For many people in Pennsylvania, buying a new vehicle doesn’t mean buying something straight from the manufacturer but rather a vehicle that is in used condition but new to them. Used vehicles can be an economical solution for those who need transportation that is both affordable and reliable.
However, with a used vehicle comes wear and tear from previous drivers and other defects associated with age. Worries about the uncertain condition of a used vehicle could motivate you to buy a pre-owned vehicle from a dealership rather than a person.
If you want to buy a used car or have recently bought a used dealership vehicle that isn’t performing to your expectations, you may find yourself wondering about vehicle warranties. Are there ever warranties available on used vehicles?
Newer used vehicles may still have a manufacturer warranty
In some circumstances, a used vehicle for sale is still new enough that it has protection under the manufacturer’s warranty. The age, mileage and maintenance of the vehicle will all influence whether a manufacturer’s warranty applies.
Review the warranty terms closely, especially if you have to pay more for a used vehicle because of the warranty. You may have to fill out paperwork or pay a fee to transfer a manufacturer’s warranty with the purchase of a vehicle.
Some dealerships offer used vehicle warranties
In order to be competitive, used car dealerships have to sometimes sweeten the offers they make to the public. Offering warranties on older used cars or low-cost maintenance packages are common incentives.
As with manufacturer warranty, it’s important to look closely at the terms of a dealership warranty. It may require unusual maintenance or effectively end the first time someone from an outside garage door dealership inspects or performs maintenance on the vehicle.
Other dealerships may offer what seems like a warranty but is actually a fee that you may have to pay every month in addition to your lease or financing costs. An automotive service contract is, in theory, a way to have protection on your vehicle but is often just a way for a dealership to line its pockets.
The good news is that regardless of the warranty status of your vehicle, if you recently purchased it from a dealership and there are obvious defects that the dealer hid from you or lied to you about, you may have the right to take legal action against a dealership for fraud.
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