Vehicle Leases: What About The Factory Warranty?

Posted May 28th, 2008 By Kevin Houghtaling | Vehicle Leasing

As part of our ongoing series regarding Frequently Asked Lease-End Questions, we look at issues concerning the coverage of the factory warranty once the vehicle has been purchased from the lease.

Question:
If I purchase my vehicle, will it still be covered under the original factory warranty?

Answer:
It all depends on the warranty that originally came with your vehicle. If your vehicle came with a three year or 36,000 mile (which ever comes first) warranty and your lease terminates after three years, then the original vehicle warranty from the factory will expire at the same time your lease does.

However, if you purchased an extended vehicle warranty at the time of purchase or your vehicle came with a longer factory warranty, then the original factory warranty will follow the vehicle until the terms of the warranty cause it to expire.

If your factory warranty expires at the end of the lease and you decide that you want to purchase the vehicle, we do have options available that would allow you to obtain extended warranty coverage at the time of purchase!

For more information, you can contact Kevin Houghtaling @ 973-702-2546


Buyer Knowledge: Car Warranty Basics

Posted April 21st, 2008 By Terrance Martone | Car Buying Advice

In today’s world, there is a warranty for everything … including your vehicle. Because the warranty is an essential part of buying a new or used car, the small print and countless terms can often be overwhelming and frustrating. To make it a bit easier, I’ve outlined a couple of the universal regulations and basics you can look for before signing on the dotted line.

Emission Controls
This refers to the parts of the car relating to the exhaust and the amount of carbon emissions your vehicle puts into the air when you drive. With new cars, federal government standards regulate the warranty (think about the new standards Congress is pushing through). This means the regulations in every state must account for repairing emissions equipment. The rules in California are different, but that’s because they are stricter.

“As Is” Warranty
With this type of warranty, the dealer and manufacturer have no liability for repairs. The owner has no recourse if the car breaks down or other problems occur. If the dealer promises to fix the vehicle, the buyer must have that in writing before trying to enforce it under an “as is” warranty.

Representation Of Warranty
According to federal law, dealerships cannot say a vehicle has a warranty if it doesn’t. This law also states that the owner or dealer cannot misrepresent the vehicle’s condition or other facts about the vehicle. Laws legally and ethically require sellers to inform potential buyers of any known problems with vehicles.

Overall, the easiest way to avoid having to worry about all of this is to check out our extensive line of pre-owned vehicles at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall. Before any of these vehicles arrive on our lot, they go through a rigorous 125+ point inspection that checks everything from the brakes to the radio inside. If there is something that needs to be fixed or replaced, we’ll take care of it before you have to!


The Car Buying Checklist

Posted April 18th, 2008 By Bob Barry | Car Buying Advice

When the time comes to purchase a new vehicle, there are many individuals that already know everything there is regarding the sales and purchase process. However, for those who may not know everything there is, we’ve put together a few quick tips on how to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible!

Research Your Target Vehicle
This seems like a no-brainer … but it is the most important part. Whether you are searching for a new car or a pre-owned vehicle, make sure you take some time to fully research the options, mileage rating, features and reviews. If you are in the market for a new car, be sure to give a call to Franklin Sussex Auto Mall for current specials and dealer incentives.

Browse Dealership Inventory
Once you’ve identified the vehicle that you want, check out our inventory to see what we currently have in stock. With over 700+ new vehicles and 250+ used vehicles in stock, we will probably have the vehicle you are looking for. Even if we don’t, be sure to contact us as we can always locate one for you and bring it to our lot for your convienence.

Prep Your Trade-In
The littlest details are often overlooked, but do make the difference. Before coming down to the dealership, take the time to make sure your vehicle looks good. Change the oil, empty out personal items from the car and give it a bath. While a full detail job isn’t necessary, making it appear as close to immaculate as possible is definitely preferred.

Have Fun!
With the past reputation of some car dealers, that might not sound possible. However, at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall we strive to provide a professional and personal experience to each one of our customers. Our sales, service, parts and finance staff are always pleasurable to deal with and will go above and beyond to make your experience at the dealership enjoyable.

After The Deal
Once the deal is complete and you have driven off in your new or pre-owned vehicle, there are just a few more things to think about. Make sure that all of your paperwork has been filed together and is in a safe place. Set any important dates on your calendar - payments due, schedule maintenance, end of warranty, etc.

Above all else, make sure you let us know about your experience at the dealership. Write us a letter, send us an email or give us a call and tell us how you feel. We are always looking for ways to improve what we do!