Posted by Andrew Hillin on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 12:09 PM
What could be safer than buying a used car? After all, anybody selling a used car is going to be completely honest with you, right? Well, no. If you buy a used car, you have be very careful about the condition of the car and it would be a very good idea to get an extended car warranty. There are three basic things to beware of with a used car: accident damage, water damage and mechanical problems, any one of which is serious enough to make you wish you had a used car warranty quote.
Accident Damage
Once a car has been in an accident, it can never really be restored to 100 percent pre-accident performance. Finding accident damage on a used car can be tricky because the seller will often go to great lengths to disguise it. There are some services that would look up a car's history using the VIN number and tell you if there's been an insurance claim involving the vehicle. Another trick is to look for mismatched quarter panels. You can run a hand down the length of the car and feel for differences in height or uneven seams. It's also a good idea to take a good look at the car from every angle to make sure it doesn't have a bent frame. An extended car warranty will not do much for cosmetic problems related to a prior accident, but it may help with mechanical breakdowns that come as a result of a prior crash.
Water Damage
Every time there's a weather emergency like a flood or a hurricane, cars get water damaged. Later, you can rest assured that someone will try to sell these cars and they probably won't mention the water damage when they do it. The bad thing about water damage is that once a car has been submerged, there are probably five invisible problems for every one that you see. To find water damage, one good trick is to check the upholstery for blotchy spots. Another thing to watch out for is foggy headlight and taillights or actual water in those lights. Also, since mold is harder to remove than water, try sitting in the car with the windows closed and see if you smell a musty, moldy smell.
Mechanical Problems
Worries about mechanical problems on a used car are definitely enough to send you looking for an auto warranty quote. The test drive is all-important in finding mechanical problems. First and foremost, pay attention to the acceleration--it should be smooth. If the engine sputters or strains during acceleration, their could be problems with the fuel system or it could be in need of a tune up, while rough shifting could indicate the need for expensive transmission repairs. You might also be able to recognize transmission problems from loud noises, like a grinding that seems to come from under the car.
There are many concerns when buying a new car. Luckily, with an extended warranty used car buying isn't nearly as risky, since many repairs would be covered.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Wed, Mar 06, 2013 @ 12:20 PM
When life gives you lemons, the common advice people give is to make lemonade. However, when it comes to automobiles and other consumer items that turn out to be lemons, the result may not be so sweet. If you have purchased a defective car or other product that is not functioning properly, you may have heard of the “lemon law” and wondered if you could get an explanation about it might protect you as a consumer.
Lemon laws are federal and state statutes that fall under the category of consumer protection laws. Each state sets up its own lemon laws, which vary in the ways that they are set up to protect people. In order to qualify, the car typically must have a major defect while still under warranty coverage and that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts. For example, your car might be considered a lemon if it failed within the first two years or 24,000 miles and has been in the repair shop for 30 days out of a year. Consumers with cars that qualify are subject to getting a refund or a replacement vehicle.
Basically, the lemon law covers three aspects of consumer protection. First, the law will specify what types of vehicles are covered, such as motorcycles, mobile homes or cars. Second it will note the period of coverage, such as a certain number of years or the number of miles on the vehicle’s odometer. Third, the lemon law specifies how many times you have tried to get the car repaired and how long it was out of service during these repairs.
If you think that your car is a lemon, contact the attorney general’s office for your state to see if your particular situation is covered under the law. If your state’s lemon laws do not apply to your vehicle, you may be afforded protection under the national lemon law, also known as the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
You will need to make detailed records of the types of repairs you attempted to make, and how long the vehicle was unavailable for you to operate. Contact the manufacturer or your dealer and mention that you are thinking of using the lemon law to make a claim on the car. If you cannot get satisfaction from the dealer or manufacturer, it’s prudent to contact a lemon law lawyer to assist you.
It can be frustrating trying to deal with a lemon car, with the time and effort you make to try to get it fixed as well as having to arrange for alternative transportation while the car is in the shop. Fortunately, the lemon law is designed to minimize the hassle and get you back on the road with a replacement car or a refund to buy another vehicle yourself.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Mon, Mar 04, 2013 @ 10:06 AM
Are you looking for a new car? Can’t decide whether to get a new car or a used one? Most people would agree that a brand new shiny car or a fully restored classic are top picks. Some people think that new is always better than used.
