Determined to buy a car? Well, that’s a big decision that requires a significant financial commitment. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle, you need to be sure your investment is protected, and that’s where vehicles with the best warranty come into play.
Why Vehicle Warranties Matter—Especially for Used Cars
Peace of Mind and Financial Protection
Even the most reliable cars aren't safe from unexpected failures. The statistics provided by a driver assistance company, Agero, show that nearly 69 million vehicle breakdowns occur in the United States annually.
These surprise breakdowns and repairs are quite expensive and can hit your wallet pretty hard. That’s why getting a car doesn't go without getting a good warranty. The warranty covers the repair and replacement costs, so you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket when something goes wrong with your vehicle.
New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty Differences
If you’ve already opted for a used, a brand new, or a CPO vehicle, then it’s time to learn about the warranty types and the privileges coming with them. Each category offers different levels of protection, duration, and benefits.
Thus, new cars typically have warranties backed by the manufacturer and included in the purchase price. These warranties typically offer bumper-to-bumper guarantees and usually last for several years or driven miles.
Used cars, on the other hand, come with limited or no warranty at all. These vehicles don’t have any manufacturer's assurances unless you buy additional coverage separately. Certified pre-owned cars also feature warranty protection provided by manufacturers, usually covering the vehicle's major components.
You’ll have various warranty options with various privileges in the market. So, not to get confused, here’s our breakdown of some basic warranty types.
Types of Car Warranties Explained
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
Also known as a basic or comprehensive warranty, it covers nearly all of the car’s components, from air conditioning to transmission. Each automaker provides different coverage durations, typically lasting from three to five years or from 36,000 to 60,000 miles.
Powertrain Warranty
This kind of warranty is designed for components that move the car, like the engine, differentials, axles, and transmission. It doesn’t cover any items not related to the powertrain. The powertrain warranty follows the bumper-to-bumper warranty and may last from five to ten years or 60,000-100,000 miles.
Corrosion and Roadside Assistance
The corrosion warranty protects cars against considerable rust and corrosion problems. Manufacturers offer various terms for different damages. It typically lasts from five to 12 years. Roadside assistance is often included as part of a vehicle’s warranty coverage. It may last from three to five years and provides such services as battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, or towing.
Factory vs. Extended Warranty
This optional coverage extends the manufacturer's warranty and is purchased separately. It offers comprehensive protection for the additional years of car ownership. The terms and conditions of the extended warranty can vary across providers.
Top Vehicles (and Brands) with the Best Warranty Coverage
After you’ve learned the basics, let’s go through the top-notch vehicles with the best warranty options.
Hyundai – 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
Hyundai was one of the pioneer automotive companies offering an exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The comprehensive coverage is five years or 60,000 miles. It also provides seven years of anti-corrosion protection and a five-year roadside assistance program with unlimited miles. New Hyundai cars, pickups, and crossovers get three years or 36,000 miles of no-cost maintenance.
Kia – Industry-Leading Warranty Coverage
This company is one of the industry leaders offering the best warranties. The brand has five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection. The basic warranty can be transferred to a second owner. Hybrid and electric items get the same coverage. The only thing that keeps Kia back from its sister company, Hyundai, is the roadside assistance program, which is limited to five years or 60,000 miles.
Genesis – Premium Coverage for Luxury Vehicles
No surprise, Hyundai’s luxury brand also provides one of the best car warranties on the market. Obtaining a new Genesis includes 60,000 miles of comprehensive warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Electrical model components get the same warranty as the powertrain. The highlight of the warranty program is the Service Valet, which provides complimentary pickup and return of your vehicle for maintenance during the first three years. Plus, you'll get five years of roadside assistance.
Mitsubishi – Long-Term Coverage on a Budget
Mitsubishi provides an excellent package of warranties for its vehicles. They offer five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. And there’s still more. Mitsubishi buyers also get seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion protection and five years of road assistance with unlimited mileage. There's good coverage for electrified cars too, e.g., the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with ten years or 100,000 miles of warranty for plug-in electrical items.
