No matter what kind of car you own, it is important to keep it in good condition and do everything possible to keep it running as long as possible. While it is much easier to keep a new car running smoothly, staying on top of car repairs for an older vehicle and getting many years of good service from it is possible.

This is true even if that vehicle has been discontinued, although it presents some challenges that must be considered. With less availability of parts and more miles on the odometer, it can be difficult to get the service you need for a discontinued car.

If you want to keep your discontinued vehicle in good working order, an extended warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), will be your best option. With a VSC in place, you can get covered repairs you need as soon as they come up so they don’t turn into bigger, more expensive repair costs and component replacements that might be difficult to do.

Not all extended warranty providers will have coverage for older discontinued vehicles. Read which providers offer the longest coverage and how they stack up to help you make the best decision for your vehicle.

5 Popular Discontinued Car Models

The reasons that automakers discontinue a vehicle are varied and won’t always be because the models are unpopular. In some cases, manufacturers simply improve the model so much that they make it a whole new car or rebrand their lineup. Because of this, many people own discontinued vehicles that they love and want to keep in good condition for as long as possible. Some of the most popular models that have been discontinued recently include:

1. Ford Fiesta – The Fiesta was incredibly popular as an economical, inexpensive vehicle for people who commuted or needed something practical for getting around town. Ford discontinued the Fiesta in preparation for an all-electric version in the next few years.
2. Chevrolet Bolt – For people who wanted to get on the EV bandwagon early, the Chevrolet Bolt was an excellent option. While the automaker has discontinued the Bolt for now, it has plans to reintroduce it in the next few model years with an improved battery pack and drive system.
3. Kia Stinger – Kia’s sporty sedan, the Stinger, was popular with those who wanted something with the practicality of a Kia and the performance specs of something much more impressive. Despite the vehicle being discontinued in 2024, it remains a well-loved standout in the automaker’s lineup.
4. Mazda CX-9 – Mazda’s SUV lineup has seen a lot of changes in recent years, but none has been more drastic than the discontinuation of the three-row CX-9. While the CX-9 has been replaced by the near-premium CX-90, many people own this family hauler and want to keep it in great shape.
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet – It seems harder and harder to find a convertible these days, and the disappearance of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is a perfect example. If you own a C-Class Cabriolet, it is more important than ever to keep it in top condition since the vehicle will be discontinued sometime in the 2024 model year.

Criteria for Comparing Extended Warranty Providers

When choosing an extended warranty for your discontinued vehicle from a dealership or third party, it is important to pick something that you can be sure will cover the car. While many of the most popular discontinued vehicles are still relatively new, most cars that are no longer in production will be older.

This means that you should be on the lookout for a plan that offers high-mileage coverage. Generally, these will be vehicles that have over 100,000 miles on the odometer, but some providers will go as high as 300,000, depending on the plan. Knowing that your vehicle will be covered, even as it ages, can give you the peace of mind you need whenever you are on the road.

You should also look for a plan that will include aftermarket parts in the coverage. In some cases, manufacturers will stop making original parts for the models that they have discontinued. This means that when the time comes to replace a component, you will have to look for one that is made by a third-party manufacturer.

Most of the time, vehicle service contract or extended warranty providers will be fine with using aftermarket parts as long as they are not altering the performance of the car and no original parts are available. You should be sure that the components you need will be covered before you decide that a VSC is right for you.

Customer service will be another important consideration when choosing a VSC provider for your discontinued vehicle. For some models, you may have to speak with your provider’s customer service team more often than you would if your vehicle was still in production.

You want to be certain that your provider has a good reputation for service and helpful team members on hand to work with you through any issues. If you can be sure that your provider’s representatives will always be friendly and solution-oriented, you can keep your discontinued vehicle running for as long as possible.

Coverage Options for Discontinued or Aging Models

Any plan you choose for extended coverage for your discontinued or older vehicle should have built-in protection for the most important components of the car. For example, if you have a vehicle over ten years old, your coverage should focus on things like the engine, transmission, and drive axle. The odds are good that you will not need coverage for high-tech components and infotainment systems, so high-quality protection for the more essential parts, like in a powertrain warranty, should always be included.

Your VSC coverage should also have a high mileage limit if your vehicle is older or has been discontinued. Most extended plans will include coverage for vehicles with up to 100,000 miles on the odometer, but you will want to look for something that allows for more. The 150,000-mile or 200,000-mile plans are going to be more helpful for your vehicle and allow you to get the repairs you need for a lot longer. As your vehicle ages, it will be more susceptible to component failures and malfunctions, so getting extended coverage with a high mileage limit will be your best option.

Extended Warranty Coverage and Customer Reviews

Several providers on the market have plans catering to older vehicles with many miles on the odometer. Knowing what each of them offers and how they compare will help you make the best decision for your discontinued vehicle.