There are some advantages to buying a used car. You avoid the drastic drop in value that happens immediately after you buy a brand new car and drive off the lot. The value of a new car falls as much as 30 percent the first year. Used cars have a much slower rate of depreciation from year to year, if you maintain the vehicle and keep it looking and driving well.
Although, factory defects fairly rare, in recent years the number of recalls has increased. Maintenance for new cars is usually limited to oil changes and new wipers. When maintenance and repairs are needed, it is often necessary to take it to certified mechanic.
Repairs are almost guaranteed with older cars. Starters, alternators, serpentine belts and even head lamps require replacement more often in used cars than newer model vehicles. On the positive side, you can still replace radiators, water pumps and carburetors on many older vehicles in the driveway.
Another downside is that you can’t always get a good driving history. It is hard to tell if the previous owner rode the brakes or abused the transmission double-clutching. The pristine exterior does not always reveal the tired and worn mechanics.
Used autos are generally less expensive to buy and insure, while newer cars are more expensive to buy and less expensive to maintain. The final decision often depends on whether you want to pay now or pay later.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Sat, Feb 23, 2013 @ 08:11 PM
Before you start looking for a car warranty quote, you have to consider how long you plan to keep the car. If you will get tired with the car by the third year, purchasing an extended warranty will not make sense since the manufacturer’s warranty will still apply. However, if you plan on staying with the car until the wheels fall off, you can consider an extended warranty.
After determining whether an extended warranty will be good for you, you have to find a good quote. Here are some things you should consider when choosing a quote:
Who is offering the warranty?
Most consumers purchase warranties without exactly knowing the companies behind them. Most of the warranties offered at dealerships are from third party companies and not the auto manufacturers. Make sure the warranty you purchase is backed by the car manufacturer and not another company or the dealership only.
Manufacturer’s extended warranty can be used at any dealership across the country. On the other hand, a third party warranty may only be applicable at the dealership where you bought the car. If you need warranty for a purpose not covered by the car manufacturer, check online reviews before you buy.
Are you getting the best price?
Before you visit a dealership, shop around and request for quotes from different online providers and compare their prices. Some dealers will indicate that the price of a warranty is fixed. However, if you request for quote from different online providers, you might find some that are offering a lower price or will be willing to negotiate.
You however have to work hard to get the Finance Officer lower the warranty cost. Present arguments that will warrant a lower cost. For example, you can negotiate your costs based on the number of miles you cover a year and the term of the warranty you want.
What does the warranty cover?
A warranty is not a cushion for all repair and maintenance that the car may need. Even an extended warranty may not cover parts of the car that wear and tear on a regular basis. Go through the fine print of a warranty to know what is and what is not covered.
Also, find out who will front the cost for the repair bill. Are there deductibles? Will you pay for the costs upfront and get a reimbursement later or are the repairs fully covered?
Will you repair history affect the warranty?
Your vehicle repair history can help you determine the kind and extent of warranty cover you should purchase. If your other cars have had some kinds of problems, you may want the problems covered by the warranty. For example, if the road that you frequent has many debris and you’ve had several flat tires within a short time, a road-hazard warranty can be a good option.
Another way of determining the extent of warranty to purchase is to add up the total amount you have spent on repairs in the past and compare it to the cost of the warranty. While no two cars can have the same repair expenses, you can determine how much warranty to purchase based on your past vehicle repair history.
Getting a good warranty is all about knowing the amount of cover you are looking for and shopping around to compare quotes from different companies. The above are some of the questions you should keep in mind when you want to purchase car warranty quotes.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Thu, Feb 21, 2013 @ 11:28 AM
When you are looking for additional warranty for your car, it is best to get as many quotes as possible from a number of car warranty providers. This will allow you to do a car warranty comparison and select the best quote for your needs. There are many reliable and reputable providers, such as Warranty Direct, US Direct Protect, Car Chex and True Auto. While a car dealer will try to convince you that they have the best extended warranty for your vehicle, it makes financial sense to opt for car warranty providers, as you can get a better deal.
