Protecting your assets is an essential consideration. For most people, buying a new or used car, truck, or SUV will be one of the largest investments they will make in their lifetime. Understanding your options regarding manufacturer warranties and extended service contracts can potentially save you thousands of dollars, and ease your mind when it comes to unexpected repairs, service, and maintenance. Warranties and other protection products can also guarantee that you receive the maximum money when it is time to trade in your vehicle.
In an effort to be your trusted dealership in Ruidoso, NM, the award-winning service department at Sierra Blanca Motors has put together a list of some common (and some rare) manufacturer’s warranty terms to help you make sense of it all.
Manufacturer Warranties - What's Covered?
First, we’ll cover the two major coverages offered by most manufacturers:
- POWERTRAIN WARRANTY The manufacturer’s powertrain coverage is generally limited to engine, drivetrain & transmission only. In simple terms, this covers the parts of the vehicle that give it power and make it move.
- LIMITED FACTORY WARRANTY This is what is frequently referred to as the “bumper to bumper” warranty. While this is a valuable factory warranty, this can be a misleading description, as it does not cover the bumpers, and definitely does not cover the cost of repairs for everything in between. For example, here are some common repairs that are not covered, along with their average cost:
- Paintless Dent Repair (avg cost $125-$350). The cost for repairing door dings and other small dents is often less than the average customer’s insurance deductible. For this reason, most people choose to leave them unrepaired.
- Windshield Repair (avg cost $60-$125). Again, insurance companies will often charge a deductible for these repairs, leaving customers with a financial burden.
- Wheel Repair ($65-$400+) Repairing a curbed or damaged rim can be expensive enough so that it makes more sense to simply replace it. Then you have to buy three more…
- Tires & Wheels ($150-$2000+) A limited factory warranty does not cover the functional components of your vehicle that actually touch the road: your rims and tires! Replacing tires and wheels can leave you with a very expensive repair bill.
- Environmental damage ($100-$500) Mother nature, children, or even you can be harsh on the exterior and interior of your new car, SUV, or truck. Protection will often pay for itself many times over.
Clearly, the Limited Factory Warranty is not only limited by certain mileage & time factors, but also is truly limited regarding coverage of your new or pre-owned vehicle. Fortunately, Sierra Blanca Motors offers a wide selection of protection products to help you safeguard your investment.
Factory Warranty Terms
Here are some examples of manufacturers’ warranties and terms:
| MANUFACTURER | LIMITED FACTORY WARRANTY | POWERTRAIN WARRANTY |
| CHEVROLET | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| BUICK (as of 2020) | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| JEEP | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| CADILLAC | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| DODGE | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| FORD | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| GMC | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| HONDA | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| TOYOTA | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| VOLKSWAGEN | 6 years/72,000 miles | 6 years/72,000 miles |
| TESLA | 4 years/50,000 miles | 8 years/Unlimited miles |
| BMW | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| MAZDA | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NISSAN | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Factory Warranty Limitations
Manufacturer warranties sometimes carry a deductible up to $100. Normal wear and tear items are also not covered by either the Limited Factory Warranty or the Powertrain Warranty. For example, some common repairs not covered are the clutches, CV joints and boots, batteries, brake pads, and exhaust systems.
Additionally, when the vehicle is transferred to a new owner, the warranties’ terms can be affected. For example, Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain coverage does not transfer from the original owner to the subsequent owner.
Worry-Free Driving With Sierra Blanca Motors
There is much to consider when it comes to protecting your new or used car or truck. At Sierra Blanca Motors, we are committed to giving you the information you need to make the decision that is right for you. For more information on our Worry-Free Driving Program, visit our page on Protecting Your Investment, read our blog Protecting Your New Vehicle Purchase, or call Michael Ortega at (575) 481-2057.
Sierra Blanca Motors is an auto group in Ruidoso, NM with an exceptional selection of Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM vehicles, and Chevrolet vehicles. Visit us in Ruidoso, NM to see our selection in person or reach out with any questions. At Sierra Blanca Motors - we make it simple!
