The consumer guide to uncovering the best value

in auto warranties and repairs.

Choosing the Right Extended Warranty ...

Low Mileage Vehicles - Up to 50,000 Miles

The best value is to purchase a wrap program or bumper to bumper policy before the vehicle reaches 12,000 miles. You can purchase a bumper to bumper at any time up to around 50,000 miles, but just remember the less miles a vehicle has when purchasing a warranty the less expensive the coverage is, so buy it sooner than later.

Do not consider a stated component policy or a powertrain policy. For the small additional price of a bumper to bumper policy you get much more coverage and benefits.

Mid Mileage Vehicles - Between 50,000 to 100,000 Miles

This is where a stated component policy is best suited. You will get a fair amount of coverage for the major components of your vehicle. Remember that if your vehicle has 75,000 miles and you drive 15,000 miles a year and you want to keep it for another three years look for at least 120,000 miles of coverage.

If you are pushing 100,000 miles, a powertrain policy is an inexpensive option.

High Mileage Vehicles – Over 100,000 Miles

Here is where it mainly depends on how long you want to keep your vehicle. Your coverage options will be limited, but you can still get a reasonably priced stated component policy, and this is where it really pays off. High mileage vehicles are going to have many more problems, and the more coverage you can get the better you make out.

Powertrain policies are also a good bet to get more mileage and years of driving out of your vehicle.

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