Is Lifetime Free Maintenance Useful When Buying a Car?
3 Answers
So-called lifetime free maintenance does not cover all items. Here is relevant information about lifetime free maintenance: 1. Maintenance content: Basically only includes basic maintenance items such as engine oil and oil filter, and may not even include labor costs, which require additional payment. 2. Usage frequency: Some 4S stores may limit the number of uses per year. For example, a 4S store might offer a 1000-yuan labor coupon but restrict usage to 50 yuan per visit. Assuming one maintenance per year, it would take 20 years to fully utilize the labor coupon.
The 'free lifetime maintenance' offer sounds like a great deal, but its actual value depends on your usage pattern. Take my experience - when purchasing a car years ago, I opted for this package. While it seemingly saved maintenance costs, the vehicle price might have been slightly inflated. Now, with 2-3 annual services costing nothing, just the oil changes alone save me 2,000-3,000 yuan yearly. However, it may not pay off for low-mileage drivers or those planning to change cars soon. Typically, lifetime maintenance only covers basics like oil filters, while major repairs remain out-of-pocket. The biggest advantage is convenience - no need to hunt for service centers, especially beneficial for long-distance commuters. Always clarify details before purchase, like mileage caps or designated workshops, to avoid pitfalls.
Lifetime maintenance is a real blessing for busy office workers like me. Commuting by subway or driving every day leaves no time to deal with car upkeep. When I bought the car, I opted for this service. Now, three years later, the 4S shop automatically sends reminders for oil changes, which I can handle during my lunch break—no need to research prices online. Most importantly, it ensures my car stays trouble-free during the warranty period, and any faults are covered by the manufacturer. The downside? You can only go to contracted dealers, and queues can sometimes be long, but overall, the convenience outweighs the drawbacks. In the long run, it's a worthwhile investment, especially for new drivers who often forget maintenance.
