There are many things buyers need to consider when evaluating a new car warranty. After all, it’s your main source of protection in case of premature component failure.
In addition to asking what the policy actually covers, you’ll probably research how long the warranty is and whether there are distance limits; perhaps even what if you decide to make some modifications to your new pride and joy.
But one question that often goes unanswered revolves around when a new car warranty begins.
Hint: not when you shake the dealer’s hand or even when you sign on the dotted line. There is also more than one answer.
Most commonly, the warranty period begins on the date of first registration, which usually coincides with the buyer taking delivery of their new wheels.
“New vehicle warranties typically begin upon delivery,” a Western Ford spokesperson said. Automotive expert.
“Once we register and report the vehicle to the manufacturer, that’s when the warranty begins.”
However, there is an exception to this rule.
A car may be ‘new’ but have kilometers on the clock due to its time spent as a ‘service’ car. Dealerships have many uses for new vehicles; they are displayed in showrooms as performance cars, loaned to customers as courtesy cars, or even used as company cars.
These models are called service vehicles and are registered by dealers long before they are sold to the public.
In these cases, the warranty period actually begins when the vehicle is first registered by the dealer and placed in service, shortening the warranty period for the ultimate purchaser.
Service vehicles are often sold at a discount to offset some of the depreciation and warranty limitations associated with these vehicles.
Location also affects the start date of a new car warranty.
For example, the warranty period for Toyota vehicles purchased in Australia begins when the vehicle is first registered, except in Western Australia where the warranty begins from the date of purchase.
Although the purchaser is entitled to the full advertised warranty period, the mileage accumulated on the vehicle during the period of use will be included in the distance limits associated with the policy.
Toyota Australia has a 60-day money-back guarantee on new vehicle sales, starting from the date of delivery, even if the vehicle is a used showroom vehicle.
Determining the warranty end date is simpler. Whether the vehicle is first registered before delivery or on the date of delivery, the warranty will always end a certain number of years or kilometers from that date.
Most brands in Australia warranty their new cars for 5 years, with no kilometer limit. The longest warranty in Australia belongs to Mitsubishi, but it comes with conditions – if you service within the dealer network, the warranty is 10 years or 200,000km.
Some brands will offer short-term promotions with longer-than-usual warranties; In this case, it is necessary to check whether the additional years of warranty are from the factory or a third-party supplier.
A Western Ford spokesperson added: “Generally, vehicles will be registered and reported on the same day, so Ford’s warranty will end five years from that date.”
The warranty end date is especially important, as that is when the buyer will not be covered in the event of a claim.
If in doubt, the best way to clarify the start date of your new vehicle warranty is to contact the manufacturer or dealer you purchased the vehicle directly from.
