Warranty

[Bazile]

Is there a minimum period of warranty on a car , that a dealer has to provide - if so what is that period ?

[StarBeast]

They do not have to provide a warranty. If it's a new car then the manufacturers will generally provide a warranty, generally of at least 2 years but I don't think even that is a legal requirement.

[ubasses]

Most new cars have 3 (some have more) years warranty now, if you buy a used one less than 3 years old you will get the remainder of the manufacturers warranty. After that I think it depends on the dealer and the age of the car.

[Bazile]

Thanks

If a dealer is offering a 4 months warranty OR pay £ 460 for a 12 months TOTAL warranty- would it be better to take the 4 months and shop around if you want a warranty on the car for longer than 4 months( car is 09 plate )?

[StarBeast]

the problem is that aftermarket warranties are largely worthless. They hardly ever pay out. The exclusion list is long and comprhensive on these things. I'd take the 4 months, if it lasts 4 months it'll probably be a good car. Also check if there is any manufacturer' warranty left.

[TWR]

Bazile, do not be enticed to get this worthless piece of wrapping paper of a warranty, on a used car they will, at times give you 3 months, I, & many have said this umpteen times, take someone that knows the innards of a used car or you will come unstuck, there are a lot Artur Daley's out there all out for your money, take heed of the advice & be safe, do not, make sure you have plenty in the bank.

[Bazile]

Thanks folks .

I'm just the middleman here - so before i pass on your advices - just to be clear- the person is buying a 09 plate Renault car ,from a Renault main dealer.

The Renault main dealer is offering a Renault retail group extended warranty, which offers a choice of cover on 3 different levels .

Are you saying that even though the extended warranty being offered is a Renault retail group extended warranty , you would still recomend not taking it out ?

[StarBeast]

I'd take the 4 month that comes free, don't pay the 12 month one. This is the same as the guy from Curry's trying to sell you a 5 year guarenteee on a hoover because they get commission, these after market warranties are pretty well useless. Same with Gap insurance, I see they've tried to sell that too.

[TWR]

Bazile, I can assure you that this ex Warranty is Crap, they will try any way out of paying for repairs, but this up to the purchase, But I would not take it, if you know a private family VAT Reg garage take the car there & let them service it with the genuine parts, A friend of mine was once told about a wheel bearing that was faulty, has is collapsed! he had a family ( Does that tell you everything? again, look for a used car from elsewhere & save your self money, if it's the finance problem, go to your bank for the loan as the garage finance are very high in comparison.