Can parallel imported vehicles be covered by warranty?
3 Answers
Parallel imported vehicles can indeed be covered by warranty, and here are the reasons: 1. Parallel imported vehicles also come with a warranty. Since 2012, national policies have introduced a mandatory "Three Guarantees Act," which means that sellers, regardless of the type of vehicle they sell, must assume the three guarantees responsibilities related to the vehicle. The three guarantees refer to the commonly known "guarantee for repair," "guarantee for return," and "guarantee for replacement." 2. This is because the national policy has implemented the mandatory "Three Guarantees Act," and it has also explicitly designated PICC (People's Insurance Company of China) to take the lead, ensuring that consumers who purchase parallel imported vehicles have access to warranty services.
Actually, parallel imported vehicles generally don't come with the original manufacturer's warranty protection, because automakers don't cover cars imported through unauthorized channels. I bought a parallel imported SUV a few years ago at a much lower price, but the engine developed problems within just a few months. That's when I found out the manufacturer wouldn't cover it, and I had to negotiate warranty terms with the importer. Fortunately, the dealer provided their own warranty service at that time, which although only lasted one year, did solve some issues. My advice is to always confirm warranty details with the dealer before purchasing - like which components are covered and for how long. It's best to get it in writing to avoid future disputes. Third-party insurers also offer vehicle warranty options, but the additional cost might not be worthwhile. Overall, having some warranty is better than none, but parallel imports come with higher risks, so you need to be extra cautious.
As an automotive market enthusiast, I believe parallel import vehicles' warranty situations must be considered separately: manufacturer-authorized channels offer factory warranties, but parallel imports don't. Why? Automakers only guarantee vehicles sold through their authorized networks to ensure standardized sourcing and maintenance channels. Therefore, parallel import buyers must rely on warranties provided by dealers or importers, which are often limited—shorter coverage periods or only covering core components. Some reputable importers partner with third-party warranty companies, allowing consumers to purchase additional protection services. The key is verifying dealer qualifications before viewing vehicles and gathering insights from fellow car enthusiasts. Having assisted friends with similar issues, I've found vague contract terms can easily lead to disadvantages—always keep complete transaction records for future rights protection.
