Buying coverage for a used car

Find the in-service date

Factory warranties start on the date the car was first sold, not the model year. A dealer for the brand can look up the in-service date from the vehicle identification number.

Check what transfers

Most factory warranties transfer to later owners, but some long powertrain warranties are shortened for second owners. Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and Mitsubishi are the well-known examples.

Expect a waiting period

Service contracts on used cars usually have a waiting period, often 30 days and 1,000 miles, before claims can be made. This is to exclude problems that already exist.

Get an inspection first

A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic tells you what condition the car is really in. Pre-existing problems will not be covered by any contract you buy afterward.