The sad truth about cars is that eventually, they all fall apart, usually at the most inconvenient time possible. A car can depreciate by almost half its cost as soon as you drive it off the lot, so you want to take care of it for as long as possible. For many people, a car is in good shape until the transmission falls out and needs to be professionally shoved back in. However, the best way to maintain a car's value is to consistently keep it in good condition. An auto extended warranty not only ensures that you keep your car running well, but it also takes care of the unexpected costs, breakdowns, towing and wear and tear.
An auto extended warranty may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but keep in mind that the question is not "Will something break?" but rather "When will something break?" AAn extended warranty will cover costs that may be double or triple the amount that you initially paid. Keep in mind that labor fees can be almost one hundred dollars an hour depending on the service. Some warranties cover mechanical breakdowns, but it's also important to get coverage for wear and tear as well. Parts such as CV joints tend to wear down and fail after a certain amount of time and therefore wouldn't be covered under the "breakdown" category.
An auto extended warranty can be cheaper depending on where you buy it, too. If you buy from a car dealer you may end up paying two or three times as much as you would if you bought it directly from the factory. The car dealers are trying to make more on large sales and commissions, so instead buy directly from the source. If you get a good deal you can also get the warranty to provide roadside assistance and towing.
A car is one of the biggest investments you can have, so it's important to pay attention to maintenance and upkeep. An auto extended warranty will outline a plan that ensures you get regular tune-ups, while covering the cost of major repairs.