Just because you bought a used car does not mean that there are not warranties available for you to purchase to protect your investment. Your dealership will probably also offer some sort of warranty too when you first purchase the used car. Knowing what all the different extended warranties cover and don’t can be complicated and confusing. We’re here to simplify all of the information you need and present you a short description of what each warranty is. It is important to note that depending on the year of your car or the amount of miles already on it, you may not be able to qualify for all of these warranties. Getting an extended warranty on your used car purchase could end up saving you a ton of money down the road. Let’s take a look at your options!

Bumper to Bumper Coverage 

This type of warranty coverage covers every component of your car from bumper to bumper. Depending on the specific coverage plan you have it will cover the major electrical components, air conditioning, audio system, vehicle sensors, and the fuel systems. Generally, these warranties will not cover you for routine maintenance like oil changes or fluid top offs, but some bumper to bumper warranty plans do offer these services either in package or as an add on coverage. Since the bumper to bumper warranty is so inclusive, it costs more and it doesn’t last as long as other types of warranties. However, the bumper to bumper warranty coverage is great for peace of mind, and can really be a lifesaver if you need to use it. 

Drivetrain and Powertrain Warranties 

Drivetrain and powertrain warranties are often confused because both of them are so similar. Where the powertrain warranty differs from the drivetrain warranty is that it covers the engine and it typically does not last as long as a drivetrain warranty. Both warranty options help cover what makes your car move. This includes the transmission and driveshaft. The drivetrain warranty more specifically covers wheels and axles too. Both warranties cover the transmission, but the powertrain covers the engine and the components that make the wheels move, and the drivetrain covers the wheels and axles themselves. Overall, a drivetrain warranty will probably cost you less money and last you a longer time, but it is important to remember that the drivetrain warranty does not cover your engine. Your engine is one of the most expensive components of your used car so it is important to make sure that you are covered in the event that repairs are necessary. When buying a used car speak with the sales team to see what type of warranty options are available to you, and whether a drivetrain or powertrain warranty is better suited to the car you are purchasing. 

Routine Maintenance Warranty  

This is a great coverage to have because every car is always going to require routine maintenance. Be sure you know what you are getting in your routine maintenance package because plans can differ wildly depending on who is offering the warranty. You can expect oil changes, air filters, and tune-ups to definitely be included in your maintenance warranty, but you should educate yourself on which other services are also included as part of this package. It is hard to go wrong with a routine maintenance warranty because they are so useful to everyday car use. You can find a ton of affordable maintenance warranty options. 

Performance Warranty 

To drive your car it needs to pass emissions tests every year as a part of its general inspection. If you have to replace a catalytic converter or engine control module, you could be looking at a hefty repair bill just to pass your emissions test and remain street legal. Performance warranties cover your repairs in the event that you fail an emissions test. These plans are often sold in terms of years and miles so be sure to choose carefully. In the event that you can’t pass an emissions test you want to be covered so you can keep on driving!

Cosmetic Warranty 

Driving a clean, new smelling car is a joy. You want to keep your car clean and looking like it did on the day you bought it. Cosmetic, or wear-and-tear plans, cover all of the normal wear and tear damage that ages a car. This includes the paint job, the interior, damages to the upholstery, and cleaning. There is no better way to keep your car clean and fresh than by getting it professionally cleaned. This is a great warranty option for people who may be leasing vehicles too because you don’t want to be responsible for all of the costs of cleaning and repairing cosmetic damage when the term of your lease ends. 

The Terms 

Depending on who is offering you or selling you the warranty, the terms will vary. You may get your warranty coverage included in the purchase of your used car, or you may have to purchase a separate plan. Generally, the dealership who sold you the car should offer you at least a 30-day bumper-to-bumper warranty on the car that they sold you. Purchasing additional extended warranties may be paid in one lump sum, or on a monthly basis. Oftentimes, you can get a plan that covers you for 6-8 years and make monthly payments for a year and a half or two. The terms of your warranty will all depend on the company you choose, the car you are driving, and the current shape that car is in when you purchase your warranty coverage. 

Best Buy Imports is proud to offer all of our customers a complimentary 30-day powertrain warranty on every single car that we sell. We want you to shop with confidence at Best Buy Imports! 

8 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Used Car

Buying a car is an exciting and fun process, but it can be an expensive one if you buy it new. Buying used cars offers consumers a ton of benefits that new cars can’t. Let’s explore eight great reasons that you should buy a used car instead of a new one.

More Options to Choose From

Have you ever wanted to drive a convertible, or maybe an SUV, or a little roadster? When you buy used cars you have a wide array of options when it comes to make and model. There are only a handful of new models from each manufacturer every year, but buying a used car is like opening a catalog of all the greatest hits. The car of your dreams may be one that is no longer manufactured like the recently decommissioned, iconic VW Bug. Buying used cars gives consumers far more options on make and model.

They Cost a Lot Less

The overall price point for a lot of used cars is a great advantage in itself. Plus, since the costs to buy used cars are so low you have more options in terms of what kind of car you can afford. Used cars offer great value. They provide the invaluable service of mobility and transportation, but they do so at a cost that you can afford. New cars cost a lot of money. We’ll see more ways that used cars help you save money further down our list, but the big way you save with used cars is in total cost.

Cars Go Longer

Auto manufacturers are making more durable and reliable cars every single year. That means that the used car market is full of great vehicles that have a ton of life still in them. Consumers can shop with more and more confidence every year as detailed used car histories and overall quality of used cars has improved over the years. You should still take a good look at a used car’s mileage and have an inspection, but the truth of the matter is that well-maintained used cars can run well over 200,000 miles or more!

Repairs Made Easy

A great reason to buy used cars is that repairs are generally cheaper. Why? A large number of aftermarket parts that are widely available, and a large community of DIY repair videos and maintenance tips online. With older models, there is a wealth of available knowledge about common repairs and issues, and you can get parts for cheap. New cars, on the other hand, need to be taken to a specialist at your dealership to be repaired and there are potential recalls. The fact of the matter is, there are less experience and knowledge around these new cars. That is not an issue for used car buyers.

Better Insurance Rates

What is the main factor in determining insurance rates for cars? The answer is their overall value. New cars cost a lot more than used cars. Therefore, insuring them is more expensive. Used car owners can save big on insurance rates. This is a major advantage because insurance fees can be costly. Used cars help you save on total price and also in insurance payments too!

New Cars Lose Value Fast

This is one of the hard truths about buying new cars. They lose their value at a rapid rate. After a few years time, the car you bought won’t be worth anywhere near how much you paid for it. This is a lot of money to lose so quickly. If you buy used cars, you don’t have this issue. Used cars have already depreciated considerably, and while they will continue to depreciate the rapid loss of value that is experienced in the car’s first few years of life has slowed down.

Certified Pre-Owned Options are Abundant

Almost everywhere you go to buy a used car will have certified pre-owned options. These cars have been rigorously tested, inspected, and have extremely detailed history reports. It is often said that buying certified pre-owned cars is like buying a new car at the price of a used car. These used cars often have very little mileage on them, come with a manufacturer or dealership warranty, and are only a few years old at most. With such competitive options available to consumers why would anyone buy a new car?

Know What to Expect

Used cars offer the consumer more knowledge going into a sale. Tools like KBB accurately pinpoint the prices for all models of used cars. When you are buying a used car you have the tools to know exactly whether the price you are paying is fair, high, or low. With vast resources of knowledge available to consumers on every single make and model of used car, everyone can be an expert and make sure they are getting the perfect used car for their life and budget.