Take Just Warranties That You Need
It is important that you buy warranties that you need for your vehicle. If you purchase a new vehicle, it will come with the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty for about three years or until you drive 36,000 miles. At times, the car warranty can be even for a longer duration of time. At this point, it does not make sense to go for extended warranty, especially if you are unsure that you will be keeping the car for a long time.
On the other hand, if you are buying a used car that is older than 10 years or has been driven extensively, getting additional warranty can be quite expensive. Instead, even month set aside money to take care of possible repairs. It does not make sense to go for extended warranty for old cars.
Shop Around
As mentioned earlier, there are many reputable car warranty providers. Ask these providers to send you a quote, so that you can a car warranty comparison. Try and get quotes from a minimum of five providers and then select one that best suits your needs and fits into your budget. A provider like True Auto, can offer affordable extended warranty, so that you are protected even after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Many times, it has been seen that car dealerships offer warranties that can be bought directly from warranty companies. So if a car dealership offers you extended warranty from a known provider, check out the provider. Invariably you will be able to get the warranty directly from the warranty company at a lower price.
Read the Warranty Contract Carefully
Read the contract to see whether there are any deductibles that you need to pay and how it applies. Some contracts may seem inexpensive but when you take your vehicle for repairs you may have to pay more than one deductible before the warranty kicks in. It is best to select a car warranty provider that offers a per incident deductible instead of multiple deductibles. This could save you a lot of money when you file a claim under the warranty. That is why it is important to do a car warranty comparison.
Cheap Warranties Are Not Always the Best
When buying an extended warranty, do not opt for cheap warranty. Such a warranty will have high deductibles, restriction on where you can do the repairs and may require you to use just used or re manufactured parts. Instead look for an affordable warranty that is flexible and still offers high quality coverage. True Auto is one such car warranty provider that can offer the best possible coverage at extremely affordable prices.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Mon, Feb 11, 2013 @ 03:41 PM
Buying a used car is an expensive venture not only because of the upfront costs, but recurring costs on repair and maintenance. You should get a car with a warranty to save on repair and maintenance costs that may be necessary after purchase.
Choosing the right used car warranty quote can be tricky especially if you do not know what to look for. All used car warranties are not the same. You have to search for the best quote that will cater for the repairs you need and for a significant time period.
Below are some tips on getting the best used car warranty quotes:
1. Price of the quote
Look for a quote that comes at a fair price. This does not however mean that you go for the cheapest quote. Check that the quote is affordable and will cover all the repairs you may wish for. Beware of going for very cheap quotes; they may have major restrictions.
Some dealers offering cheap quotes do not usually meet their end of the bargain on warranty service. You are better of avoiding such dealers. Research carefully on the average industry quote rates to ensure that you are not signing up for a quote that is too expensive or too cheap.
2. History and reputation of the warranty company
In most cases, the best used car warranty quotes are offered by reputable companies that have been in business for a long time. Get quotes from dealers specialized in used cars only. Independent dealerships are usually susceptible to economy changes, for example a recession. Companies that solely focus on used cars are likely to honor their warranties even in cases of economic recession. Before you request for a quote, check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints or scandals associated with a company.
3. Shop for certified used car warranties
When shopping for warranty quotes, check the amount of deductibles charged. For instance, BMW charges $50 and Land Rover $100 while Lexus and Mercedes do not charge any deductibles, surprised? Ford charges are similar to Land Rover’s while Audi charges $85. Also check whether the warranty is transferable in case you may have to sell the car before the warranty expires. Some warranties like Kia’s are transferable while Nissan’s and Lexus’ are not. The most important thing is to find out how much a warranty is and for how long it will be valid.
4. Used car extended warranty
If you are planning to buy a used luxury car, go for a certified pre-owned extended warranty. Luxury cars are usually expensive to maintain and it is wise to get an extended warranty for them. Before purchasing, check the specification and limitations of the warranty.
Read the warranty to know what you should expect, what is covered and what is not. Do not choose a warranty based on what is stated in the brochure or quote. Request for a copy of the warranty and read the entire document. Do not go for a quote that insists on the name component instead of exclusionary warranty coverage.
