At one time or another, your car will end
up here in the shop.
It could be just routine maintenance or
there could be something wrong.
If you're lucky, problems will show up
when the car or truck is relatively new
and it'll be repaired free of charge
under the warranty.
But what's going on here in the showroom
is now having an increased impact here
in the shop.
Nearly all the major manufacturers
have increased their warranty coverage
recently, but it's a lot more complicated
than many people think.
Manufacturers tend to advertise the
longest term of their coverage.
But in most cases, that part of the
warranty covers only part of the car.
Example, Chrysler Corporation, which
is aggressively marketed its five year
fifty thousand mile warranty.
Well, that part of the coverage covers
the powertrain and our body rust.
The power train would include things like
the engine transmission, drive shaft and
differential, but the rest of the car is
wanted for the more typical 12 months.
Twelve thousand miles.
In fact, most American and Japanese
cars tend to have that type warranty one
year on the entire car and two to five
years on the powertrain with varying
amounts of miles covered during that
warranty period.
European cars, especially higher priced
models, have been the leaders in high
mileage, long term warranty coverage on
the entire car, not just the powertrain.
Mercedes leads the industry with its four
year fifty thousand mile total coverage.
Other makes feature three year total
coverage with mileage limits of thirty
six thousand to unlimited on
top of the total car and power train
warranties. Most manufacturers are also
offering separate warranties on body
rust. Porsche leads the industry on that,
a 10 year coverage.
The point is, don't just listen to the
ads. If you're shopping for a new car,
ask the dealer for warranty specifics and
get a brochure that explains it in
writing. In some cases there could be
deductibles and some items which are
supposed to wear out won't be covered at all.