Which Automakers Offer the Best Warranty?

This week's post is from my friend Andrea, who's been a professional in the auto warranty business for quite some time, working with www.autowarrantyone.com.

One of the most important aspects of shopping for a new car is determining the value of the warranty. Most auto companies provide basic coverage which protects the owner against expensive repairs and defects for the first three years of ownership or 36,000 miles. There are some car companies that offer warranties beyond the standard three-year, 36,000 mile deal. By taking advantage of the extended warranty, the total cost of ownership will decrease.

Types of New Car Warranties

There are four main types of new car warranties including:
• Basic
• Powertrain
• Corrosion
• Roadside Assistance

Basic
The Basic Warranty is standard coverage that pays for repairs related to defects on the factory-installed components. Tires are not usually included but are covered under the tire manufacturer warranty.

Powertrain
The Powertrain Warranty also covers the engine, transaxle and transmission mechanisms are lasts longer that the Basic Warranty

Corrosion
A Corrosion Warranty covers any rust that results in holes in doors or side panels.

Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance usually includes free towing and tire change services if the automobile breaks down while in transit.

It is always advisable to check with each dealer for specific details regarding the warranties.

Top Five Automaker Warranties

Although there are numerous warranties available on the market, the top five include:

1. Hyundai
2. Mitsubishi
3. Kia
4. Volvo
5. Buick

Hyundai

Hyundai boasts a five-year, 60,000 miles Basic Warranty and a 10-year, 100,000 miles Powertrain Warranty that provides repair for defective componentry. The Powertrain Warranty is only available to the original owner. If the car is sold, the new owner receives the Basic Warranty. Additionally, Hyundai offers a seven-year, unlimited mile Corrosion Warranty and five years of 24-hour Roadside Assistance.

Mitsubishi

Boasting a five-year, 60,000 mile Basic Warranty, Mitsubishi covers the original owner and subsequent owners. The Powertrain Warranty consists of 10-years or 100,000 miles but if the car is sold, the new owner will only receive the balance of a Basic Warranty. Also, there is a seven-year, 100,000 miles Anti-Corrosion Warranty to protect against rust and Roadside Assistance for an unlimited number of miles for five years.

Kia

Kia offers a Basic Warranty of give years or 60,000 miles and a 10-year, 100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty which is available to the first owner. However, if the car is sold, the warranty restarts. The Powertrain Warranty covers engine and transmission parts. Kia also offers a five-year, 100,000 miles Anti-Corrosion Warranty with 24-hour Roadside Assistance

Volvo

Volvo has taken a different route and offers Limited Warranties for four-years or 50,000 miles. The Limited Warranty is a combined Basic and Powertrain Warranty. Consumers are covered under the Corrosion Warranty for an unlimited number of miles for 12 years. Additionally, the company advertises a time-limited complementary service plan which pays for the first three factory-scheduled maintenance services. Furthermore, all new car owners receive four years of complimentary Volvo On-Call Roadside Assistance.

Buick

On its most recent models, Buick offers a Basic Warranty of four-years or 50,000 miles. All models also boast a powertrain warranty with no deductible that is valid for six-years or $70,000 miles. Additionally, the Corrosion Warranty is available for six-years or 100,000 miles and includes the entire body plus sheet metal parts. Roadside Assistance is available around the clock for six years or 70,000 miles.