Used Car Warranties – Are They Really Worth the Hype?

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At Lawgistics, we’re putting the industry’s giants under the microscope to unearth the truth. It’s time to find out which aftermarket warranty is not just good, but the best in the game.

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Warranties in the used car sector are gaining traction, hailed as the peace-of-mind solution for buyers wary of potential post-purchase pitfalls. But let’s delve into the real value of these used car warranties.

Since the Consumer Rights Act stepped into the spotlight in 2015, it’s redefined consumer safety nets, offering a spectrum of remedies from full refunds to repairs, partial refunds, or price reductions. Enter aftermarket warranties: the promise to tackle any gremlins that pop up after you’ve driven off the lot, though often constrained by mileage, age, and capped claims.

Here’s the million-dollar question: Do these aftermarket warranties actually leap beyond the basic consumer rights, or are they just a safety blanket with too many holes? At Lawgistics, we’re putting the industry’s giants under the microscope to unearth the truth. It’s time to find out which aftermarket warranty is not just good, but the best in the game.

RAC Maintenance and Repair Plans

These plans offer extensive coverage, but how do they fare against the Consumer Rights Act 2015? We explore their limitations, like vehicle age and mileage restrictions, and the extensive list of “excluded parts” that could be crucial under the Act.

Key point: Consumers may face upfront costs for diagnosing faults, only reimbursed if covered under the plan. Plus, we examine the plan’s approach to repair times and courtesy vehicles, crucial aspects under the Act.

For a deeper dive into whether the Platinum Plus Plan truly offers value for the second-hand car buyer, check out our full review:

Warrantywise Car Warranty

Warrantywise stands out in the warranty market with plans based on vehicle age and mileage, ranging from 04/40 to 12/120. But how does it compare to the Consumer Rights Act 2015?

Our review focuses on the significant exclusions in Warrantywise’s terms, particularly the clause about parts with known manufacturing faults. This raises a crucial question: Does Warrantywise cover what matters most in a used vehicle?

We also contrast the expansive coverage of the 04/40 plan with the more limited 12/120 plan. Discover whether Warrantywise truly provides the peace of mind needed for second-hand car buyers or if it falls short in key areas, especially compared to the Consumer Rights Act.

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Autoguard’s AutoGold Warranty

Autoguard’s AutoGold is branded as the ultimate warranty for used cars, covering diverse systems like in-car entertainment and climate control. However, it’s crucial to note: it only addresses failures from mechanical breakdowns, not covering issues like external fluid leaks.

Our review compares this coverage with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, uncovering gaps where AutoGold might fall short. For instance, AutoGold’s stance on oil or water leaks contrasts with the Act’s provisions for such issues. Additionally, the plan’s exclusions on bodywork and other components highlight where consumer rights under the Act could provide more robust protection.

Discover how AutoGold measures up in our full review:

WarrantyFirst Car Warranty Policies

Our examination of WarrantyFirst’s aftermarket warranties reveals a focus on claims and repair processes, requiring repairs by VAT-registered garages and aligning with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 on replacement parts, avoiding unnecessary upgrades.

The policy caps repair costs to the vehicle’s market value and adheres to a one-repair rule before consumers can seek vehicle rejection.

Despite reinforcing statutory rights, WarrantyFirst introduces specific limitations, which may narrow coverage compared to the broader protections of the CRA 2015.

Warranty Solutions Group Policies

When it comes to vehicle warranties, traders are often faced with the decision between self-funded schemes and third-party options like those offered by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG). Recently, WSG’s CEO claimed that self-funded warranties are more expensive than traditional third-party ones.

In this article, we delve into the details of WSG’s warranty offerings, comparing them to the statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and examine whether their warranties truly provide value or if self-funded schemes might actually offer a more cost-effective solution.

Joel CombesManaging DirectorRead More by this author

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