you need when you have an emergency. A little digging will go a long way: look at reviews of the company, talk to an agent, and read the policy before you sign on the dotted line.
6. What is My Personal History With Car Trouble?
Before you get yourself involved in a costly extended warranty, think about your past history with cars. If you have rarely had major trouble with automobiles, you might not need to worry about an extended warranty. But if you always seemed to be burned at the most inopportune times, it might be a good idea to purchase a warranty. Think about other personal details as well, such as the reliability of the car you are purchasing, and the area of the country in which you live. These can all play a role in your need for a warranty.
7. Are There Other Ways To Do This?
Another question to ask yourself before buying an extended car warranty is if you could consider an alternate plan. For instance, even saving half of what you would pay for a car warranty yourself would set you up for success if your car breaks down. As the old saying goes, you can have your cake and eat it too. You can save some of the money yourself without paying it to a third party warranty company. And you also won’t be left high and dry if your car breaks down.
Simon says, say “Yes” to a quality used car at Simons Motorcars on the Bedford Auto Mile. And take some time to consider the questions above about your need for an extended warranty. If you understand your own capacity for risk-taking, the reliability of the car you are buying, and what exactly the warranty covers, you will be able to make an informed decision about your need for an extended car warranty.