The Best Vehicle Warranty Cover for Used Cars

Vehicle Warranty Cover in South Africa: A Guide to Extended Cover

For many South Africans, owning a car isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. But as any driver knows, keeping a vehicle on the road can be costly. Repairs, parts and servicing all add up, and when your factory warranty expires, you’re left vulnerable to unexpected bills. That’s where your vehicle Extended Warranties come in.

Whether you’re buying a new ride or a second-hand car warranty, having the right cover ensures you don’t have to empty your savings when something happens.

What is Vehicle Warranty? 

A Vehicle Warranty essentially covers certain mechanical and electrical failures that will be repaired or replaced within a set time period. New cars come with a manufacturer warranty, usually lasting between three and five years. 

But once that expires, you’re on your own – unless you decide to extend your Car Warranty or purchase used Car Warranty for pre-owned cars. Warranties are offered by dealerships or independent providers that protect you against costly breakdowns.

Vehicle Warranty Cover in South Africa  

South African drivers can choose from several vehicle warranty policies, each offering different levels of protection. The most common are:

1. Manufacturer Extended Warranty: Bought directly from the carmaker or dealer.

2. Independent Extended Car Warranty Policies: Offered by providers like MotorHappy, providing flexible cover with different Extended Warranty prices depending on your budget. 

3. Car Warranty Insurance Add-Ons: Some insurance companies will allow you to add a Car Warranty Insurance product to your policy. This is ideal if you want one provider managing both your cover and insurance. 

When to Consider Car Warranties for Used Cars

Buying pre-owned is common in South Africa, but it comes with risks. Even the most reliable used cars can experience unexpected failures. That’s why Car Warranties for used cars exist. 

A second-hand Car Warranty gives you peace of mind that if the gearbox, engine, or electronics fail, you won’t be stuck paying out-of-pocket. This is especially important as some replacement parts for popular car models can be extremely expensive. 

The Benefits of Having a Vehicle Warranty in South Africa 

1. Budget Protection: Repairs can cost tens of thousands of rand. With an Extended Vehicle Warranty, you’re shielded from those surprise bills. 
2. Peace of Mind: Whether you’re commuting in traffic or tackling long road trips, knowing you’re covered reduces stress. 
3. Resale Value:  Cars with valid warranties fetch better resale prices because buyers trust they’ve been looked after. 
4. Flexible Cover: From basic to comprehensive, you can choose coverage that matches your needs. 
5. Easy Planning: Instead of unpredictable repair costs, you budget for fixed Extended Warranty prices. 

What Does Extended Warranty Cover? 

Coverage depends on the provider, but most Extended Warranty coverage includes: 

• Engine Components
• Transmission and Gearbox
• Cooling System
• Fuel System
• Electrical System
• Differential and Driveshaft
• Turbocharger (if fitted)

Some policies also include extras like towing, roadside assistance and labour costs. 

When comparing Warranties, remember to ask what’s covered and what’s excluded. The following are some exclusions that must be kept in mind, which you can find here: Understanding your Extended Warranty: What’s not covered.

Extended Warranty Prices: What to Expect 

One of the biggest questions South Africans ask is: “How much does an Extended Warranty cost?” 

The answer really depends on: 

• The make, model, and age of your car
• The mileage on the odometer
• The level of cover (basic vs comprehensive)
• The provider you choose

As a rough guide, Extended Warranty prices can range from R300 to over R1,000 per month. Higher-end vehicles naturally come with higher premiums. 

It’s worth shopping around and requesting multiple Car Warranty quotes to compare. 

Scenario: The Cost of Skipping Warranty

Imagine driving a Ford Ranger and the gearbox fails after your manufacturer warranty ends. Depending on make and model, the average gearbox replacement could cost upwards of R10,000 - R15,000+ (excluding labour and diagnostic costs). With a valid Extended Car Warranty, most of that bill would be covered. If you don't have one, you'd have to pay cash or finance the repair; just something to think about. 

Example 1: Costs based on a  My Broadband forum thread: 

Someone replaced their brand-new gearbox on a Ford Ranger (2.5-litre engine) for approximately R12,600, with an additional R1,000 for labour. 

Example 2: Costs based on Mechanic Buddy cost estimates.

The cost of a reconditioned VW Polo gearbox typically ranges from around R600 to over R20,000+ – depending on the model, gearbox type, and condition. 

Extended Warranty vs Service Plans and Maintenance Plans

The majority of drivers do not know the difference between Extended Warranties, car Service Plans and Maintenance Plans. Here’s the just: 

Extended Car Warranty: Covers mechanical and electrical breakdowns. 
Car Service Plan: Covers scheduled services like oil changes, filters, and spark plugs.
Maintenance Plan: Includes both services and war-and-tear items. 

An Extended Car Warranty specifically protects against unexpected repairs, while the others cover routine upkeep. 

How to Get the Best Car Warranty Quotes 

To get the best Car Warranty quotes, follow these five tips: 

1. Compare Providers: Don’t settle for the first option; request multiple Car Warranty quotes. 
2. Read the Fine Print: Know exactly what the policy covers and excludes. 
3. Check Claim Limits: Some providers cap how much you can claim per incident. 
4. Ask About Extras: Roadside Assistance, car hire, and towing can add huge value.
5. Balance Price and Coverage: The cheapest policy isn’t always the best. 

The Bottom Line 

Total car ownership costs in South Africa is expensive, and unexpected breakdowns don’t make things any easier. Taking up a Vehicle Warranty, whether for a new car or pre-owned, provides financial protection. 

If your factory warranty has expired or you’re buying a used car, request a few Car Warranty quotes, explore your options, and choose the cover that suits your lifestyle. With the right protection, you’ll drive with confidence.