I recently had two customers who both bought extended warranties come into the shop for some major repairs.

Customer A purchased their warranty after they bought the car. The vehicle had just under 150,000 on the odometer at the time of the repair so their coverage was nearing the end. The warranty company covered the repair minus the cost of a couple wear items we suggested the customer replace while everything was apart.

Customer B purchased their warranty along with the vehicle from a private dealer. The vehicle had about 30,000 miles on the odometer at the time of the repair and was still within the factory warranty. Neither the factory nor the warranty company would cover the repair because it was deemed it to be a wear and tear item. This was explicitly stated in the terms of the warranty. So after paying for the extended warranty, and despite being under the factory warranty the customer ended up paying out of pocket for the entire repair.

Those two examples argue the point either way. Although I myself would advise against purchasing an extended warranty, if you truly feel you need one then here are some things to keep in mind.

Reliability and longevity. How reliable is the make and model you are purchasing? The warranty will naturally favor the less reliable brands. If you plan on keeping the car long after the factory warranty expires then an extended warranty would certainly be a good idea as all cars become less reliable over time.

Type of coverage. You will need to know what exactly is covered under the warranty. Most coverage options will not cover wear and tear items like brakes, batteries, clutches and maintenance items. Also make sure you understand any restrictions as well as what will cause your warranty to be voided.

Cost. Don’t feel pressured into buying a warranty straight away. You can always purchase a warranty after you have bought the car. So by all means opt out and shop around. You’ll often end up with a better deal. Just make sure you choose a coverage provider that comes recommended by others. Paying a little extra for the best coverage may even save you more down the line. Many top tier coverage options will cover towing and a rental car as well as other expenses.

Although there is no right or wrong answer as the benefits will vary from case to case. Hopefully this information gives you more confidence to make the decision that is best for you if ever need be.

There’s no shame in admitting many of us don’t know what to look for when it comes to inspecting a used car. Which is why it is always a good idea to leave it up to a professional.

First and foremost it gives you a better understanding of who the seller is. It is a giant red flag if a seller says no to your mechanic performing an inspection on a prospective car. It won’t take cost them anything but an hour of their own time, and will definitely speed up the process of the sale. Any seller who refuses the inspection usually has something to hide.

A car can look and drive excellent, but perhaps the owner didn’t keep up with certain services that will come back and bite you in the tail. It is possible for brakes to be almost to the point of replacement and not even make a peep until a few weeks after you bought the car.

It is also a good chance to see what services, if any, the previous owner has completed. For most vehicles the major services come at or after they hit the 100,000 mile mark. Owners of vehicles with timing belts usually decide to sell prior to having them replaced because they feel buying a new car is better than dumping more money into an old one. Some sellers or buyers don’t know what a timing belt is. Even I didn’t even know what a timing belt was at one point. This goes to show you how easily things can be overlooked.

The car may also be in need of a major repair that won’t be apparent to you until the car breaks down on you. I’ve seen many customers buy cars knowing the check engine light is on, thinking it is just a minor issue and an oil change will take care of it.

A pre-purchase inspection also gives you more weapons at the negotiating table as potential problems will help lower the asking price. So why not invest a little money to potentially save you much more in the long run. And if you need help in your new car journey, the professionals at MR Auto SD are here to help. Stop by or give us a ring!

• Oil Change – If you’ve had it drilled into you that oil changes need to be done every 3 months or 3,000 miles, you’re probably getting your oil changed way more often than necessary. The time between oil changes is based on how much you drive and the type of oil used.
• Belts – Some belts are meant to be changed at a set time, such as the drive belt. Other belts, like the A/C belt, require a visual check to determine if a change is needed.
• Tires – Tires usually come with a mileage warranty that can tell you how far to expect to go on the tires. When you buy a new car, don’t expect tires to last very long. Tread depth and tire pressure are important to staying on the road and getting good gas mileage.
• Brake System – Brake pads are also rated for a certain number of miles, but it will depend on how hard a driver is on the breaks and whether more time is spent on the Interstate or on city streets.
• Fluid Levels – Some fluid levels are more important than others. Getting too low on oil can destroy your engine. Running low on windshield washer fluid can be really inconvenient, but isn’t necessarily dangerous. Checking fluid levels regularly can save you inconvenience and major expenses.

Factory Service Maintenance When You Need It (and Only When You Need It)

At MR Auto SD, we go by your factory maintenance service schedule along with visual inspections. As a result, you get all of the regular maintenance services you need and no pressure to purchase services you don’t need. To schedule a check-up for your vehicle, call (858) 455-8222.