Is Lifetime Free Maintenance Useful When Buying a Car?
2 Answers
The so-called lifetime free maintenance does not cover all items. Below is relevant information about lifetime free maintenance: Maintenance Content: It generally only includes basic maintenance, such as engine oil and oil filters, and may not even cover labor costs, which would require additional payment. Frequency: Some 4S stores may also impose annual usage limits. For example, a 4S store might offer a 1,000 yuan labor coupon but restrict its use to 50 yuan per visit. Assuming one maintenance per year, it would take 20 years to fully utilize the labor coupon.
I've been driving for almost thirty years and currently on my fourth car. Promotions offering lifetime maintenance with purchase sound useful, but don't take them at face value. They do save hassle and money, especially for fuel-efficient models like Japanese brands - covering basics like annual oil changes and filter replacements can save you a few hundred bucks yearly. However, the catch is these programs often come with restrictions: validity only at authorized dealerships (going elsewhere voids the agreement), or exclusions for wear-and-tear parts like brake pads and tires. Major accidents still leave you footing the bill. A friend got burned when his "lifetime" coverage vanished after selling the car - transferability wasn't included. My advice: scrutinize the contract before buying, don't fall for marketing hype. While it provides long-term peace of mind, never treat it as a cure-all.
