All new cars come with some type of factory warranty coverage, but just like everything else in life, some companies do it better than others. If you’re on the fence about which car you should buy, the length and quality of the warranty could factor into your purchase decision. For that reason, we looked at all major automakers to determine what car has the best warranty.
Why Is a Car Warranty Important?
With the thrill of purchasing a new car, you might not be thinking about how you’d afford repairs to it if something broke. But if something does, you want to be covered by a strong guarantee, and some automakers’ warranties aren’t as beneficial to your wallet as others.
Buyers of new cars who intend to keep them for a long time should consider their warranty coverage and its expected dependability ratings. You want a vehicle with at least a factory warranty that lasts about as long as your new car loan. While making monthly automobile payments, you want to avoid paying for pricey repairs.
A warranty often has two lengths: miles and years. When you reach either of those limits, your coverage expires. Remember that automakers occasionally alter the warranty coverage for some models compared to others, which might happen yearly.
The quality of a car manufacturer’s warranty coverage is unrelated to how much the car costs. While some German premium brands, notably Mercedes-Benz, only offer limited coverage, many other brands offer a variety of competitive warranties.
The Best Manufacturer Warranties for Cars
You need to think about how many miles you plan to drive, what kind of driving you do, how much wear and tear your car experiences, and how much maintenance coverage you need when deciding which brand provides the best new car warranty. Based on market data about new vehicle warranties, we have identified the top four factory warranties for purchasing a new automobile based on warranty conditions and added features:
Hyundai: Best Factory Warranty Overall
Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is 60,000 miles or five years, while the powertrain warranty is 100,000 miles or 10 years. Among automakers, these are some of the lengthiest terms. Additionally, its roadside assistance and corrosion warranties have seven- and five-year periods, respectively. Hyundai also provides coverage for several components the manufacturer’s warranty usually does not cover, such as:
- Sound system: 36,000 miles or three years
- Paint: 36,000 miles or three years
- Battery: Three years and unlimited mileage, with a lifelong warranty for hybrid batteries
- Air conditioning refrigerant charge: Unlimited miles or one year
- Vehicle adjustments: One year or 12,000 miles
- Wear: 12 months or 12,000 miles
Due to its broad coverage, Hyundai has one of the best auto warranties.
Lexus: Top Luxury Vehicle Warranty
The Lexus warranty covers components of the powertrain for about 70,000 miles or six years, which is much longer than the industry luxury standard of 50,000 miles or four years. Drivers can depend on Lexus’s engine and other systems for extended periods, saving money on repairs in the long run. This guarantee offers the dependability you require if you want to drive a luxury vehicle.
Kia: Best Extended Protection Plan
The Kia manufacturer warranty offers significantly more coverage than many of its competitors. Bumper-to-bumper protection lasts 60,000 miles or five years, while powertrain protection lasts 100,000 miles or 10 years. Kia offers limited warranties for entertainment, paint, audio, or other accessories that last three years or 36,000 miles.
BMW: Best Luxury Perks
Although the powertrain and bumper-to-bumper parts are only covered for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership, the 12-year/unlimited-mile BMW manufacturer warranty is one of the finest in its class. BMW’s warranty covers factory-recommended maintenance services such as wheel alignment and balance and wiper blade inserts, so long as the wear and tear on these parts is within normal ranges.
What Makes a Good Auto Warranty?
Take the following factors into account before deciding what car has the best warranty:
Length
Most new automobile warranty conditions include a certain number of years and miles. If your coverage lasts three years or 36,000 miles, for example, you’re no longer covered after you reach these milestones.
Inclusions
New automobile warranties include a list of what they cover. Review this so you know which components the warranty protects in the event of a failure.
Exclusions
Also review the list of exclusions. If something goes wrong, the manufacturer won’t cover certain parts. Because bumper-to-bumper warranties frequently provide the most comprehensive coverage, the list of restrictions should be kept to a minimum.
Other Benefits
Consider features such as trip interruption protection, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance when looking for the car with the best warranty. Also search for manufacturers that provide free towing and oil changes.
Compare the Top Auto Warranty Providers
Completing your research before choosing your auto warranty can help you get the best package and price for your needs. The industry is flooded with companies offering auto warranties. To determine what car has the best warranty, read and compare evaluations of independent car warranty providers. Several things set the top warranty providers apart from their competition. Think about the following qualities while comparing your warranty options:
- Some plans can be customized to meet your needs. Flexibility and coverage options are essential, and an excellent warranty provider offers both.
- A good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating indicates a company is trustworthy, while BBB complaints indicate customers were dissatisfied with a specific auto warranty provider. Research this information when considering car warranties.
- Look for reviews and endorsements that indicate a vehicle manufacturer or warranty provider is respected in the field.
- See how long the company has been in operation, as a long existence likely means they’re doing something right.
You’ll most likely receive factory warranty protection when you purchase a new vehicle. Various warranties offer varying degrees of security. Purchasing a new or used automobile from a dealership that backs its vehicles with warranties can help reduce the chance of mechanical or quality flaws. All automobile owners should consider factory warranty coverage when choosing a vehicle. Knowing what your warranty covers will enable you to make the most of it.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
