Warranty

Warranties can be confusing. Is it something that we pay for? What is covered? Where do we get the repairs done? Warranty typically refers to a free offering by the auto manufacturer, or dealer. Not to be confused with a service contract, that is purchased by the consumer. Below is an explanation of what Used car warranties are in Minnesota as well as from the manufacturer. Both may apply to the vehicle you purchase. Purchasing from a licensed Used Car Dealer provides the most protection for you and your vehicle.


Used Car Warranty Law

Minnesota has one of the strongest used car warranty laws in the country. Under the Minnesota used car warranty law, Minn. Stat. § 325F.662, used car dealers must provide basic warranty coverage for most used cars and small trucks sold to Minnesota buyers. The used car warranty law does not apply, however, if you buy a used car from a relative or friend, from a private party, or if your car falls into one of the used car warranty law’s exclusions (listed below).

The Basic Used Car Warranties

The used car warranty law covers used cars purchased primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. The terms and length of the warranty will depend upon the mileage on the car at the time you buy it. 

• For cars with fewer than 36,000 miles, the warranty applies for 60 days or 2,500 miles, whichever comes first. 
• For cars with 36,000 miles or more, but less than 75,000 miles, the warranty applies for 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

• For cars with 75,000 miles or more, but less than 200,000 miles (unless the vehicle is sold by a new motor vehicle dealer, as defined in section 168.27 subd. 2), the warranty applies for 15 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

The parts covered under the warranty also depend on the mileage of the car at the time you buy it.  For cars with less than 36,000 miles, the parts covered under the warranty include:

• Engine: all lubricated parts, intake manifolds, engine block, cylinder head, rotary engine housings, and ring gear.
• Transmission: automatic transmission case, internal parts, and torque converter; or, manual transmission case and internal parts.
• Drive axle: axle housings and internal parts, axle shafts, drive shafts, output shafts, and universal joints. (Secondary drive axles are covered on automobiles and passenger vans, but are not covered on other vehicles mounted on a truck chassis, such as utility and off-road vehicles.)
• Brakes: master cylinder, vacuum assist booster, wheel cylinders, hydraulic lines and fittings, and disc brake calipers.
• Steering: steering gear housing and all internal parts, power steering pump, valve body, piston, and rack.
• Water pump.
• Externally mounted mechanical fuel pump.
• Radiator.
• Alternator, generator, and starter.

For cars with between 36,000 and 200,000 miles, the warranty covers the parts listed above, except for the following parts, which are not covered:

• Steering rack.
• Radiator.
• Alternator, generator, starter.

Parts are not covered under the used car warranty law if they are not specifically listed above.

Who Provides a Used Car Warranty?

The used car warranty law applies only if you buy your car from a used car dealer. The law does not apply if you buy a used car from a relative, friend, or neighbor. Nor does the law apply if you buy your car from:

• Your employer.
• A bank or financial institution.
• A company that previously leased the car to you or a family member.
• The state, or any county or city in Minnesota.
• An auctioneer who sells the car in connection with the sale of other property or land.

Ref. https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/mncarlaws/CH2.asp

Manufactures Warranty 

A car manufacturer's warranty, also known as a factory warranty, is a guarantee offered by the automaker when you purchase a new vehicle. It covers certain defects or failures that may occur during a specified period or mileage limit. 
What it covers:

• New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper):
  This generally covers most of the vehicle's components except for those prone to normal wear and tear, such as tires, brake pads, and glass. 
• Powertrain Warranty:
  This specifically covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. 
• Corrosion and Emissions Warranties:
  These may cover specific aspects like rust damage or emissions-related issues. 
• Roadside Assistance:
  Many factory warranties also include roadside assistance for issues like flat tires or lockouts. 

What it doesn't cover:

• Normal Wear and Tear: Items like brake pads and tires are typically not covered. 
• Routine Maintenance: Services like oil changes and tire rotations are the owner's responsibility. 
• Environmental Damage, Aftermarket Parts, or Damage from Accidents/Misuse: These are generally excluded. 

How long it lasts:

• Factory warranties typically last for a set period of time (e.g., 3 years) or a specific number of miles (e.g., 36,000 miles), whichever comes first. 
• The exact length and coverage can vary by manufacturer. 
• For many drivers, the mileage limit is reached before the time limit expires. 

Where to get repairs:

• Factory warranty repairs are generally only accepted at authorized dealerships or service centers. 

In summary, a factory warranty is a built-in protection against manufacturing defects, but it's not a comprehensive replacement for all potential car problems. It's important to understand the specific terms and exclusions of your vehicle's factory warranty to know what's covered and what isn't