QUEBEC CITY, May 9, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The warranty provided on a new car may not be the top criterion on a list of priorities, but when problems arise, it can make all the difference! With our full analysis, consumers can quickly compare the warranties offered by the main carmakers, turning decision-making and shopping into a far easier process.
Well-hidden information
To conduct this study, the experts at CAA-Quebec Automotive Advisory Services had to be resourceful in seeking information. And where do consumers stand? "It's worrying that information as vital as this in deciding what to buy is not so easy to find," states Pierre-Serge Labbé, Vice President, Automotive Services, at CAA-Quebec. "With a growing number of people opting for long-term financing, and with out-of-warranty repairs often resulting in substantial expenses, everyone has an interest in making an informed decision!"
In addition to the highlights listed below, look for the trophies scattered around this grid. They reflect best practices in the industry! And try the mobile version, very practical when shopping.
- Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi offer a basic warranty of 5 years/100,000 kilometres, whereas most carmakers settle for 3 years/60,000 kilometres.
- Mitsubishi stands out even further by providing the best powertrain coverage (10 years/160,000 kilometres), topping even the luxury brands.
- Mazda is the only mass-market brand that sets no maximum distance on its main warranties. This is valuable for frequent travellers!
- Audi, Porsche, BMW and MINI offer the best warranties against perforation caused by corrosion: 12 years/unlimited distance.
- Volvo offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labour when the work is done at the dealership.
What about electric and hybrid vehicles?
- Warranties are similar to those on traditional vehicles, except for electric drive system components, which have better coverage, typically 8 years/160,000 kilometres. Batteries may have a separate warranty.
- During the battery warranty coverage period, some carmakers also guarantee a minimum recharge capacity. For example, Nissan sets the threshold at 75% and Volvo at 55%. Mitsubishi and Tesla do not cover this in their warranties.
- Chrysler provides a warranty of 10 years/160,000 kilometres on the batteries in its Pacific Hybrid rechargeable vehicle, two years more than the average.
No anti-corrosion coverage with Tesla: really?
A source of concern: California-based Tesla is the only carmaker not to provide a warranty against corrosion. "Selling cars without a warranty against corrosion in a climate like ours is a little strange," Mr. Labbé says. "Aluminum may not rust the way steel does, but it is not totally immune from corrosion. What's more, applying rustproofing to this type of car is more complex because of the many electrical circuits."
Less generous warranties in Canada than in the United States: CAA-Quebec expresses surprise
CAA-Quebec also notes that not all consumers appear equal in eyes of the industry. Indeed, four carmakers offer their Canadian customers less generous warranties than those provided to their American buyers, even though the vehicles are the same on both sides of the border.
| Brand – warranty type |
Warranty in the United States |
Warranty in Canada |
| Hyundai – powertrain warranty |
10 years/160,000 km |
5 years/100,000 km |
| Kia – powertrain warranty |
10 years/160,000 km |
5 years/100,000 km |
| Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep SRT models (Charger, Challenger, 300 and Grand Cherokee) – powertrain warranty |
5 years/100,000 km |
3 years/60,000 km |
| Jaguar – basic warranty |
5 years/96,000 km with free maintenance |
4 years/80,000 km with free maintenance only once |
"Why should Canadian consumers be at a disadvantage compared to their neighbours when these are the same vehicles, assembled with the same parts in the same plants?" Mr. Labbé wonders. CAA-Quebec plans to take this analysis further. In contrast, it should be noted that Chevrolet and Mazda, for example, favour their Canadian customers in some respects.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides all of its members with peace of mind by offering them high-quality automotive, travel, residential and insurance benefits, products and services. Every year, CAA-Quebec's Automotive Advisory Services answers more than 120,000 requests for information ranging from vehicle prices to gas consumption and preventive maintenance.
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SOURCE CAA-Québec
Montreal: Annie Gauthier, 514 861-7111, ext. 6260, Cell. : 514 717-4040, [email protected]; Quebec City: Pierre-Olivier Fortin, 418 624-2424, ext. 6430, Cell. : 418 563-4590, [email protected]
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