CARCHEX

CARCHEX has a plan available for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on the odometer with varying levels of coverage for different components. Depending on your vehicle’s systems and which ones you want to protect, you will want to choose a plan that suits you best and fits within your budget. Regarding customer service, though, CARCHEX has a 2.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, which means you should be wary of the company’s service and dedication to its customers.

CarShield

CarShield offers a plan for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles on the odometer, which could make them a great choice for people with older or discontinued cars. CarShield also offers 24-hour roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement with any plan, which can be helpful for older vehicles with a higher chance of breaking down. The one big issue with CarShield is that the company has a 1.34 out of 5 rating on the BBB website, which could be a problem if you are looking for a provider that will offer stellar customer service.

Endurance Warranty

Endurance has a wide range of customizable plans, including coverage for vehicles with up to 150,000 miles on them. In addition to comprehensive coverage, Endurance also offers a wide range of standard perks and benefits with every plan. This includes things like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, trip interruption benefits, and much more. Endurance also has an outstanding reputation for customer service and offers customized plans with low deductibles. With 4.5 stars from Consumer Affairs and a high industry rating on Trustpilot, Endurance is your best option if you want to be sure that you will be taken care of every step of the way.

Specific Plans for Discontinued, Older, and High-Mileage Cars

While most warranty providers can protect a high-mileage vehicle in some way or another, the best companies have plans that are specifically tailored to discontinued and older cars. You can make the right choice by knowing which plans are best suited for your discontinued car.

CARCHEX Powertrain Plus Coverage

CARCHEX’s Powertrain Plus Coverage plan is the company’s best option for high-mileage or discontinued vehicles. The plan allows coverage for cars with over 100,000 miles on the odometer for up to seven years. It includes protection for all the most crucial components of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and drive axle. It also covers some other components that tend to wear out on older vehicles, such as the fuel system, alternator, and starter, which can help you keep your car running for a long time.

CarShield Platinum

CarShield’s Platinum plan is the company’s second-highest tier of coverage and covers vehicles with up to 300,000 miles in the books. In addition to the most basic and essential components, such as the engine and transmission, the Platinum plan also covers the air conditioning, electrical components, and starter. Having these extra components covered will ensure that you can get unexpected repairs done, even if they have to do with something other than the most basic powertrain parts.

Endurance Premier Plan

The Premier plan from Endurance Warranty covers vehicles with up to 150,000 miles on them and is specifically designed to cover problems that older high-mileage cars have. This plan includes protection for things like the engine, electrical system, cooling system, and seals and gaskets.

The addition of seals and gaskets in this coverage makes it ideal for older vehicles since they are more likely to develop issues with these components due to the extensive heat, dirt, and debris they get exposed to over the years. Plus, you get the added benefit of Endurance’s award-winning customer service.

Exclusions and Limitations to Be Aware Of

If you have an older used vehicle or discontinued vehicle, you must keep an eye out for exclusions when looking for extended car warranty plans. One of the most important things to look for is the exclusionary pieces of aftermarket parts in the plan. This is especially true for older discontinued vehicles that may not use currently produced components. When looking through your vehicle service contract, be sure to keep an eye out for this exclusion in the fine print.

You should also avoid any plan that does not include coverage for the seals and gaskets in your vehicle. The older your vehicle gets, the more likely it will be to develop problems with these components, and you want to be sure that they will be covered if they fail. This is especially true with the head gasket, which can be incredibly expensive to replace since it requires a lot of labor. Knowing which components will most likely fail as your discontinued vehicle ages will help you pick the right coverage plan.

Get the Best Coverage for All Vehicles

If you own a discontinued vehicle without a factory warranty, keep it in the best possible condition. While there are challenges that come with owning a vehicle that the automaker no longer produces, a high-quality used car warranty will help you get the auto repairs and service you need. With the right plan in place, you can take care of vehicle repairs as soon as they come up and ensure your car is protected for many years.

Endurance Warranty has a wide range of plans available for cars and drivers of all kinds, starting at just $99 per month. With Endurance, you can get a customized extended auto warranty plan, whether a high-mileage car or a high-end luxury vehicle. We also offer coverage for vehicles that other vehicle protection plan providers won’t protect, such as Canadian Gray Market vehicles, cars with a rebuilt or salvage title, or vehicles used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

Endurance plans also come with standard benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption coverage. Plus, for a small activation fee, customers also get access to Elite Benefits, which includes extra perks like tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.

To take advantage of our services and experience our award-winning customer service firsthand, contact our dedicated team at (800) 253-8203 and request a FREE quote. You can also take advantage of our online store for an instant price preview so that you can shop with confidence.

You can find more auto-expert resources on the Endurance blog. Explore FAQs, vehicle warranty provider comparisons, mechanical breakdown insurance, DIY maintenance tips and tricks, and more.