If you cannot afford to buy a new car, your plan B should be a certified used car. Regardless of the type car you want, keep in mind that there is no definite warranty that can covers all cars in all situations. You have to research and weigh your options to find the best used car warranty quote. Check the ratings of various used car warranties and compare them to find one that will match your needs.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Fri, Feb 08, 2013 @ 01:54 PM
For more and more car and truck owners,
stretching more time and miles from older vehicles has become a necessity. This trend is plainly visible to attentive drivers on most any highway. One consequence of owning an older car or truck is the ongoing necessity of repair, particularly when these vehicles age out of their manufacturer warranties. For any vehicle greater than five years old, the manufacturer's warranty is probably fading in their rearview mirror.
However, the technology powering, driving and maintaining cars or trucks even a decade old remains complex. The cost of repairs on older vehicles can climb quickly into a stratosphere most owners do not wish to reach paying completely out-of-pocket. Whether it's an engine, drivetrain, electrical or structural issue, the prospect of a costly major repair forces many owners to consider choices for an auto extended warranty. How can an owner know the truth about the auto extended warranty they are considering? Certain principles, outlined as follows, can guide their decision.
First, know that an extended warranty is not an extension or duplicate of the manufacturer's warranty. Instead, it is a separate service contract established between the purchaser and an administrator. When purchased with a new vehicle, the cost is typically calculated at a fraction of the retail price paid and rolled into the total purchase. The administrator may be the manufacturer, or a third party can be engaged. Long term, this kind of extended warranty is least expensive relative to coverage, as the risk of repair within the first years of ownership is quite low. A warranty purchased after the manufacturer's has expired is an "aftermarket" warranty.
Coverage within auto extended warranties is typically commensurate to the cost of the contract - in other words, very often "you get what you pay for." Extremely low-cost contracts, just like bargain-basement insurance coverage, will be rife with exclusions or a high deductible that can lead to much greater out of pocket costs, or even total non-coverage of many parts or systems. In addition, there is always the hazard of a low-cost administrator underpricing itself right
out of business in the middle of many purchasers' warranty period, leaving no way for them to seek reimbursement of monies paid.
Variation in types of coverage are important to recognize. Some administrators make fine distinctions between "mechanical breakdown" and "wear-and-tear" - purchasers should very carefully examine the language in these sections. In this vein, "bumper-to-bumper" warranties are more properly called "exclusionary" warranties; that is, the coverage is for parts NOT listed, and the cost for the warranty climbs as fewer parts get excluded.
"Named component" coverage is the opposite: it lists parts that ARE covered, a number that ranges from 50 to over 700, with the cost of the warranty climbing as more parts get named. "Wrap" warranties are specialized, optional products that "wrap" coverage around new components or parts not covered by the vehicle's manufacturer warranty, as is often the case when powertrain warranties outpace the rest of the vehicle by years or thousands of miles.
In the end, purchasers should pay careful attention to the exact language of any contract they are presented, and they should know that no auto extended warranty will cover everything that can possibly happen - warranties rarely cover glass, bodywork or suspension, for example. However, keep in mind that even minor systems in an older vehicle - antenna motors, an inboard DVD system - can require hundreds or thousands of dollars in parts and labor. For these possibilities, sometimes eventualities, an auto extended warranty can be truly useful in savings of time, money and peace of mind.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 @ 07:27 AM
When getting your car extended warranty, you are going to want to ask yourself a few questions, namely: How old is my car? Does it have manufacturer warranty on it? How long am I planning to have the vehicle? Lastly, how much wear and tear am I going to see on this car?
How you answer will tell you how much you specifically are going to want to, and should, pay for your car’s extended warranty.
Now, the lower the mileage on your car, the lower the cost of warranty. As you use a car, the warranty price will go up, and the manufacturer warranty will run out. So, always check for manufacturer warranty. Usually it will cover the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. Buying an extended warranty is for the purpose of extending the duration of that warranty, or for getting additional coverage. Some vehicles will have great manufacturer warranty, others will cover the bare minimum, like faulty parts. Look for exclusionary policies that give you short list of what they don’t cover, as that means the cover everything else.
If you plan on holding on to the car for say 2-3 years, and the manufacturer’s warranty is pretty decent, you might be set. If you do get extended warranty, make sure to check if the warranty can be transferred.
