Best Extended Warranty Providers for Cars Over 100K Miles
Even the most reliable new cars eventually turn into used cars with issues. Over time, various parts of your car start to age, sometimes not so gracefully, which can start to add up from a mileage standpoint. As your factory warranty expires, it’s time to decide if you want an extended warranty, but you can also make that decision after the car has cleared 100,000 miles. In these cases, a special high-mileage warranty can prevent big spending at the shop. Let’s take a look at why that is, and which warranty options are the best for your car.
The 5 Best Extended Warranties Over 100k Miles
CARCHEX
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles.
- Plans include coverage for several vehicle systems and components, including climate controls and electrical systems.
- Large network of supported mechanics and shops.
- Additional services available, including rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage.
- See our full review of CARCHEX here.
autopom!
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 150,000 miles.
- Even mid-level plans offer coverage for most major vehicle systems.
- Offers additional coverage for rental cars and trip interruption.
- See our full review of autopom! here.
Endurance
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
- Many plans cover common wear items, such as seals and gaskets.
- Loans available for up to $5,000 to cover repairs.
- Additional services available include trip interruption service, key fob replacement, and roadside assistance.
- See our full review of Endurance here.
CarShield
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
- High-level plans offer near comprehensive coverage.
- Offers monthly payments instead of lump-sum payment due up front.
- See our full review of CarShield here.
Protect My Car
- Offers varying levels of coverage for vehicles with up to 125,000 miles.
- Flexible terms and payment plans available.
- Coverage for additional items, such as rental cars and trip interruption.
- See our full review of Protect My Car here.
What is a High Mileage Warranty?
When someone says high-mileage, they typically mean vehicles that have been driven more than 100,000 miles. All new vehicles are covered by a warranty to protect buyers from manufacturers defects or from early-life failure of components like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. At some point, either by crossing a mileage limit or by aging past the warranty’s term, vehicles are no longer covered by the warranty and any needed repairs have to be covered by the owner.
This isn’t the biggest deal in the world for some cars, but most will start to need maintenance and replacement parts at an increasingly frequent rate as the miles climb. Some people are quick to act, and buy an extended warranty just as their factory warranties expire, but others make the decision later on. That’s where high-mileage warranties come into play. They are designed to provide a safety net for owners of well-loved vehicles with tons of miles.
Depending on the plan and company, extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles can be nearly as good as the one that came with the vehicle from the factory. Many warranty providers offer coverage for drivetrain components, electrical and climate control systems, and more. Some even include roadside assistance and other benefits as part of the package.
When a High Mileage Warranty Makes Sense
High mileage warranties make the most sense in these situations:
- The owner plans on keeping the vehicle for an extended period of time.
- The vehicle is known to experience many expensive repairs after 100,00 miles.
- The vehicle is driven long distances regularly.
In some cases, an extended warranty makes sense to provide peace of mind. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that trust and low stress levels make for the happiest vehicle ownership experience, and for some people, an extended warranty can provide that.
Pros and Cons of a High Mileage Warranty
- Can help you extend the life of your vehicle
- May prevent costly surprises as major components fail
- May add value if the vehicle is headed for sale
- Warranty costs may be higher than a standard policy
- Low value vehicles aren’t always worth the cost of a warranty addition
Is A High Mileage Extended Auto Warranty Worth It For You?
Consider how long you’re planning on driving your vehicle. Do you want to drive it until there’s absolutely no way it’s going another mile? If so, an extended warranty may be a good move for you. On the other hand, if you’re planning on selling the vehicle, the warranty won’t add any value to your sale. It’s also important to account for the type of vehicle you’re considering covering. If you’re driving a high-mileage Toyota LandCruiser, for example, your experience with it as it ages will be drastically different than a questionably maintained German sedan from the same era.
Common Problems with Cars Over 100k Mileage
Even the most durable cars will start to experience issues with various systems as they age.
| Vehicle System | Usually Covered |
|---|
Cost of a High Mileage Warranty
In general, the costs for the plans we’ve recommended will vary from place to place and vehicle to vehicle. Averages include:
- CarChex: $1,500 for a five-year contract
- Endurance: Up to $700 per year
- Autopom!: Up to $4,000 for five-year plan
- CarShield: Up to $150 per month
- Protect My Car: Up to $185 per month
It’s important to remember that your mileage may vary wildly, depending on your vehicle and where you live. You may also see a big difference in pricing if you select a plan that covers every part of the vehicle.
FAQ
- Do Any New Cars Come With A 100,000-Mile Warranty?
Yes, a few automakers offer long warranties on their vehicles from the factory. Kia, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi all come with 10-year/100,000-mile warranties that cover drivetrain components and related parts.
- Should I Buy An Extended Warranty From My Dealership?
It might be tempting to pick up a warranty on the spot, but you should go into the discussion armed with knowledge on what plans typically cost and whether or not your vehicle actually needs a warranty. Since you’re a captive audience at the dealer, they sometimes don’t offer the best prices.
- What Does a 100K Warranty Cover?
Warranties that cover cars over 100,000 miles offer many of the same benefits and protections that standard warranties do. Depending on the warranty selected, you may see powertrain, electronics, and climate system protections, among other things.
- What is the Best Extended Warranty Company for Cars?
Every company has its pros and cons, but a few stand out above the rest. Endurance is highly regarded for warranties on older, higher-mileage vehicles, while others like autopom! Provide a simple quote process. The best company for you and your car may be completely different, so it’s important to shop around to find the one that meets your needs, your budget, and that makes you comfortable spending the money.
- What Happens if the Dealership Can’t Fix My Car Under Warranty?
If your car is still under its factory warranty and the dealer can’t fix a problem, they may be obligated to buy the car back or compensate you in some way, but consumer laws vary from state to state. Extended warranties are even trickier, so it’s important that you ask these questions up front. Your warranty company may offer compensation or protection against a problem that can’t be fixed, but don’t count on it without getting it in writing first.
- What Parts Generally Wear Out On High-Mileage Cars?
This one’s hard to nail down, because at that mileage, anything can happen. You’re most likely going to start seeing things like water pumps, seals, hoses, and other items wearing out as your vehicle ages.
