Buying a car is expensive. When it’s a new car, most people hope it won’t have any mechanical issues in the near future, and when you’re buying a Mazda, that’s typically true. However, once the factory warranty expires on any new car, the cost of repairs can put a strain on your budget. Some buyers are good at saving and know Mazda’s reputation for reliability, so an extended warranty may not be the best option. For other families, buying an extended warranty provides peace of mind that’s worth every penny. Here are some tips for evaluating what’s right for you.
Know Reliability and Durability
Some of the people reading this article may not be shopping for a Mazda. Consumers are keeping cars longer, and East Texans drive a lot. No matter what you’re buying, before you price an extended car warranty, research statistics for the make and model you’re considering. Even if they’re still covered under the original factory warranty, some may only cover certain parts under specific conditions.
If you’re buying a used car where you don’t know its history, or if that vehicle type is prone to needing certain types of repairs, you probably need an extended warranty to cover costly maintenance and expensive technology.
What Mazda’s Basic Warranty Covers
New Mazdas come with a three year, 36,000 mile warranty that covers both materials and workmanship for every original part of the car. They also have a five year, 60,000 mile warranty for the powertrain, so your engine, transmission, front end and rear drive systems are covered as long as you have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealership.
Research What Repairs Cost
Most people are still paying their car note when their factory warranty expires. An extended warranty helps owners know they will have time to completely pay off their vehicle before there’s a possibility of needed repairs. Here are some of the most common issues and what fixing them costs.
- Clutch replacement typically costs between $465 and $1,994.
- Replacing a head gasket might run anywhere from $691 to $3,263.
- Front strut or shock absorber replacement can cost anywhere from $105 to $836.
Be Honest About Your Budget
Buying an extended warranty is really about financial planning. To decide if you need one, ask yourself how your money typically flows. Does your monthly budget leave plenty of room if you need one of the most common repairs? Are you comfortable with spending what’s in your savings account to keep your vehicle in good shape? Many vehicle buyers aren’t.
An extended warranty comes with an affordable payment plan, so you avoid unpleasant surprises. You choose from hundreds of approved repair facilities, so if you travel or move outside of East Texas you’re still covered. For most vehicles, there are different levels of plans, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Whether you’re buying a new Mazda or a quality pre-owned vehicle, at Velocity Mazda we’ll help you evaluate your options. Stop by or get in touch to find out more.
Sources:
https://www.carchex.com/content/mazda-extended-warranty-cost
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2016/09/should-you-get-an-extended-warranty
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