Is Extended Warranty Necessary for Cars?

[ClaytonMarie]

Whether a car needs an extended warranty depends on the owner's usage needs and the overall quality of the vehicle. Here is an introduction to car extended warranties: Car Extended Warranty: An extended warranty is essentially a product service that prolongs the vehicle's warranty period. Generally, this service is optional, and the decision to purchase it is up to the owner. Necessity of Car Extended Warranty: Typically, new cars come with a 3-5 year warranty period. During this time, the dealer provides warranty services if there are quality issues with the car. If the car's product quality is questionable or the vehicle is used intensively, and many older owners experience quality issues after 3-5 years, then purchasing an extended warranty becomes highly advisable.

[BradyLee]

I just renewed my extended warranty recently. With so many electronic components in new cars these days, they're prone to breakdowns. For example, fixing a malfunctioning infotainment system can cost several thousand yuan, so spending over 4,000 yuan for a three-year extended warranty seems more reasonable. This is especially true for those who frequently drive long distances—if the transmission fails midway, the combined cost of towing and repairs would far exceed the warranty price. A friend of mine had a German car whose air conditioning compressor broke right after the warranty expired, costing him over 8,000 yuan out of pocket—he was devastated. However, if you drive a Japanese car or only put on 20,000-30,000 kilometers within three years, you might save money by skipping the extended warranty.

[HectorAnn]

As a father of two, I strongly recommend purchasing an extended warranty. Last time when I took my family on a road trip, the car suddenly lit up a warning light on the highway, which scared me into a cold sweat. Although it turned out to be just a sensor issue, if it had been an engine or transmission failure, the cost of towing and repairs could easily exceed tens of thousands. Especially for cars with 48V mild hybrid systems now, repairing the motor and battery can be particularly expensive. I spent over six thousand on a five-year extended warranty covering the entire vehicle, which works out to just over three yuan a day for peace of mind—totally worth it. However, make sure to read the terms carefully before buying, as many extended warranties don't cover wear-and-tear parts or damage caused by human error.

[RemingtonRose]

It depends on what car you drive. I used to work in a repair shop, and things like Volkswagen's DSG transmissions, electronic systems in American cars, and air suspensions in luxury brands have a pretty high failure rate after the warranty expires. Nowadays, car manufacturing costs are heavily compressed—turbochargers might start leaking oil by 60,000 kilometers, and repairs can cost at least three to four thousand. But for brands like Lexus, with the manufacturer's four-year warranty plus free maintenance, extended warranties are completely unnecessary. I didn’t buy an extended warranty for my own domestic electric car either—the three-electric system already comes with an eight-year warranty, and other parts aren’t expensive to fix if they break.