How do I get a manufacturer's extended warranty at a good price?

Question

I think Honda sells them for the Honda Civic when you buy the car and I think it's a manufacturer's warranty. But I am interested in detailed info on it and a better price than what I was offered. I have been attempting to find out on the Net without success yet.

I figure I don't need one badly but then again, I plan on keeping the car for a long time and if it's a good warranty it just might help me sometime when I'm low on cash.

Answer 1

the extended service contract from Honda is called HondaCare in the US. it is only available from Honda Dealers and can only be purchased during the first six months of ownership. If you did not buy it when you bought the car then you would have to pay cash for it now as it cannot be added to your car payment at this time (if you have a payment).

there are other service contracts available through dealerships that are not backed by Honda. there coverage varies; Honda's is comprehensive. If you do chose to buy a contract, make sure it is the Honda one. You can get information on HondaCare at www.honda.com

the 'bet' with a service contract is that you will have to have repairs done that will total more than the price of the service contract over the life of the contract. If you have a major breakdown (transmission failure or the like) then the contract is worth it. If you don't then the contract won't "pay for itself".
Major failures such as transmission failures are unlikely on Civics.

A better strategy is to take the amount you would pay for the service contract and put it in a bank certificate of deposit. If you need repairs then pay for them out of that fund; if you don't you'll gain interest on the account and at the end of the term (most contracts are for 5 or six years) you'll have enough for a good vacation. Of course, most people don't have the money or the discipline to do that; if you do you'll be a likely winner.

Also, another thing I have my kids do is to put $5 away for every time they fill their gas tank to pay for the maintenance on the car. That way when it comes time for an oil change they have the money available. They all use an envelope in the glove box of their car and put the cash into the envelop when they fill up. You can't believe how much they've come to appreciate that when it comes time for a service.

hope that helps

Answer 2

Honda's extended warranty is Honda Care, and it is available for all Honda models, including your Civic. You can purchase the warranty at your local Honda dealer, but I am sure you can find a better deal from Honda dealers online that offer discounts that might be better than you were quoted.

Answer 3

Find out from your local Honda dealer