This post is part of a sponsored automotive series. All opinions are mine.
My husband and I were talking last weekend about what is included in a warranty versus an extended service contract. Aren’t they just the same thing? What do they cover or not cover? Neither of us seemed to know specifically – well, we thought we knew but after some research it turns out that we weren’t super knowledgeable on the topic!
So today I wanted to share with you the difference, in case you are at the dealership purchasing your next vehicle and the two options come up. Which do you choose and why? Let’s take a look.
Warranty
Our friends at this Ohio Dodge dealer told us that typically the warranty is offered through the manufacturer to cover defects and issues that arise within a certain amount of time after the vehicle is purchased. In case you’re wondering who has the best manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll have to check out this article where I covered some of the best manufacturer warranties offered. Some of these top picks included Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Honda and more. Check out that full post if you’re interested in what they cover, how long and which manufacturers offer the best ones.
Some of these warranties offer roadside assistance, corrosion packages, and some also cover regularly scheduled maintenance. Of course these are at the discretion of the manufacturer and differ from vehicle to vehicle.
Note that the manufacturer warranty is included in the price of your vehicle, it’s not an extra cost to you.
Extended Service Contract
These contracts are typically purchased from the dealership and cover a variety of services for your vehicle including things like mechanical breakdowns and usually include labor, major parts and tax.
These plans can cover things like your transmission, suspension, powertrain, windshield repair and more. Of course, each contract can vary so make sure that the things you are most concerned about are covered when you go through the service plan with your finance director.
If you’re wondering when is the right time to buy the extended warranty, check out this article on the topic and learn if it’s going to be the best choice for you.
Happy car shopping!
Do you have any car questions? Leave a comment below!
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