What Are the Best Car Warranty Plans?
When you buy a new car, what is important to you?Â
There's the vehicle itself, its trim level and options as well as EPA rated gas mileage. Then there's the good deal you got on purchasing it and details of the auto loan. Also, right at the top of the list, you should consider the automaker's factory warranty. The warranty package and vehicle protection are important in your decision-making process when considering the right vehicle for you. Â
When you're looking at purchasing a new car, check out the automaker's factory warranty early in the game. You'll find details on every brand's website. Naturally, you want the highest level of coverage for your car. First, look at the length of the warranty. They generally begin with what is known as a bumper-to-bumper, or comprehensive warranty, and these vary in length and mileage. The longer they last, the better for you. With new cars, factory warranties are not all the same. Some last for a longer period of time and offer extended mileage. There are extra warranties for things like roadside assistance and even free oil changes. What makes a great car warranty? What do these plans cover? More importantly, what are the best car factory warranties in 2021? Let's take a look. Â
What does a Car Warranty include?
It used to be pretty standard for a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty to last for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Once you pass either of those two limits, your car is no longer under warranty. Today, automakers have better warranties than ever before, with some covering 5 years or 60,000 miles. If you buy a plug-in hybrid or all-electric car, you could have a warranty that lasts for 8 years or 100,000 on the battery pack. Â
The bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most of the mechanical components of the car but excludes what are known as "wear items" such as tires and brakes. There is also a separate powertrain warranty on the car's engine and transmission. This warranty is usually a longer term because it covers fewer items. If a car company has a comprehensive warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles, the powertrain warranty might be 6 years and 70,000 miles. Between these two warranties, most everything on the car is covered. Â
What are some of the Benefits?
You also want to look for extra benefits. For instance, most brands now offer roadside assistance that can last up to 5 years or unlimited miles. Just think, if you get a flat tire or run out of gas, one phone call will get you free assistance. Plus, some of these extra benefits might include rental car reimbursement when your car is being repaired or trip interruption coverage. There are even benefit plans that include free towing or free oil changes for a specific period of time. Â
Keep in mind that the very best auto warranty is one that you never actually have to deal with. When buying a new car, make sure to research the brand's predicted reliability ratings. Reliability is every bit as important as the warranty. Â
Top 10 Best New Car Warranties Â
What are the best factory car warranties for 2021? In considering this top 10 list, we researched coverage across each automaker's entire line of vehicles. The list that follows is based on each brand's basic comprehensive and powertrain coverage. We added points for longest length of coverage and any special features such as free shuttles or towing, delivery programs and free scheduled maintenance programs such as free oil changes. Auto brands are listed as a countdown from 10 to one. Â
Important Factors
When you look at the factory warranty on a vehicle, make sure to notice what is included and what is not. Also look for the warranty on corrosion. This is especially important if you live in an area where they salt the roads in winter. Most automakers today include a corrosion warranty for at least 5 years and 100,000 miles. Many offer this warranty with unlimited miles. Lithia is always here to help you choose the best vehicle for your needs, along with a great warranty. 