Most people who invest in used cars do so because they cannot afford the short-term costs of a new car.  But most often overlooked when buying a used car are the long-term costs associated with the maintenance of the vehicle. Consider carefully your options when shopping for a new and used car, and pay special attention to the difference in a new car warranty versus a used car warranty. Having a great warranty program can help save you money.

 

While a new car provides one with hassle-free maintenance for the first few years, a used car requires maintenance from the day it is bought.  A major factor to consider in a car’s maintenance is its warranty.  New cars come with factory warranties, which cover the wear and tear for most purposes, while the option of extended warranties are applicable to most, if not all, new car purchases.  On the other hand, a used car warranty does not offer the options of extended warranties nor does it cover extended periods of time (these are short term warranties only).  So while a used car might be warranted to cover a period of six months after ownership transfer, it is most likely that the car would have been maintained so that problems only begin to arise after nine months of usage.  Unfortunately then, it is the owner of the car to face the expenses, as warranties are no longer valid – as opposed to a new car warranty.