Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Van Warranty?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

In order to choose the best van warranty, you must first decide on the type of warranty you are interested in. There are many different types of warranties offered on both new and used vehicles, vans included. Bumper to bumper warranties, extended service warranties and both power train and body and trim warranties. Manufacturer warranties are commonly limited-coverage warranties with coverage being based on both time and mileage of the van; however, aftermarket warranties often cover repairs of power train and mechanical features on a reducing mileage coverage basis. A realistic view of your operating habits and driving frequency must be taken into consideration when choosing the best van warranty for your money and needs.

If budget and cost are top priorities in choosing the best van warranty for yourself, the factory warranty is commonly the most affordable. The manufacturer is commonly willing to stand behind a vehicle for a limited time or until the vehicle has reached a certain mileage. Often, an extended warranty can be negotiated into a finance deal when purchasing a van from a dealer; however, when buying a used van from an individual or private party, the options for a warranty are usually limited to an independent warranty provider and commonly at substantial cost.

Driving frequency should be considered when choosing the best van warranty for a person's money and needs.
Driving frequency should be considered when choosing the best van warranty for a person's money and needs.

When choosing the best aftermarket van warranty, eliminating some items from the coverage will go far in lowering the cost. Covering components such as electronics and paint add cost to any warranty and often cover only labor or supplies. If the goal in searching for the best van warranty is to find coverage for every component and feature on your van, then an extended factory warranty is often the best choice. Keep in mind, however, that even the best warranties reduce coverage as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage. All in all, the best van warranty is open to interpretation as to the wants and needs of the individual searching for the warranty.

In most cases, speaking with owners of similarly-equipped vans and comparing their warranty specifics with ones you are considering may aid in your decision. By comparing all van warranty options available to you and examining the benefits of each, you will be equipped with the knowledge to decide on the best option for your van. As time passes, it is also wise to occasionally compare aftermarket van warranty information to see if a better warranty can be obtained for your van that better suits your needs.

Discussion Comments

titans62

@kentuckycat - Excellent advice. I bought a new van several years back, and it is about time to buy a new one again. We went through the same process. They want to get you to buy all the extended warranties and will try to subtly convince you that something is bound to go wrong with your car, but the fact of the matter is that things go wrong in very few cases. Like everything else, it is a matter of assessing your risk as to whether you want to pay extra.

Most of the time we buy used vehicles. Depending on the dealer, you can usually get some type of used car warranty that will cover things likely to go wrong with a second-hand vehicle. Like someone else mentioned, you can definitely find a car warranty online. At the very least, you should use the internet to look at different car warranty comparisons and find what is going to be the best fit for your needs and budget. Like you always hear, when you go to the dealer, knowledge is your best friend.

kentuckycat

@Izzy78 - The other thing, too, is to make sure you aren't paying for anything you don't want. People who sell warranties make a lot of money by strong-arming people into adding, and paying for, coverage that they don't need or want. Like the article mentions, some warranties might cover the cost of body and trim issues. That typically means removing dents and scratches and other cosmetic problems. If you never have a problem with things like that, then don't pay for it!

Even though the warranty providers might not like you deciding you don't need certain services, they'll still be willing to customize a plan and cover you for what you really do want and need. They want the money either way. Just remember that dealers and other people trying to sell warranties aren't necessarily bad people, but whenever you pay more for your warranty, they make more money, so it is in their best interest to get you to buy extras.

Emilski

@Izzy78 - Typically, the experts say that a warranty probably won't serve any purpose, because they are specifically designed to expire right before the majority of failures start to happen. It definitely sounds like you've had some issues with your vehicles, though, so I can't blame you for wanting some type of extra warranty.

The cars I have bought have always just come with whatever warranties the manufacturer provides. If you have a pretty good idea where you are going to buy your new van, first ask the dealer what additional warranties they are able to offer and possibly negotiate that into the overall cost.

Something else you might be able to do is look for car warranty coverage online. I don't know what would be out there, but with everything else you can get online, I don't see why people wouldn't be offering van warranties.

Izzy78

Does anyone here have any opinions on what the best type of car warranty is? My husband and I are planning to buy a new van next month, and we are trying to decide what type of extra coverage we might need. We have been pretty unlucky with cars in the past, so we would like to get something that will be sure to take care of any major expenses that might come along.

The warranty we got for our current car was just the regular dealer's warranty, and less than three months after the warranty expired, we had a problem with the transmission and had to have part of it replaced. We had a similar experience with the car before that and something going wrong with the engine. These were all brand new cars, too.

I guess what I am really curious about is what people think is the best compromise between cost and protection.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Driving frequency should be considered when choosing the best van warranty for a person's money and needs.
      By: Antrey
      Driving frequency should be considered when choosing the best van warranty for a person's money and needs.