It used to be the rule that, if you wanted a car that came with a warranty, you had to buy new.  The quality of a used car might be just as good as it is today, but the buyer had no guarantee or quality, or a clear history of the car itself.  Now there are records that provide a full history of any car, and all that has changed.

Modern buyers are smarter and know that they can find used cars that come with the same sorts of warranties as new vehicles.  Used car warranties may be all inclusive, or they might be limited.  It’s important to understand the type of warranty you’re dealing with before you decide to buy.

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Some used car warranties cover only certain parts of the car.  For instance, you might find a warranty that covers the transmission only, and that may be a very limited warranty. Others cover the entire car or parts for one a full year, while some provide a one month guarantee.  Know the specifics of the used car warranty before you sign any contract or make any payments. Warranties are not all created equally, and what you get certainly depends on where you shop. Read the fine print and question anything that seems to be confusing or misconstrued.

Buying from a car dealership usually means that the used car warranty will be pretty good, but it really depends on the condition of the car.  Don’t expect a vehicle that costs less than one thousand dollars to come with a great warranty, because of the low value of the vehicle.  If, on the other hand, you purchase a vehicle that is only a few years old and is accident-free, you may be able to get a warranty that rivals that of a brand new car.

Some private sellers will sometimes provide used car warranties but, again, these are very limited. Most people will not provide any sort of guarantee and consider the sale final regardless of condition.  This transaction offers no protection if the car is faulty. Always have a reliable mechanic check over any used car you wish to buy.  This can prevent you from being stuck with a lemon that has no guarantee.

As with any major purchase, read the fine print before you buy, and always remember that used car warranties are only as good as the people who issue them.

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