Guide to Auto service contracts

26 Used Car VSCs A used car you buy may run fine when you buy it, but the risk of expensive future repairs may be high. Some used vehicles are not properly maintained by the prior owner(s). Maintenance is very important in preventing major repairs. Many used cars need repairs not because they were poorly built, but simply because parts have worn out from long use or lack of proper maintenance. The more miles on a car when a repair becomes necessary, the more likely it is that the repair will be needed because the part wore out, rather than because the part broke due to bad manufacturing. As discussed earlier, some VSCs, especially used car VSCs, do not cover repairs caused by a part simply wearing out; they may only promise to cover parts that break because they were not manufactured properly. However, while some VSCs exclude wear and tear repairs, others do not. If you are going to buy a used car VSC, be sure to buy one that does not exclude repairs that are needed because of wear and tear. That way, the Obligor may approve payment for the repair if it is unclear whether the repair is needed due to wear and tear or a manufacturing defect. Generally, the higher the mileage on a used car, the fewer the number of parts that will be covered, and/or the broader the exclusions will be. In addition to buying a used car VSC that doesn’t exclude wear and tear coverage, look for one that covers seals and gaskets, computers and sensors. If you are thinking about buying a used car, have it inspected by a reliable repair facility that is separate from the car dealer selling the car (unless the dealer is a franchisee of a manufacturer, and is selling the car “certified” with at least a one-year warranty free of charge). Buying a VSC is no substitute for a good, independent inspection before buying.