Something that is always an issue when purchasing a new or used vehicle is motor warranty. Taking out a motor warranty should protect the purchaser from unforeseen car expenses.
This is most pertinent in the case of motor accidents, or when the vehicle has been taken in for a service and major mechanical work is required.
Questions as to how long the warranty is valid and what parts are covered need to be foremost in mind and can save the owner from stressful repair bills. However, the owner should also be aware of certain instances where the claim has been denied, even with a motor warranty.
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Automatic warranty also has limits
A new car comes with an automatic warranty which is valid for a certain period or defined mileage. Such warranties will see to repairs and services – there are also limits though – but a warranty that is purchased for a used vehicle could be a lot different.
A warranty is the dealer’s stamp of approval that the car being purchased is sound. In the case of problems arising, the warranty ensures that the car will be fixed at the dealers at no cost.
There is current debate in South Africa to change the ruling that the vehicle can only be serviced or repaired at the dealer the vehicle was bought from or a franchised dealer.
The general warranties usually cover most aspects except the tyres, brake pads and clutch mechanisms. Some plans also differentiate between general failures and mechanical failures. This is rather the exception than the rule, but it is best to check the warranties and not just expect everything to covered.
Wear and tear not covered
Most warranties do not cover normal wear and tear, environmental damage or damage from natural disasters or those damages resulting from accidents or reckless driving.
In an aftermarket case, when buying a used vehicle, some owners expect a service plan to be totally comprehensive, but this is not the case.
If there is a problem with engine components, say, this will be for the owner’s expense. Items such as brake pads, V-belts, brake linings, and so on, are excluded from the service plan.
Extended warranties means reliability
The days of pretty simple cars like Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord are long gone. Worry-free driving was the norm even if you owned used cars.
The new-age imported cars like Volkswagen Polo/Polo Vivo, Ford Fiesta/Figo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Fortuner/Auris/Quest etc are incredibly complicated machines.
They give you the possible driving experience, but once their warranty period expires or if you buy one of these as a used one, even the simplest of electrical and mechanical breakdown can set you back by thousands of rands.
The vehicles are machines made out of parts and components, and as the car gets old, the parts will eventually face wear and tear, break or damage. That will need an immediate require replacement or repair.
An extended warranty is the perfect answer to this mind-boggling issue. The prevailing wisdom for people who are over-confident about their vehicle and likes to live on the edge, ignoring an extended warranty comes naturally.
For some car owners, it’s a no-brainer. An additional cost of a few hundred (or thousand) rands provides a worry-free driving for a set period of time. Whether you are a new car owner or an old car buyer, it’s a wise ‘investment’ that you make even if you know you’ll never need to use it.
The benefits of an extended motor warranty buy you extra peace of mind as it offers you the financial protection and the back-up that you need.