Are Extended Car Warranties Worth it?
When you shop for a new or used vehicle in Bayside, you’ll likely get asked if you want an extended warranty for your car. These warranties go beyond the new or used limited warranty and kick in once you’ve hit a certain number of mileage - the General Motors extended warranty covers you after 36,000 miles, for example. But are extended warranties worth it? It depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and whether you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time. The finance team from North Bay GMC has all the details on extended warranties in the guide below, so you can make an informed decision.
What is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty provides additional coverage to your vehicle once the factory warranty runs out - either after a certain number of years or a certain number of miles. It’s like a safety net, protecting your vehicle in case it needs major repairs or maintenance after its limited warranty has expired. If your vehicle requires such a repair, the extended warranty will help cover the cost.
What Else Do Extended Warranties Cover?
In general, extended warranties are used primarily for maintenance and repair costs. However, they can also cover things like towing and roadside assistance, should you run into trouble on the road. Sometimes these options are built into the warranty, and sometimes you have the option of adding additional coverage. Since plans vary across dealerships and manufacturers, you can contact our finance team for the full details on what our extended warranties cover.
Should I Buy Extended Warranties?
There are a few major factors that you should consider before committing to an extended warranty. For one thing, warranty coverage differs depending on whether you’re covering a new or used vehicle. Here are a few tips and questions you should ask yourself to help you make a decision:
New Vehicles
- Are you planning on keeping your vehicle for at least the next 10 years? If not, then you probably don’t need an extended warranty.
- If you want to hold onto your vehicle for 10 years or more, an extended warranty can be a great investment.
- Be sure to check out the insurance coverage that’s included with your new vehicle purchase.
Used Vehicles
- Have your vehicle inspected by our Service Center to look for any potentially expensive vehicle issues that the extended warranty could help cover.
- As with new vehicles, think about how long you want to keep your vehicle.
General Motors Extended Warranty Coverage
Both Buick and GMC are covered by the industry-leading General Motors Extended Warranty plans, which kick in after 36,000 miles. With these plans, you’ll get the following benefits:
- Available for new vehicles only at the time of vehicle purchase
- No deductible
- Backed directly by General Motors with no third-party involvement
- Vehicle maintenance and repair performed by GMC Certified Service experts
- Cannot be canceled, but is transferable to subsequent purchasers should you choose to sell your vehicle
GMC and Buick offer the following Extended Warranty plans:
- Protection Plan
- Gap Coverage
- Pre-Paid Maintenance
- Tire and Wheel Protection
- Appearance Guard
- XS Wear Protection
- Advanced Lease Protection
Do I Need an Extended Warranty?
If you plan on keeping your vehicle for a long time and are concerned about expensive maintenance repairs, an extended warranty is a great choice. They serve as an extra level of precaution towards unpredictable problems and can afford you some peace of mind on the Manhasset roads. On the other hand, if you plan on getting a different vehicle in a few years or if you’re comfortable covering maintenance issues out of pocket after your limited warranty expires, you may not need an extended warranty.
Discuss Your Financing Options with North Bay GMC
If you have any questions about extended warranty options,give us a call today! You can also come to our Flushing-area dealership to talk to a finance expert in person. And if you’re shopping for a Buick or GMC, be sure to check out our car buying tips!