are extended warranties on used cars worthwhile?

ali-t

I have bought a used car (54 plate) and have been given a 2 month warranty by the car dealership. They do their own extended warranty but it is only valid on cars under 36 months.

I was wondering if itwas worth buying an extended warranty from elsewhere? The car is a 4x4, has low mileage but has already had 3 owners. It has full service history and I was thinking about getting another MOT done on it while it is still in the 2 month warranty period so I have grounds if I need the dealers to fix any issues.

What I am trying to work out is whether it is worth buying a warranty and where are some of the best places to get one?

harveybobbles

ali-t wrote: »

They do their own extended warranty but it is only valid on cars under 36 months.

Bet the FSA would love to know about that...!

Hammyman

harveybobbles wrote: »

Bet the FSA would love to know about that...!

Why? A company can offer whatever warranty terms it wants.

harveybobbles

They cant sell an extended warranty that runs at the same time as an existing one, ie the manufacturers one.

The OP said

They do their own extended warranty but it is only valid on cars under 36 months.

Most manufacturers have 3 years warranty anyway, which is why I thought it'd be interesting if the FSA knew of such goings on...

ali-t

Interesting comments about the validity of the length of time the warranty is for but I am really seeking information about whether these extended warranties are worth having. Has anyone bought one and was it worthwhile?

gilbert_and_sullivan

The positive stories of aftermarket warranties are few and far between, oddly enough whichever forum you happen to be on they are usually posted by newbies...make of that what you will.

Ali-t are you concerned about your recent purchase, i get the feeling you've had second thoughts.
The owner history isn't too bad, all depends on what the car is.

If twer me i'd put the equivalent contributions in an account of some sort as a fund for repairs and if your lucky there's a nice little hiliday fund next year.

Hammyman

harveybobbles wrote: »

They cant sell an extended warranty that runs at the same time as an existing one, ie the manufacturers one.

The OP said

Most manufacturers have 3 years warranty anyway, which is why I thought it'd be interesting if the FSA knew of such goings on...

The car is a 54 plate so I doubt there's any manufacturer warranty on it.

ali-t

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

The positive stories of aftermarket warranties are few and far between, oddly enough whichever forum you happen to be on they are usually posted by newbies...make of that what you will.

Ali-t are you concerned about your recent purchase, i get the feeling you've had second thoughts.
The owner history isn't too bad, all depends on what the car is.

If twer me i'd put the equivalent contributions in an account of some sort as a fund for repairs and if your lucky there's a nice little hiliday fund next year.

I'm definitely not having second thoughts, I totally love the car. My mum is adamant that an extended warranty is the way to go and someone she knows through her work has provided a quote at nearly £600 for 2 years. Apparently there is a "100% load" on 4x4's - whatever that means - which is why it is so expensive.

I know absolutely nowt about cars but did a bit of online reading about the car between test drive and purchase. I can't remember if I mentioned what kind it is but it is a nissan xtrail dci if that makes any difference. they don't appear to be renowned for any major disasters but is it a case of better safe than sorry?

My head is spinning with all the car stuff going on just now. I have no interest in cars at all so all of the in-depth reviews and stuff I have been dealing with is like a foreign language.

property.advert

If a regular motor was £300 then a 100% load would bring it to £600.

I guess the price of the vehicle reflects the fact that the seller was only willing to offer a 2 month warranty. They do all seem to be pushing 3rd party warranties and I cannot help but think this is because of the commission they receive.

Personal choice but I wouldn't buy an expensive car without a much better warranty and conversely, I would not expect a lengthy and comprehensive warranty on an old and cheap motor. Where this car fits into that logic only the OP will know.

gilbert_and_sullivan

ali-t wrote: »

I know absolutely nowt about cars but did a bit of online reading about the car between test drive and purchase. I can't remember if I mentioned what kind it is but it is a nissan xtrail dci if that makes any difference. they don't appear to be renowned for any major disasters but is it a case of better safe than sorry?

.

Read the current thread on turbo failures with the Xtrail, i dont know much else about them but the turbo failure rate is well known.

I would suggest that you change the oil at half the recommended intervals with good quality full synthetic, and allow the engine to get warm a little before working it hard and allow it to tick over for a couple of minutes after working it to allow the turbo (or rather the oil in it's galleries) to cool a little before shutting down.

ali-t

property.advert wrote: »

I guess the price of the vehicle reflects the fact that the seller was only willing to offer a 2 month warranty. They do all seem to be pushing 3rd party warranties and I cannot help but think this is because of the commission they receive.

They seem to offer a 2 month warranty as standard on any car over 3 years and it wasn't them pushing a warranty - it was my mother!!