If you’re getting onto the road for the first time, then you’ll want to be sure that you’re covered in case of an accident, or wear and tear. Younger drivers tend not to have quite so much cash available to buy a new car; they might instead look to the second-hand market, and purchase something a little bit older.
After so many years on the road, vehicles of this sort might no longer be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. But what does this mean, and why should young drivers be interested in replacing an old warranty?
Used car warranties, like those provided by ALA, are typically much shorter than the ones that come from the manufacturer. You can expect to be covered for a matter of months rather than years. If you’re shopping at an approved used dealership, then the dealer will generally provide a twelve-month warranty – though it’s always worth asking.
What does a Warranty do?
Invest in an aftermarket warranty, and the provider will cover the cost of any repairs necessary during the period. The precise extent of the cover can, however, vary from warranty to warranty. Some might exclude issues outside a stipulated shortlist of components.
Any repair work that is carried out will need to be documented, so it’s important you get the paperwork to prove that the work is done. What’s more, it’s worth contacting the provider before getting any work done to identify the problem – if you aren’t covered, then you might well find yourself out of pocket.
Do I have to Buy a Warranty?
Unlike insurance, a warranty is not a legal requirement if you want to drive on a British road. However, should you choose to forgo your warranty, you’ll be incurring a risk. Should you run into trouble, you’ll be exposed to the financial cost of sorting it out. For many motorists, this is an acceptable risk; for others, it is not.
What are my Rights?
When you buy a used car from a dealership, you’re protected by the Consumer Rights Act, which basically stipulates that goods sold have to be fit for purpose. However, what’s ‘fit for purpose’ is a matter of interpretation; a cheap second-hand car might be expected to develop minor faults while still meeting this standard. Thus, a warranty offers a level of protection that you shouldn’t expect as standard.