Warranty Wars: What Manufacturer Has Your Back When There Is A Problem?

Buying a car is a lot like dating, you scan your options, you find what you think you like and take it for a spin. But just like a relationship it takes two to make it work. While you may have committed to your choice, if your other half can’t commit then trouble may ensue.

 Study after study touts reliability as a major factor in the purchase process.  So while you do your part by selecting the best from the market, the best way to gage your other half may be their commitment to you.  The factory warranty.

 Taking this into account I assembled a table of all of the major players grouped them into categories so we can all see which manufacture has your back if trouble arises.

 Mainstream Manufacturers

 Our first category is arguably the most sensitive to having a solid warranty in the event of an issue.  A lot of manufactures toss around lengthy figures here in attempt to sway you, but this might just be a small portion of the equation.  Looking at the charts it is pretty clear the domestic manufacturers still don’t back their cars as well the competition.  Part of this is cost containment, part may simply be holding warranties to what they were a decade ago.  Either way buyer beware a short warranty may expose you to expensive repairs.

 A couple of items to note here maybe the statement that the Koreans are making by offering long basic warranties and powertrain warranties as well.  This can go a long way for the buyer on a budget concerned about repairs.

Premium Manufacturers

 Precision and luxury demand a far higher complexity level than our mainstream makers.  This complexity makes repairs expensive and time consuming.  While the buyer typically found in this market may have deeper pockets, many of the entry level buyers will still be sensitive to potential repair costs.  So the warranty is still a big factor.

 Basic warranties for all practical purposes are very similar; however powertrain warranty can vary by quite a degree.  Better use of materials my also factor in for longer corrosion protect and roadside assistance has been extended as well.  Actually Mercedes one ups everyone with unlimited roadside assistance for the life of the car.

Ultra Luxury Manufacturers

 It is safe to say that if you can afford these cars, repairs probably are not an issue, but it is interesting to note that a high price does not mean the warranty is standard.  I guess the biggest question here is why would Bentley only offer a 3 year warranty?

Exotic Manufacturers

The sky is the limit and warranty is purely academic here.  Price is rarely a factor so who cares?  Well you do I guess, because after all if you make the fastest cars on the planet shouldn’t the warranty be stellar as well?  Well by looking below I guess not if you own a Lambo.

Now don’t forget if you are in the market for a new car nothing beats being prepared. Part of your arsenal should be knowing where to buy, and the best place start your research on a great dealership would be dealerrater.com where you can you make an informed choice.

So if you like the car and you like the numbers then you may actually have found a match made in heaven for you.  If not hedge your bets and buy something close and hope a new model comes out and only then will you have eternal automotive happiness.

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