The length of time you might foreseeably be holding on to your vehicle will also tell you how much wear and tear you might see happening. Good extended warranty should cover you for this.
When shopping around for your car’s extended warranty, you’re going to be looking for a) an exclusionary policy, b) one that has nationwide coverage where you to choose where you go (and lets you pay directly to the repairer), and c) says who covers additional expenses like time and labor costs of the repairer. Buying warranty through your dealership might not be the best, as they often are just in-between sales persons.
The Toyota Prius, being a hybrid, can start adding up in out-of-pocket expenses once your 3-year manufacturer warranty runs out. Get it covered before that happens. As with all things, you do get what you pay for, and so you’re going to have to weigh what you really need covered, versus excess stuff. $2200-$3
000 is certainly reasonable for a 7-8 year warranty, especially if you get roadside assistance and car rental reimbursement.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 @ 07:23 AM
Without a doubt, purchasing an extended warranty on a vehicle is the best thing that any car owner can do after the factory warranty has expired. In comparison to the event of a vehicle breakdown, purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle is much cheaper.
For instance, if your vehicle had a small engine problem after the factory warranty has expired – you would more than likely spend over $1000 dollars on a repair. With extended vehicle warranty coverage, you may be able to cut that down to as little as $1 per day. Not to mention, most repair shops charge anywhere from $80 - $100 per hour for labor alone.
Extended warranties can include simple drive-train mechanisms only, the entire car, and it can even cover roadside assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown. Purchasing these extras will not cost very much more than you would pay for a can of soda on break everyday – making it extremely worth the extra change.
When choosing an extended warranty for your vehicle, look for “red-flag” language within the fine-print, that may say things such as “at our discretion” etc. Many extended warranty providers will provide a cheap monthly rate – while also giving the same – a cheap plan. Also, find a company that is able to provide “wear-and-tear” coverage for your vehicle; which will protect against the normal everyday elements that are often more damaging than any other factor to your vehicle.
Again, the most important thing that a car owner can do for their vehicle, other than routine maintenance, is to purchase an extended warranty. Not only will it provide peace of mind in the event of a breakdown or mishap, but it will also give a reason to value the vehicle enough to take excellent care of it. Knowing that you will be able to drive your prized possession for many more years to come turns it from a vehicle into a valuable asset.
Posted by Andrew Hillin on Sun, Feb 03, 2013 @ 04:56 PM
You have come to the realization that your vehicle, which is one of your most expensive assets, needs to be protected with an auto extended warranty. Now you have to take on the daunting task of finding the company that will fulfill this need while being reliable and trustworthy. How do you do it?
My first suggestion is forget going to your dealership. While auto dealerships are great and keeping inventories of vehicles ready to sell you, they are not the best place to buy and auto extended warranty. For that task, you really need to go online. The best reason to buy from and online provider is that you have easy access to research on what level of coverage you are buying, and you have quick access to shop quotes with multiple providers.
Search the internet a generic term like "best auto extended warranty companies", or just "extended auto warranty". Now the top 3 companies listed on google are companies that pay for that spot on the search results. So, do think they are necessarily the largest or the best.
Here are the questions to ask or find in your research:
Is there a large insurance company standing behind this policy? You see the company that the extended warranty is through is typically a Third Party Administrator. These TPA's can be very large, or very small. In either situation they could go out of business and leave you hanging if there was not an insurance company insuring their performance under the contract.
What is the maximum amount that the policy will pay out? If you have a higher mileage used car then you will only be eligible for coverage that cover the major components on your vehicle - like engine, transmision and drivetrain. Some of the policies have a maximum payout of a certain dollar amount. I have even seen policies that have a max payout of $3,500. What you want is a maximum payout of the actual cash value of the vehicle. Meaning if your car is worth $10,000 then they will pay out up to $10,000. There are very few companies that will pay out more than that.
Be careful of the deductible - Make sure your deductible is "per visit" instead of "per component" Suppose you have a breakdown that needs 3 different components fixed. If you have a per component deductible, you would have to pay 3 times your stated deductible.
Extended auto warranty coverage can be a great idea. Just make sure you do your research when it comes time to buy. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at 1-877-397-1022 to help you weed through the information.