So, you’ve just made a down payment for a new car and you’ve chosen a trusty Jeep. You’re probably very excited to start driving your new vehicle but before you can sign the dotted line and become the legal owner of the Jeep, you have a few decisions to make.
One of the main things that you need to consider when you purchase a new car of any model is whether or not you want an extended warranty. Every brand-new Jeep automatically comes with a three to five-year (or 36,000 to 60,000-mile) car warranty.
When you’re buying a second-hand Jeep, the original warranty may have already expired if the Jeep is more than five years old. The car dealership will offer a Jeep extended warranty when you purchase one of their used vehicles.
There is no obligation to get an extended warranty and it’s not illegal to drive without one. However, it’s something to consider when you purchase a second-hand Jeep.
What is an Extended Warranty and What Does it Cover?
An extended car warranty is a type of insurance. Your warranty provider will pay for some of the costs of repairs on your Jeep if you run into trouble within the warranty’s active period. Once your extended warranty expires, you will no longer have financial coverage.
Most extended warranties last three months but many providers offer 6 to 12-month options too. A Jeep extended warranty covers issues with the following components:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Clutch
- Braking system
- Air conditioning system
- Engine cooling system
- Catalytic converter
- Gearbox
- Electrics
Should You Get an Extended Warranty on Your Jeep?
There are a number of factors that you should take into account when you’re considering an extended warranty on your Jeep.
Age
If the Jeep is several years old, it may run into problems and need repairs. The older the car and the higher its mileage, the more likely you are to make a claim on your policy.
Future Sales
For those of you who plan on selling your Jeep shortly after buying it, getting an extended warranty will make the vehicle more attractive to buyers. You can use the extended warranty as a selling point to encourage potential buyers to sign the dotted line.
Finances
If you earn an above-average wage and you’re confident that you’ll be able to pay for major repairs on your Jeep out of your own pocket, you might not need or want an extended warranty. Similarly, if you’ve got plenty of savings in your bank account, an extended warranty might be unnecessary.
However, an extended warranty can provide financial protection and peace of mind for those of you who don’t have an emergency fund or large amount of savings in the bank. When you make a claim on your policy, your provider will cover some of the costs of your repair bills so that you don’t need to pay as much out of your own pocket.
