Reading in the news just this week, Bobby Nitro got to thinking about warranties after seeing that Datsun have just extended their warranty plan to six years, or 150 000km, which effectively doubles the time a customer can “enjoy care-free motoring” as it were.
It’s the care-free bit that’s so enticing, because one thing warranties do is ensure that there won’t be unexpected large expenses around the corner, just after you’ve forked out for the car.
Basically, a warranty is a promise from the manufacturer that any factory defects will be repaired or replaced, unless there have been aftermarket alterations, then the warranty is void.
It doesn’t cover tyres and brake pads. Some manufacturers even offer roadside assistance as part of the warranty.
A warranty is not to be confused with a service plan, even though most new cars are sold with a plan as standard or optional extra. You do pay for it, though the costs will be built into the purchase price.
A great thing about a service plan is that you don’t have to fork out cash for regular services, and therefore have no excuse to not keep your car well looked after.
Although cars depreciate plenty, regular services slow depreciation. Just make sure the service is carried out by a manufacturer authorised centre.