Pat Goss' Tips & Expert Advice

Warranties And The Law

The Used Car Warranty Law varies from state to state, but in general it is used to protect used car buyers from purchasing vehicles which need major repairs. It does not matter if the dealer was aware the repair was needed or not, the buyer is still protected under the law. Depending on the state, there are a certain number of days after the purchase in which the buyer can return the car to the dealership for needed repairs at no charge. Do not confuse the Used Car Warranty Law, however, with a used auto warranty. A used auto warranty is a coverage plan that you purchase and it pays for certain repairs for the duration of the agreement. The Used Car Warranty Law merely covers you for a short period of time after the initial purchase to make sure that you were not sold a defective vehicle. An extended warranty pays for repairs long after you are no longer covered by the law. Warranties often cover the cost of repairs which are considered normal expenses, such as the replacement of worn parts. The law helps you to feel comfortable about buying a used car, but an extended warranty makes the expenses related to owning a vehicle much easier to bear.