Used car warranty

When buying a car, get a used car warranty?

If you are planning on getting a used car, the question arises as to if you should also get a used car warranty. To what extent this is necessary or is already covered by the legal guarantee, the so-called liability for material defects, can be seen in our guide. At a used car dealership, the used car warranty is not directly available to you as a buyer, but is voluntarily granted by the dealership. In comparison, the liability for material defects is required by law and is valid for one year. It is useful to know if a warranty is enough in individual cases or if a protection through a used car warranty has additional advantages.

How does the used car warranty work?

While many consumers do not have much experience with the used car warranty, the liability for material defects is an unavoidable topic for motorists. The warranty is often given only upon request, at a higher price or through an additional contract. It is important to read the fine print and take it into account so that it does not lead to a misunderstanding or complications later. Each dealer can determine what the used car warranty covers. From individual defects to a complete failure of the electronics, everything is possible. Therefore, you should pay attention as to which defects are agreed upon with the sale. Raise the topic of used car warranty when buying and get advice for your options. It is you the buyer who profits from this offer.

Which possible damages and malfunctions are covered by the used car warranty and what percentage of the repair costs is covered usually depends on the mileage, the age and the condition of the vehicle. If it is for example a Toyota that has already been driven 100,000 km it is possible that some parts are worn out. Such details are different with each seller, which is why you should intensively check the guarantee scheme in individual cases and read the contractual terms in detail. A car that is already more than 10 years old (such as the Toyota from the example) will most likely not have a guarantee. Therefore, you should know the conditions and benefits of the guarantee.

Where can I find a seller for a used car warranty?

In consultation with the dealer, consumers sometimes have the ability to negotiate on the used car warranty. On the Internet there are a number of providers, who provide a comprehensive solution. For an orientation, Internet forums provide additional information that should always be asked. You also have the option to make a comparison of the used car warranty on special pages. Here you will find various deals and then decide which provider you wish to contact. Other points of contact for more information can be found at the various automobile clubs or even at the local consumer centres.

It is advisable to inquire at the insurance companies as to if they work together with a company that has specialised in used car warranty. As a consumer, you can find such information on the internet and educate yourself. This helps you to learn which offers are available for used car warranties and the extent to which there was a positive or negative resonance. If you are interested in different vehicles, you should inquire if the warranty is calculated differently in each case. If this is the case, then get more offers for each vehicle.

Used car warranty or just liability for material defects?

The key difference between the used car warranty and the liability for material defects is that the warranty is provided voluntarily by the dealer, while the liability is a legal requirement. So this cannot be excluded from a sales contract for a consumer item. If such a provision exists, then according to the law it is considered void and not valid. The liability for material defects stipulates by law that improvements in the period of one year is free of charge for the buyer and must be borne by the dealer. In such cases, it is assumed that the defect already existed at the time of the handover. If six months have passed since the handover, the buyer must prove that the dealer is responsible for the defect. With the used car warranty it does not matter when the defect occurred.

It is important to know here that the warranty is in no way a restriction of the legal rights and obligations of the liability for material defects. The buyer must always give the dealer the chance to make improvements.

Due to recent changes in the law, the buyer can now search for a workshop of their choice and is not bound to the agency only.

Tips for completing a used car warranty

There are many things that have to be observed with a used car warranty. If for example, a deficiency cannot be eliminated, the liability for material defects makes it possible to withdraw from the contract or to get a price reduction. Both of these means are usually not given with a warranty. Rights resulting from the used car warranty do not influence the validity of the liability for material defects. This remains legally unaffected.

It may however happen that under the used car warranty not all repair costs are covered. Depending on the warranty conditions it is possible that only certain parts are replaced and all other costs have to be proven. Therefore, you should carefully read the conditions prior to closing the contract and ask if premium, terms and assumed services also meet your expectations. An important questions is at which point are you responsible for the costs and whether it is worth it to get a used car warranty for your car based on its age and mileage.

Check list for used car warranty

• Time of occurrence of defect is irrelevant
• For repairs, choice of workshop is not enforced or limited
• Contract can be made void if the damage cannot be fixed
• Agreed upon conditions does not have influence on the liability for material defects
• Uncommon for old second-hand cars

Check list for liability for material defects

• Valid for one year and cannot legally be excluded
• Defects existed at handover
• Defects must occur within 6 months
• After 6 months the burden of proof is the buyer’s responsibility

Note: SellCarGetCash.com does not offer legal advice, nor should this text be considered a legal opinion. Always consult with a lawyer, before entering agreements. This guide should merely be read as tips to the best knowledge of the editing team.