Extended warranties for vehicles after the original has run out

Joanne at the Globe and Mail couldn’t have said it better when she was asked in her blog;

I was wondering what your position is on purchasing extended warranties for your vehicle after your original has run out. I have a 2007 RAV4.– Al in Trail, B.C.

Joanne responded with,

“It seems almost a motorist’s rite of passage to experience, or at least sympathize with others, over a warranty horror story. Whether it’s a motorist who didn’t buy an extended warranty and paid a price, or another who paid a pretty premium but whose repair was ruled out by the small print. So, should you consider one?

Typically, you’ll be three to five years into new-car ownership when the manufacturers warranty runs out. By then, you’ve clocked some kilometres and it’s more likely things will go wrong from that point on.

The price of an out-of-warranty repair can easily be more than the cost of an extended warranty. What things should you watch out for? Deductibles, service interval requirements, coverage (i.e. does the contract require maintenance and repairs be done exclusively at the dealership?) and the fine print in general as to what is and is not covered. The reputability of the warranty provider is also very important.

According to Toyota Canada, a 2007 RAV4 (just like yours) comes with Toyota’s standard three- year/60,000-km comprehensive manufacturers warranty, and its five-year/100,000-km powertrain warranty. Those warranties come with a new vehicle, and stay with the vehicle, regardless of the owner.

“We have two types of extended warranties. One is with Toyota, and the other is recommended by Toyota,” says a spokesperson at Westminster Toyota in Vancouver. “Mileage, model, and the year of your vehicle will determine which you are eligible for. In order to get a Toyota extended warranty you have to get it from the dealer. Whether you buy used or new, you have to buy this warranty from Toyota when you buy the car.”

Manufacturers offer extensions to their warranties, but usually only at the time of vehicle purchase, such as extending the four-year warranty to seven years. Typically, they‘re more expensive than aftermarket warranty companies.

Aftermarket companies offer a diverse selection – from power train to full warranties. Prices and terms differ. Obviously, you’ll pay extra for more coverage. In any case, again, make sure you check the fine print. Some warranties cover wear and tear on parts, while others only cover breakage.

“The purchase of an extended warranty is all about understanding the exclusions, and your responsibilities. They all come with nice glossy brochures and they all say they’re going to do stuff, but the latter pages of the brochure and the warranty itself tell you what’s excluded – what’s not going to be fixed if you abuse the vehicle or don’t maintain it properly.

The public have to understand that they have some obligations when they buy an extended warranty,” says Bob Pierce, director of member services for the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario.

If you find a reputable provider that offers acceptable coverage for an attractive price, an extended warranty can be a good insurance policy against unexpected major repairs. It’s a fixed amount, so you can plan and factor that into your vehicle ownership costs up front. A transferable extended warranty is also good for the resale value should you wish to sell down the road.”

Thanks Joanne, our visitors will appreciate your advice.

If you have questions about ACWII or extended warranties please don't hesitate to comment in this forum.