See more articles from the Car Warranty GuideHow to Compare Car Warranties: Learn What Each Brand Has to Offer

Regardless of whether a car warranty is offered by a manufacturer or a third-party entity, it’s bound to have its own unique parameters. That’s why it’s always a good idea to compare various kinds of warranties before making a purchasing decision. This is especially important in the case of extended warranties since not all of them are particularly effective – or well-priced.

When doing your research, get in touch with car dealer and other third-party warranty sellers and ask them how many years and kilometres their warranty covers. You should also inquire about what kind of maintenance and repairs you will receive with the warranty. Most warranties are actually quite similar, but not when you get down to specifics.

When comparing car warranties, watch out for these standard warranty types:

  • Basic/Bumper to Bumper
  • Powertrain
  • Corrosion/Rust
  • Roadside Assistance

Here is a table that demonstrates the differences:

Automotive Manufacturer

Basic Warranty

Powertrain Warranty

Corrosion Warranty

Roadside Assistance

Acura

4/80,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

5/Unlimited

Audi

4/80,000

4/80,000

12/Unlimited

4/Unlimited

BMW

4/80,000

4/80,000

12/Unlimited

4/Unlimited

Buick

4/80,000

6/110,000

6/Unlimitied

6/110,000

Cadillac

4/80,000

6/110,000

6/Unlimited

6/110,000

Chevrolet

3/60,000

5/160,000

6/160,000

5/160,000

Chrysler

3/60,000

5/100,000

3/Unlimited

5/100,000

Dodge

3/60,000

5/100,000

3/Unlimited

5/100,000

FIAT

3/60,000

5/100,000

3/60,000

5/100,000

Ford

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

5/100,000

GMC

3/60,000

5/160,000

6/160,000

5/160,000

Honda

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/Unlimited

Hyundai

5/100,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/Unlimited

Infiniti

4/100,000

6/110,000

7/Unlimited

4/Unlimited

Jaguar

4/80,000

4/80,000

6/Unlimited

4/80,000

Jeep

3/60,000

5/100,000

3/60,000

5/100,000

Kia

5/100,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/Unlimited

Land Rover

4/80,000

4/80,000

6/Unlimited

4/80,000

Lexus

4/80,000

6/110,000

6/Unlimited

4/Unlimited

Lincoln

4/80,000

6/110,000

5/Unlimited

6/110,000

Mazda

3/Unlimited

5/Unlimited

8/Unlimited

3/Unlimited

Mercedes-
Benz

4/80,000

4/80,000

5/Unlimited

4/Unlimited

Mitsubishi

5/100,000

10/160,000

5/Unlimited

5/Unlimited

Nissan

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/60,000

Scion

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/60,000

Subaru

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/Unlimited

Toyota

3/60,000

5/100,000

5/Unlimited

3/60,000

Volkswagen

4/80,000

5/100,000

12/Unlimited

4/80,000

Volvo

4/80,000

4/80,000

12/Unlimited

5/Unlimited

*Warranty terms are listed in years/kilometres. Exceptions apply to some models.

1. Basic/Bumper-to-Bumper

Basic or bumper-to-bumper is the type of warranty for new cars that covers most vehicle aspects for a specified period of time or mileage. For instance, a basic warranty from Toyota is good for up to three years or 60,000 kilometres. Vehicle aspects that the warranty covers include electronics, steering, suspension, exhaust, replacement parts and labour.

2. Powertrain

This type of warranty usually covers the vehicle components associated with the powertrain, including the engine, transmission and drivetrain. Unfortunately, we cannot list all the vehicle components covered by this warranty since they vary by vehicle type. For instance, diesel trucks will not receive the same coverage as hybrid cars – and so on. Speaking of electric and hybrid cars, manufacturers often list the battery warranty separately from the powertrain warranty, so if you are purchasing hybrid or electric car, then be sure to pay attention to this.

3. Corrosion

This warranty type essentially deals with rust issues. You will notice that these warranties tend to have a higher or unlimited mileage than the warranty types mentioned above. Corrosion is also often covered for longer period of time. That’s probably because corrosion is not as prevalent as other vehicle malfunctions or needs. In addition to that, rust affects certain geographical locations more than others. For instance, cars in Ontario have a higher chance of rusting due to salt used on roads during winter.

4. Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is a more recent addition to the list of warranties, but it is still worth checking out and comparing. This is essentially a service that car dealerships often provide at the time of purchase. So, if you run out of gas, lock your keys inside or your car breaks down, then will be able to receive assistance.

5. Other Things to Watch Out for

When comparing warranties, you may also want to pay attention to the kind maintenance your vehicle will need as mentioned in your warranty agreement. Failing to maintain your vehicle as instructed may result in the warranty being voided. Many warranties ask you to refill the oil per certain amount of kilometres. Be sure to check the specifics of what is covered and what is not since each warranty has plenty of exclusions.

Comparing warranties may seem like a tough task at first – due to the sheer amount of variables involved in the process – but that shouldn’t hold you back from doing so. Just take your time and read your agreement carefully, and you should be able to spot every little detail.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at any time or visit Unhaggle.com.