Used Car Warranties Explained: What You’re Actually Covered For

A warranty is one of the big reasons people buy from a dealer rather than privately. But they’re not all the same, and the details matter more than the length. Here’s what to look for.

What a warranty is for

A used car warranty pays for repairs when a covered part fails suddenly. Think engine, gearbox and electrics, the expensive stuff.

It isn’t there for parts that simply wear out with use, like brake pads, discs, tyres and wiper blades, or for routine servicing.

The small print worth checking

• The claim limit, per claim and in total
• The mileage limit, as well as the time limit
• What’s covered, and what’s listed as excluded
• Who handles claims: the dealer, or a company you’ve never heard of
• What you need to do to keep it valid, usually servicing on schedule
• Whether labour is included, and at what rate

Your rights on top of any warranty

Buying from a dealer, you’re also covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The car has to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, taking into account its age, mileage and price. Normal wear and tear on a used car isn’t a fault.

A warranty sits on top of those rights. It doesn’t replace them.

Is it worth extending?

It depends on the car and how long you’ll keep it. On a car with a lot of complex electrics, or one you’re relying on for a long commute, a longer warranty is usually worth more to you.

How we do it at GT

Every car we sell comes with 6 months’ warranty as standard, and you can extend it to 12 months for £500. We provide and run the warranty ourselves, so if something covered goes wrong you deal with us directly, the same people who sold you the car.

It covers sudden mechanical and electrical failure of the major parts, including the engine, gearbox, clutch, fuel and cooling systems and the electrics that go with them. There are plans written for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars. The 6 month plan covers up to 5,000 miles and the 12 month plan up to 10,000 miles. You get the full terms for your car when you take it, and we’ll talk you through them before you buy.

Read about our warranty →