What Is The Difference Between A Certified Pre-Owned vs. Extended Service Contract?

• To what extent is your vehicle already under warranty, and is this coverage in sync with how long you anticipate owning it? If the car you've just bought is new, take a close look at its factory warranty before making an extended service contract decision. If, for example, the vehicle has a factory warranty of four years or 50,000 miles (typical for many luxury brands), and you plan on keeping it for two or three years — with an anticipated annual mileage of 12,000 to 15,000 — then an extended warranty makes little sense, since you'll be covered under the manufacturer's plan. However, if you plan on keeping the car long after the factory warranty expires, an extended warranty is worth considering. If the car you've just purchased is used, you'll need to find out if there is warranty coverage from the dealership (coverage periods may range from as little as a month to up to a year, or more). If you're buying a late-model used vehicle, it's possible that the vehicle's original factory warranty is still in effect. Certified pre-owned programs offer the remainder of the original warranty, and then add extra coverage once the factory warranty runs out. With a certified used car, your car will continue to be covered by the manufacturer of the car — you will not have to do anything different after the original warranty runs out and the certified warranty begins.
  
  
• What's the reliability record of the model you're purchasing? Take a look at the reliability history of the model you're buying. Though this is by no means a fail-safe way of predicting what your future repair bills will look like, it does give you an idea of what you may be in for service-wise. Bear this information in mind when making a warranty decision. Again this is where a certified pre-owned car is really worth considering, as cars that are deemed unacceptable risks are simply not allowed to receive the "certified" seal of approval.
  
  
• Who is behind the warranty that you're considering? An extended service contract may be backed by an independent company or by the covered vehicle's manufacturer. Knowing who will be underwriting your policy can give you insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the contract you're considering. Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, aftermarket warranties are often cheaper. Purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle is an easy way to get around this decision — you can be sure the vehicle's manufacturer stands behind the car and the cost of additional factory warranty coverage is built right into the purchase price.
  
  
• Is there a deductible? Make sure that you fully investigate an extended warranty program's deductible before signing on the dotted line. Consider not only its amount, but also whether it's "per visit" or "per repair." With a "per visit" deductible, each visit to the shop will run you a fixed amount, regardless of how many parts are repaired. A "per repair" deductible applies to each serviced part. What sounds like a minor difference may, under certain circumstances, have a major impact on your wallet. If, for example, you've got a $100-per-repair deductible and you take your car in to get the air conditioner, fuel pump and alternator serviced, you'll be out $300; had you opted for a "per visit" deductible, those repairs would only have cost you $100. This differs vastly from certified used programs that typically have no deductible for repairs made under the extended factory warranty coverage. Brands like Audi and BMW do have a deductible, but at just $50, it will hardly be the financial burden an extended service contract can be.
  
  
• What exactly is covered? Know what's covered — and what's not covered — by the warranty you're considering. Does the contract cover breakdown as well as wear and tear? Under a "breakdown" warranty, coverage is extended only to parts that break. Such a policy can prove less inclusive than is desirable, since not all parts fail due to breakage. Some need to be replaced because they've worn down over a period of time; a "wear-and-tear" warranty extends coverage to worn-down parts in need of replacement. Additionally, some "entry-level" contracts don't cover antilock brakes (ABS), so if your vehicle has this feature, you should consider upgrading to this level. Finally, overheating — regardless of its cause — isn't covered by many extended warranties. Thus, if overheating occurred due to problems with an expensive part like your radiator, you'd be stuck with a hefty repair bill. Before committing to a warranty, take the time to fully explore the ins and outs of its coverage implications. The distinctions between the various plans might seem slight, but they can prove quite important.
  
  
• Is a cash layout required for repairs? Some extended service contracts require that you pay the bill, then send the receipt in and wait for reimbursement; in many cases, months elapse before you get your money back. Ideally, you'll want a warranty that pays the dealership directly with a credit card. Certified pre-owned programs come with an actual factory warranty, and you'll be out only the dollar amount of the deductible (if there is one). Most certified pre-owned programs allow for you to take your car to any factory-authorized dealership for your brand of car.
  
  
• Out-of-town expenses. Many certified pre-owned programs, such as those from Ford, Dodge, Lexus and Volvo, offer reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of a breakdown when you are away from home. Things such as hotel rooms, rental cars and even meals are covered under many certified pre-owned programs. Additionally, some services offer trip routing services similar to what is offered by AAA to its members.