When I was buying my first car, I regret to say this, but the only things I paid attention to were just its exterior design, interior amenities, tech, infotainment system—basically, all the flashy things. Little did I know that one of the most important aspects of shopping for a car is learning about and understanding the manufacturer’s warranty. Honestly, back then, if I’d had at least some knowledge of it, I would have made a better, wiser decision, and factored that into my car choice. Why is that? A good manufacturer warranty can save you big in repairs and maintenance, given both the unpredictable Canadian weather and the unpredictable driving habits of others out on the road. It’s not just about saving money on these costs, but also about the peace of mind that comes with it. Knowing that the manufacturer will cover repair or replacement costs if the vehicle fails to perform as intended is a reassuring thought while out on the road. But, which vehicle comes with the best manufacturer warranty? Don’t worry, I’ve brought you some top-rated options to consider, as well as tips on what to look for in a manufacturer’s warranty. This way, you can brave winter in Alberta, navigate crowded streets in Ontario, or explore the wilderness in British Columbia, all stress-free.
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Kia offers one of the best manufacturer warranties in the automotive industry, because you get:
The brand truly stands out with its coverage length, and with a comprehensive warranty, you’re covered for nearly everything (except routine maintenance) throughout the coverage period.
Like Kia, Hyundai vehicles also make for a solid option when considering vehicles with excellent manufacturer warranties. It’s a go-to brand for drivers seeking long-term confidence and reliability. The brand offers:
The extended powertrain warranty is genuinely a game changer, and drivers consider it one of the key factors when shopping for a vehicle from the brand. You’re protected from almost every possible issue, except for routine maintenance, throughout the entire warranty period.
As compared to other manufacturers, Toyota’s warranty is on the shorter side, but it is paired with an outstanding reputation for delivering top-notch reliability and longevity with their vehicles. It offers:
Despite Toyota’s limited warranty, its strong resale value and reliability make up for a whole lot.
Like Toyota, Honda also offers the same comprehensive and powertrain warranty. But, one additional perk that you can get with buying a Honda is its 5-year roadside assistance package.
Honda vehicles are not only known for their outstanding reliability, but also for how much they retain their value, which is a huge consideration when buying them new.
Now that you know which vehicles are available with the best manufacturer warranties, I would like to suggest some key elements to know (both as a first-time car buyer or a pro in switching cars) to understand the power of manufacturers’ warranties:
Most manufacturer warranties are offered in two key categories—Basic (or bumper-to-bumper) and powertrain. The former covers everything on the vehicle, from front to rear. By everything, I mean the air conditioning, sensors, lights, cameras, electronics, and other systems. Whereas the latter covers the core parts, such as the engine, drivetrain, and transmission components.
You may know this from the above section, warranty lengths are typically defined in years and/or kilometres, whichever comes first. If you’re a frequent driver, always look for warranties that offer a generous kilometre limit, and if you’re planning to keep the vehicle for longer, then getting more years on your side will be beneficial for you.
Some manufacturers offer additional perks, such as roadside assistance, scheduled maintenance, trip interruption benefits, and rental cars, for added value to your purchase. Look at this as a comprehensive plan that aims to provide peace of mind and continued support when you buy a vehicle from a particular auto manufacturer.
By cars, I don’t mean just cars; in fact, at Cars.ca, you can shop for a wide range of EVs, trucks, hybrid vehicles, minivans and sedans—both new and used. We’re an ad-free marketplace, offering vehicle listings from auto dealerships all across Canada, plus all our Can’t Miss Deals are expected to be sold in a few weeks, as they’re offered at competitively lower prices than anywhere else in the market. Don’t believe me? Explore our site to compare yourself.