Tesla, Lexus, Toyota – Honorable Mentions
Tesla offers vehicles with the best warranty choices as well. The specifics of the coverage depend on the model. So, the Tesla Model S and Model X have a drive train and battery warranty of eight years or 150,000 miles, while the Tesla Model 3 comes with eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage. The brand also provides four-year or 50,000-mile roadside assistance.
The mainstream automaker Toyota covers its new cars with three years or 36,000 miles of comprehensive protection and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Their EVs have an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the drive components, while hybrids come with 10-year or 150,000-mile battery protection.
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, also offers vehicles with the best warranty. It provides four years or 50,000 miles of basic coverage and six years or 70,000 miles of powertrain warranty. Lexus hybrid buyers get eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for battery and other electric components. Lexus also offers a four-year roadside assistance program.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs Worth Considering
This was all about owning a new car with its excellent warranties, but what about a used car coverage? No worries, we’ll explain that too, but first, let’s understand the notion of CPO.
What CPO Really Means
CPO is a manufacturer-backed program providing specific quality standards for used vehicles. The cars involved in the initiative undergo rigorous testing and reconditioning, ensuring buyers have a smart and confident choice. Certified programs offer multiple benefits like various inspections, roadside assistance, and, of course, an extended warranty.
You probably wonder what an extended warranty is.
Top CPO Programs Offering Extended Warranties
The extended warranty refers to the warranty that continues beyond the original coverage. These warranty terms and details typically depend on the vehicle manufacturer. Some brands may offer a comprehensive warranty or only powertrain coverage, while others may include benefits like roadside service. Let’s see which automakers offer the best options for extended warranties.
One of the best CPO programs in the industry is offered by Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. They provide a 182-point inspection, a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as complimentary oil changes, roadside assistance, etc.
Ford’s CPO program is also regarded as one of the comprehensive warranties, boasting features like a 172-point inspection, a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Another excellent option is provided by Honda. Its extended warranty program includes: An 182-point inspection, a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as roadside assistance, complimentary oil change, and concierge services.
What to Look for in a Used Car Warranty
When choosing vehicles with the best warranty, particularly a used one, consider the following factors to ensure you make a smart choice.
Coverage Terms and Mileage Limits
A good warranty should cover essential car components, such as the transmission, engine, and drivetrain. Some may also cover the air conditioning and electrical systems. Keep in mind that most warranties don’t cover wear and tear components such as batteries, brake pads, and tires. Pay attention also to the warranty mileage limit, making sure it fits your driving habits.
Transferability and Deductibles
Another important factor to consider is transferability. If you have a transferable warranty, the resale value of your vehicle increases, making it more attractive to buyers. In addition, check the deductible options of the warranty. Depending on your budget and the frequency of your vehicle repairs, you can choose between a per-visit deductible, a per-repair deductible, and a zero-deductible warranty contract.
Warranty Red Flags to Avoid
Not every warranty is created equal. Some warranty contracts may come with certain pitfalls leading to disappointment and disputes. So, when choosing a warranty, you should watch out for:
- Vague language. Phrases like “normal wear and tear” are ambiguous and can cause a disagreement down the line. We recommend seeking clarification on any unclear conditions.
- Excessive limitations. Another red flag that can limit the buyer’s protection. Too many exclusions are often too broad and don’t correspond to unforeseen circumstances.
- Complicated claims process. If the claim-making process requires too much documentation and is quite hard for buyers, then there’s another red flag. These complexities are time-consuming, deterring the buyer from the coverage.
To keep yourself out of trouble, you should thoroughly read the warranty contract and seek legal advice if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Whether used or new, vehicles with the best warranty can give you peace of mind and help protect your wallet from unexpected costs.
The coverage types you can get from major automakers include bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, corrosion protection, roadside assistance, and extended options.
For used car owners, CPO programs offer extended warranties with various privileges.