What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is an extended warranty a worthwhile investment on a three year old car?

I am considering buying a 2012 BMW 320i with around 28,000 mileage. I have been offered an 18-month warranty with Safe and Sound mechanical breakdown insurance for £495. The warranty includes no claims limit which covers ABS, air conditioning, braking system, casings, central locking, circuit boards, clutch, cooling systems, differential and drive line, ECU, engine, fuel systems, gearbox, steering, suspension, turbo and wheel bearings

Is it worth paying for the warranty or not?

Asked on 23 December 2016 by ironman

Answered by Honest John
I don't know 'Safe & Sound' mechanical breakdown insurance. I do know Warranty Wise, Warranty Direct and Motor Easy. In any case, if you are buying from a dealer, the dealer is directly liable for any fault that could have been present or developing on the date of sale for 6 months from the date of sale (including wear and tear faults). A warranty insurer is not liable for any claim for a fault that could have been present or developing on the date the warranty was taken out and will not pay for wear and tear issues. If it's BMW's warranty from a BMW dealer, that makes sense because it cuts the lines of communication in the event of any claim.
Similar questions
My three year warranty is to end soon, the car has done 27,000 miles. Do you consider it worth taking out a warranty? I have four quotes: Volkswagen approved warranty: £207 Warranty wise: £438 AA: £399 Warranty...
Can you tell me which firms you are recommending for extended warranty please?
If you buy a used car from a big dealer in the UK, can you trust that they have done the proper checks on the gearbox etc? And would it be worth getting the extended warranty, as I read online that it's...
Related models
Brilliant to drive, powerful and fuel-efficient engines, good interior space and practicality.