AN IMPORTANT DECISION
So you’ve made the big decision to buy a new car. Deciding on what car to buy and what to look out for can be like learning a new language, especially if you’ve never bought a new car before.
One of those important considerations is the warranty. There’s no denying it’s one of the less sexy things to consider - especially when you could be deciding which of the 18 Magic Seat configurations will be most useful in the HR-V, or choosing the best colour to enhance the Civic Type R’s aggressive style.
But people of Australia, it’s time to give your car’s warranty the attention it deserves. It may not be top of mind in your purchasing decision, but your car’s warranty could actually be doing more for you than any tangible feature in your vehicle.
Bear in mind that all cars no matter the brand come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
Here are some important things to look out for in a warranty:
TIME OF COVER
The general rule of thumb should be that the longer the warranty, the better. While other manufactures are offering shorter warranty periods of three years it pays to shop around and find something that not only that suits your lifestyle, but allows you to spend more time focussing on the more important things. A longer warranty period also means that you will potentially save more cash on repairs down the road. But be wary- some brands provide a long cover but skimp on other things like protection against rust perforation.
DISTANCE COVER APPLIES
Some manufacturers have a limit on the kms you can clock up during the period of your warranty. Even a few kilometres over could void your warranty completely. Having an unlimited km warranty (except for vehicles used for a commercial purpose, see below) means that you don’t have to worry about where you are going, but just enjoy the ride.
COMMERCIAL/NON-COMMERCIAL USE
If you are planning to use your new vehicle as an Uber service, keep in mind that your vehicle will be considered as ‘commercial’. If you are buying a vehicle for any type of commercial purpose, do your homework because your warranty may differ.
TRANSFERABILITY
If you choose to sell your car within the warranty period, the new owner will benefit from the unexpired portion of the warranty transferable at no cost. Any warranty left on the vehicle should give you a better resale value, so it is a great selling point for you too!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Just as you keep yourself fit and healthy, you should be doing the same for your car. This means keeping up with regular maintenance and always ensuring you are using genuine parts. While non-genuine parts may be a cheaper solution now, they usually end up costing more in the long run, particularly if the use of non-genuine parts causes an issue that is not covered by your warranty.
CHECK THE FINE PRINT
Even the most comprehensive warranties come with exclusions so it’s important understand exactly how you’re covered. It’s a common misconception that your car’s warranty covers every type of repair within the relevant period. Warranties cover manufacturing defaults, not damaged paint due to abundant bird droppings.
YOUR HONDA WARRANTY
Earlier this year Honda Australia introduced a new 5 -Year Unlimited KM Warranty available across the entire range, another way we are putting you at the centre of everything we do.
So, what’s included when you buy a new Honda:
- 5-Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty
- 6-Year protection against rust perforation
- Warranty backed 100% by Honda
- Transferable at no cost
This means you get 5-Years’ peace of mind no matter how many km’s you’ve clocked up *, 6 years of no weather worries if we’re talking rust perforation. Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability is also matched with resale values that are some of the strongest in the market.
If you’re unsure about what exactly your warranty covers, talk to a representative at your local Honda dealer. They are there to help you into a Honda, and make you feel even more confident about your new purchase.
Buying a Honda is never about just getting you from A-B. It’s about fitting seamlessly into your life, and getting you wherever the drive takes you, with peace of mind.