Blog / Car Warranty

What's Covered Under a Used Car Warranty?

Car engine | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH
When you purchase a used vehicle, you may be eligible for a warranty plan. Warranties for used cars may be offered by the dealership or by a third-party vendor. Learn more about the coverage benefits and limitations of a used car warranty so you can understand your coverage options.

What's Covered Under a Used Car Warranty?

The warranty for a used vehicle is generally more limited than the warranty for a new one. Depending on the specific make and model of your car, as well as whether your car falls into a certified pre-owned category, the level of coverage from your warranty will vary. It's common for the powertrain and drivetrain to be covered by a used vehicle warranty. Some programs may also offer anti-perforation coverage and corrosion coverage. Virtually all warranty programs for a used car, including CPO warranty plans, will cover the cost of vehicle repairs for specific car parts. Your warranty plan will outline the vehicle components that are covered under the plan. If any of these components are defective or broken due to a covered damage, the cost of replacing the part and repairing the vehicle will be covered by your used vehicle warranty.

What Isn't Covered?

A used vehicle warranty will typically not cover the costs of repairs associated with routine maintenance, wear and tear, or damage from neglect. It's important to understand the precise limitations of your warranty so you can avoid unexpected repair costs. Wear and tear parts include vehicle components like brake pads and windshield wipers, while routine maintenance tasks include oil changes and tire rotations.

Is a Warranty for Used Cars Different from an Extended Warranty?

In general, an extended warranty and a used vehicle warranty are different types of vehicle protection plans. An extended warranty is typically an extension of the factory warranty on a vehicle from a car manufacturer, whereas a warranty for a used vehicle may be offered directly from the dealership. An extended warranty also tends to offer a more comprehensive level of coverage. Depending on the age of your used vehicle, your car may be eligible for an extended warranty. Many of the main vehicle components covered by a used vehicle warranty will also be covered by an extended warranty, but since an extended warranty has greater benefits, it might be better to sign up for an extended warranty when you purchase your vehicle. A used vehicle warranty can give you peace of mind when it comes to repair costs. Whether you sign up for a bumper-to-bumper used vehicle warranty, an extended warranty plan, or a warranty for a CPO vehicle, you can count on your used vehicle warranty to protect the most important parts of your vehicle. Get in touch with Drive Direct to discuss your warranty options today.
Posted in:

Recommended Posts

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

10 Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Ford

Buying a second-hand vehicle can be fraught with anxiety. How can you be sure that your new car or truck will be reliable? That's why we're bringing you our top ten tips for buying a pre-owned Ford so you can confidently make your next purchase. 1. Do Your Research Perhaps the most important tip we can offer you is to always do your research well before you jump into making a purchase. It can be tempting to just snap up the first used Ford you see at the price you want, but that could leave you with a vehicle that doesn't meet your needs. more 2. Age Isn't the Biggest Worry The great thing about Fords is that they're built to stand the test of time. Parts can be obtained easily, too, so you won't have any difficulty keeping an older Ford on the road. 3. Check the Service History If the used Ford that you've chosen doesn't have a full-service history, look elsewhere. You want to be sure that any used vehicle has been well cared for before you buy it. 4. View the Vehicle During Daylight If you only view the pre-owned vehicle during the evening or at night, there's a possibility you could miss damage to the bodywork. It's a good idea to choose a dry day to view the vehicle too, since rain could obscure some potential issues that may become apparent later. 5. Take a Test Drive It's always a good idea to test drive any vehicle that you intend to buy, whether brand-new or pre-owned. There's no guarantee that you'll like the way the vehicle feels when you're on the road, and you don't want to buy a model that you're uncomfortable in. Not only that, but a test drive gives you the chance to spot any issues like warning lights or alignment problems. 6. Check Beneath the Hood A vehicle may look perfect from the outside, but when you get under the hood, it could be a completely different story. Make sure there aren't any signs of corrosion or fluid leaks, as both would be bad news. 7. Look at the Tires Tires are often overlooked when inspecting a pre-owned vehicle, yet they can be costly to replace if they turn out to be worn after purchase. 8. What's the Mileage? Vehicles generally travel around 12,000 - 13,000 per year, so compare the age of the Ford with how much mileage it's got to see if it's covered a lot of distance in a short timeframe. 9. Inspect the Frame Even if the vehicle looks cared for and shiny, look carefully at the frame for any sign of rust or corrosion. Check nothing's hanging from its undercarriage and that it sits on the road evenly. 10. Choose a Trustworthy Seller It's best to buy any used vehicle from a trusted dealership that specializes in selling used models that are only of the highest quality. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind that you're choosing a Ford that will run smoothly and give you great value for your money. If you're ready to find the perfect second-hand Ford for you, visit us here at Drive Direct, Columbus, OH.

