Prepaid Car Maintenance

” Prepaid Car Maintenance Plans: Are They Worth the Cost? “

Everything you need to know, including what’s covered, what’s not, and how to tell if they’re the right choice for your new or used car.

Prepaid maintenance plans are offered for a majority of new cars and some used cars. The car dealer’s finance and insurance manager (the “F&I” guy) usually pitches these plans to customers while the final paperwork is being signed. They usually cover only the regularly scheduled maintenance prescribed in the owner’s manual.

For example, new Toyota models come standard with a two-year, 25,000-mile maintenance plan, but a buyer can purchase an extended prepaid maintenance plan that covers up to five years.

BMW has been a rarity among luxury automakers in that all new models since 2017 that are leased or purchased include a “scheduled maintenance” plan for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The plan covers “consumables” such as engine oil and brake fluid, as well as spark plugs and various filters. This plan can then be extended for two years or up to 39,000 miles—for an additional fee.

But the automaker also offers a prepaid maintenance plan for new cars that covers items such as brake pads, wiper blades, and the clutch pedal on manual transmission cars. Owners can also purchase that plan for up to four additional years.

More Information at:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-buy-a-prepaid-maintenance-plan-for-your-car-a9148393020/