Used Car Warranties

Do used car warranties that are transferable really boost resale values or do they just build buyer confidence?  

Everybody assumes that used car warranties have some value, but nobody really knows exactly how much? Some new car manufacturer’s have come out with longer powertrain warranties and have made them transferable to a vehicle’s second owner.  This may soon be able to help provide the auto warranty industry with a real answer. 

Some of Chrysler’s models sold after they started their transferable warranty program will soon be resold, and many of those new owners will need to pay the $50 fee to continue with the balance of the factory warranty. The question that remains is will they also pay a higher price to the car’s seller because the warranty is transferable?  

It is a difficult question to answer, but a leading authority and editor of a major automotive publication noted that a vehicle under warranty is most certainly worth more than a vehicle that’s not. It seems like common sense, and we always see a marked drop in vehicle’s resale value once it is out of warranty. 

There is no question that used car warranties will definitely enhance your vehicle’s resale vale.  Just make sure the plan you purchase is transferable. 

A South Carolina man whose vehicle was still under warranty said he was an able to get repairs done in a timely manner.

Since the middle of last year this consumer has been trying to get his van repaired but has not been able to get complete satisfaction.  The car has been into the shop numerous times and after several months of trying promises were made that were not kept by the dealer. 

He contacted the auto warranty company that provided him with his coverage and asked them to assist in getting the dealer to complete the repairs.  Many used car warranties offered by some providers would not have gotten involved.  Auto Advantage Inc. was not one of them.  They immediately contacted the dealer and persuaded them to complete repairs in just 48 hours.  Needless to say the customer only has kind words for the representative and company that assisted him.  The customer adds, “I just believe that if you buy an auto warranty the people that sell it to you should stand behind it”.

Used car warranties can be quite a value when purchased on any used vehicle in your family.  In addition they will also increase the value of your vehicle as they are transferable when the vehicle is sold to the next owner.

The automotive industry has seen the largest drop in used car sales in almost a decade.  Industry monitors report that in the third quarter of 2007 alone sales dropped by over 3 percent.  Sales of later model cars that are three years old or less have dropped off the most, losing almost 10 percent of their sales.

Some new car programs are partially to blame for the used-car sales drop off.  Increase in some of the coverage offered by new car warranties, special insurance incentives, and finance deals as low as zero percent have buyers looking at new vehicles as opposed to late-model pre-owned cars.  Over the long haul this will probably cause used-car prices to drop off considerably.

This change has surprised the industry as the third and fourth quarter of the year usually see a slight increase in the seller used vehicles.  The outlook is that conditions will probably continue to be tough for dealers who sell used vehicles, especially with the economy in its current condition.  The auto industry, during a recession, usually takes one of the biggest hits in the financial world.

One industry that will probably benefit from the current market conditions will be the auto warranty industry.  Used car warranties will continue to be a necessity for most vehicles on the road.  As consumers will tend to keep their vehicles longer, used car warranties will protect them from having to break the bank for the repairs on these older vehicles.  At least the auto warranty industry will see some benefit from the current economic conditions.

If you intend to sell your vehicle at some point you should consider purchasing on of the many used car warranties available to you.  Even if you are only considering a sale, automobile warranty can protect you while you still own the car and will add considerable value to the new owner. You will be able to drive your vehicle with the peace of mind that only an auto warranty can bring.  You should also realize that the buyer is likely to want the same comfort when driving the vehicle after the purchase.

In addition, you will increase the car’s value by adding the simple words “warranty coverage” in your ad.  

Consider purchasing an auto warranty for your new replacement vehicle as well.  Down the road the extended auto warranty will most likely save you big money on repair bills.  Remember, the auto warranty you purchase today will be an investment that will surely pay off for you in the future. 

I may envy my friends a little as they are all driving beautiful new cars, but I don’t envy their high monthly payments.  After many years of carting with my family around, the interior of my Explorer may not be much to look at, but mechanically it is still fairly sound.  Rather then taking on a new loan and dealing with the monthly payments, I chose to purchase an auto warranty.  I consider used car warranties and essential investment if you plan to keep an older vehicle and it is your primary mode of transportation.