2018 Mazda3 | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Bargain Hunting in 2024: Finding Used Cars Under $15,000

While strong demand has pushed up prices of preowned vehicles, you can still find decent used cars under $15,000. Whether you're looking for that spacious car that can comfortably accommodate your family or one that can afford you that premium feel on a budget, the choices are many. 2013 Honda Accord LX Honda cars have a reputation for being tough and reliable, and the Honda Accord LX doesn't disappoint. With its honored 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine, this sedan brings power and comfort for both city and highway cruising. With its impressive fuel efficiency of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles on highways, the 2013 Accord LX is an excellent choice for every budget-conscious drivers. more Spacious enough to fit 5 people, the 2013 Honda Accord LX is also stylish and comfortable. It also boasts impressive safety features such as cruise control, emergency brake assist, and rearview camera. The sedan also comes equipped with an anti-theft system. 2017 Toyota Corolla LE If you're shopping for an entry compact sedan that is good on gas, comes with advanced standard safety features, and offers a roomy cabin, then the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE might be the solution you need. Although offering a modest 132 horsepower, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powering the Corolla LE is highly fuel efficient, giving you 28 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles on highways. Standing out as one of the world's top-selling cars, the Corolla nameplate has a lot to like in it. Inside the ample and stylish 2017 Corolla LE cabin, 5 people can fit comfortably and enjoy a great ride. The car also offers a large cargo space and comes with many safety features, including lane departure alert and emergency brake assist. 2018 Mazda3 Touring Mazda cars are known for their stylish look and high fuel efficiency, and the 2018 Mazda3 Touring doesn't come short on any of that. Debuting as the 2004 model, the Mazda 3 is the brand's best-selling nameplate globally. The 2018 Mazda3 Touring is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 184 horsepower. Coming with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this 5-door hatchback is gentle on gas and will give you 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles on the highway. 2019 Subaru Legacy 2.5i If you're in the market for an affordable secondhand car that you can cruise around the city and also take off-road confidently when the situation calls for it, consider the 2019 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. With its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system, the all-wheel drive sedan exceeds expectations with its thrilling experience. The ideal secondhand car will not only save you money on the purchase and maintenance, but also on insurance premiums. Visit us today at Drive Direct in Columbus, OH to explore our range of top-quality, affordable preowned cars.

Chevy emblem | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

6 Benefits of Owning a Used Chevy

If you're currently shopping for a Chevy, consider buying a pre-owned model. Not only will you save money on the initial purchase price, but you'll also have more options to choose from within your budget. There are several other considerable advantages to owning a used Chevy, as outlined below. Skip the Initial Value Depreciation When you buy a pre-owned Chevy, you're skipping the initial few years of steep depreciation and will get in at a heavily discounted price. Even though most used Chevy vehicles are still in superb condition, market trends can bring their resale price down by 30% or 40%, sometimes even more, during the first few years alone. This creates a dream deal for many budget-conscious car buyers. more Reduce Your Monthly Costs of Car Ownership For most people, the monthly cost of car ownership has a large impact on their finances and overall quality of life. When you purchase a used car at a significant discount, your monthly car payments will also be lower and the total cost paid off sooner. Insurance premiums also tend to be reduced with less expensive pre-owned vehicles. Expand Your Options of Chevy Models Shopping the used Chevrolet car market gives you access to a broader range of models and years to choose from. You may also be able to afford a higher-end trim or vehicle than you could otherwise afford when purchasing only the very latest model. Research Vehicles More Thoroughly As used Chevrolets have been around for longer, you can also read more owner reviews on each model while researching. This can help you to decide which particular Chevy would meet your own individual preferences and daily driving needs. Gain Access to Vehicle History Reports When well-maintained, Chevy cars are remarkably durable. To ensure that any car you're considering purchasing has been well-kept by the prior owners, you can gain easy access to detailed vehicle history reports, which are issued by a few reputable online services such as AutoCheck and CARFAX. These reports let you know if the previous owners had all the recommended services carried out. It also tells you if any repairs were required and the quality of parts that were used in replacements. Find Reassurance in CPO Programs For the ultimate level of quality assurance, you can opt for a car in the Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program. These vehicles have undergone a thorough multi-point inspection and earned the Chevy mark of approval. They also often include an extended warranty, among other benefits. Long gone are the days when buying a used car was a gamble in terms of vehicle condition and quality.   Test drive your preferred Chevy vehicle today at Drive Direct in Columbus, OH. Since 1979, we've been providing the region's drivers with a terrific range of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs alongside courteous, personalized customer service.