This is an important commercial argument to attract new buyers: the commercial guarantee. A way to ensure the reliability of the proposed models, going, for certain brands, far beyond the legal obligation set at 2 years with no mileage limit.
Guarantees from 2 to 8 years
This is especially the case for Peugeot, which has just announced coverage of 8 years and 160,000 kilometers for its entire 100% electric autonomy. A forceful gesture at a time when the lion brand launches the new generation of its Peugeot 3008, with a new “zero emissions” version.
In its press release, Peugeot insists on being “the first European manufacturer to offer such extensive coverage”, with a warranty that covers the electric motor, charger, transmission and the main electrical and mechanical components. A duration that, in fact, was until now found among Korean or, more recently, Chinese manufacturers.
With warranties of different lengths, the possibility of subscribing to extensions and contract conditions that must be respected, it is often difficult to navigate, as described in a comprehensive fact sheet in the latest issue of Auto Plus with a brand-by-brand comparison.
The standard warranty (which is offered at no additional cost when purchasing the vehicle) therefore extends from 2 to 7 years. Beyond 2 years, pay attention to the mileage. For example, at Tesla it is only 20,000 kilometers per year, with a guarantee of 80,000 kilometers in 4 years. On the contrary, Hyundai offers coverage for 5 years with unlimited mileage and Kia for 7 years and 150,000 kilometers. With quite similar guarantees offered by Chinese brands such as MG, 7 years, and BYD, 6 years, within the limit of 150,000 kilometers for both.
What about paid extensions?
Some brands also offer an extended guarantee, that is, the possibility of extending the basic contract by a more or less significant amount, from a few hundred to several tens of thousands of euros of premium.
Extended coverage that can reassure heavy drivers in particular, starting at 20,000 kilometers per year, even if you have to look carefully at what vehicle components are involved and carefully read the exclusions, recommends Auto Plus.
“You also have to find the right balance between duration and mileage,” advises the specialized magazine. For example, it may be advisable to opt for a 4- or 5-year contract even if you don’t plan to keep the vehicle for that long. Therefore, this guarantee can be valued at the time of resale of the used vehicle.
The same thing happens with the mileage, you have to aim a little above your forecast: take out a guarantee of 20,000 kilometers per year, for example, if you plan to travel only 15,000 kilometers. “The additional cost is usually limited and this precaution can allow you to avoid premature termination of the contract due to excess mileage,” underlines Auto Plus.
What does the warranty cover?
The terms and conditions depend of course on each manufacturer, but in general the main mechanical elements are covered, that is, an “engine-transaxle warranty”, as specified by AutoPlus. However, classic wearing parts such as brakes or tires are not covered.
A maintenance book to follow carefully
To benefit from the guarantees, you must respect the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer, taking care not to exceed the frequency or the planned mileage, otherwise you will lose the benefits of the contract.
The 8-year warranty offered by Peugeot is activated automatically and free of charge for 2 years or 25,000 kilometers after each maintenance carried out on the lion brand network. A “free” warranty extension, but it also allows you to “execute” brand workshops, says Auto Plus.
For the original warranty contract, there is no obligation to perform maintenance on the manufacturer’s network. But it will be necessary to ensure that the review carried out meets the intended specifications.
Source: BFM TV