When I returned to the dealer who sold me my car originally and asked him if he could provide warranty coverage, I was told they were not able to sell it to me after the date of sale.  I then went on a quest to find another way to obtain coverage.  I found a number of aftermarket auto warranty companies that offered a variety of different plans and chose a bumper to bumper planned that seemed to work best for me.

After going through this process, which I considered a learning experience, I found that doing a extensive research on the different companies that provided and auto warranty online was essential.  Some auto warranty reviews were available that showed that the quality of the companies varied considerably.  Remember, you usually get what you pay for.

When buying a certified used car in Minnesota the word “certified” now really means something. Earlier this month a new law took effect that will regulate what a car dealer can say is a certified vehicle. It is part of a new car owners’ bill of rights that lawmakers passed in early 2007.  It is something that consumer activists as well as car dealers both agree is a good idea.

The term “certified” is used quite liberally and much too loosely in the automobile industry and the new used car warranty law gives it some credibility.  It is important to note that “certified” still means different things to different people. With the old law a dealer who advertised a “certified” car could define the term however he felt he wanted it presented. Now the law says that a certified used vehicle must include some type of auto warranty and the dealer must state that the car is in good shape and has no current damage.  As we are all aware, used car warranties are an essential part of any vehicle’s sale.

Lawmakers recently voted to strengthen the regulation of auto repair facilities after an investigation by a television news team from Nevada.

Apparently the current laws in place are more or less a license to rip people off. The new laws help streamline the regulatory process and have the Department of Motor Vehicles named as the place for disheartened consumers to lodge their complaints. This is a great step as the DMV has authority to shut down a crooked repair shop.

Auto warranty providers had also lobbied for the new legislation as it will provide them with an additional safety mechanism for the used car warranties they offer. 

It has already helped as some repair facilities have already felt the sting of the new system and have lost their license to do business.

The bill also helps to provide additional funds for the attorney general’s office to do more in the future with their undercover investigations.

A new law that took place last week in Minnesota requires a higher standard to dealerships selling vehicles advertised as “certified” used cars.

In the past, a dealer might be able to explain certified many different ways, possibly withholding history or damage towards the vehicle. Under the new used car warranty law that is part of a “car owners’ bill of rights” passed last spring, state law requires, among other things, all certified used cars must go through a thorough inspection. All sales must include an auto warranty whether by the dealership or one of the many quality aftermarket auto warranty companies…

Besides defining “certified,” dealers now must make over 40-disclosure statements including whether a credit report was done in determining their ability to pay off their loan. These new requirements help restore a new car buyer’s faith in making their purchase.

Regardless of whether the vehicle is certified or not, used car warranties should be an essential part of any purchase.

When buying a new or used car, don’t just sign the contract that’s put in front of you. Make sure you ask some questions about all of the extras that are added on after you make the deal on the car.  Fees like doc fees, financing fees, delivery fees, and fees related to used car warranties are not always justified.

A good auto warranty needs to be negotiated prior to taking your vehicle home.  If you are told any fee is mandatory, make sure you question it and ask for proof.

Back in the summer of 2007 one of my clients purchased a used Land Rover Discovery from a dealer. It came with a mechanical breakdown warranty issued by an aftermarket auto warranty company. On the date of purchase the car had 85,000 miles and 3,500 miles later it broke on the highway and had to get towed. The claim was called in to the company that issued the warranty in accordance with the contract terms. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the rear axle had to be broken down for inspection. The inspector advised that the damage was not a covered claim by the warranty because it was a wear & tear failure. The selling dealer insisted that the vehicle had no problems at the time of sale, so he could not be held liable for the cost of repairs. The repairs needed entailed replacing a seized rear differential following a bearing failure. The vehicle needed to get back on the road so the repairs were completed and the issue is now in small claims court.

The moral of the story is when purchasing an auto warranty for your used car be sure that the plan is of the highest caliber.  Read through the contract as some used car warranties leave much to be desired.