When the seasons begin to change and the weather cools, many prospective car buyers feel it’s a good time to make a purchase. There are definite advantages to buying a car during the autumn season. Here, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the process and explain why an extended warranty for cars is crucial.

Seasonal Advantages of Buying a Car in the Fall

For those not considering purchasing a vehicle during autumn, there are a few seasonal advantages to be aware of that may sway your choice. First and foremost, fall is when many year-end clearance sales begin due to the new vehicle models coming out. This means you can get a great discount on the current year’s vehicle, especially if it’s only been lightly used or if you have been waiting for the price to go down.

Additionally, there will be less demand for the current year’s vehicle model, which can drive down the prices of used vehicles further. The fall season is also when favorable weather conditions begin to set in as the blistering heat of summer begins to fade, but the frigid conditions of Winter are still on the horizon. This means you would have time to break your vehicle in before conditions on the road make driving trickier, potentially leading to car repairs.

Tips for Buying a Used Car in the Fall

Naturally, buying a new car or used car should require a significant amount of research, but it’s especially true with the latter type. A used car, whether bought from a dealership or a third party, can have a variety of hidden issues, which is why taking the time to research what you’re buying is crucial.

Research and Set a Budget

First, you need to set a reasonable budget for the used car you are considering purchasing. This will allow you to guide your search by filtering for price. Before you can actually determine what price point you should expect, though, you need to research the type of car you are looking at buying. Take into account long-term costs associated with maintenance, such as oil changes, in addition to the reliability of the vehicle to determine if there may be unexpected repairs needed in the future.

Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly

With used cars, it’s extra important to take a walk around the vehicle to look for signs of damage. You should inspect the tires and brakes first to see if there is any damage and to check the current state of the brake pads. After this, pop open the hood and take a look at the battery to see if it looks like it is in good condition; take the extra step to test the battery as well. You should inquire as to when the vehicle fluids were topped off last as well with the prior owner. Given that the weather is going to be turning cold soon, you should also inspect the air conditioning and heating systems to be sure they are functioning.

Test Drive in Various Conditions

Once you have completed a walk-around inspection of the vehicle you are considering buying, it’s important to take it for a test drive in various conditions. Take it on the open road, the highway, and, if applicable, in areas where weather may be poor. This will allow you to see how the vehicle performs in various conditions so that you can gain a better sense of its handling.

Check the Vehicle History Report

Finally, when considering different vehicles, you should always check the vehicle history report. This will contain a detailed report outlining past repairs, maintenance jobs, accidents the vehicle has had, the existing powertrain warranty or other manufacturer’s warranty the car may have had, and more. Use this report as a final check to be certain that the vehicle you are considering is in peak condition.

The Importance of an Extended Warranty for Cars

When you have settled on the vehicle you want to purchase and completed the transaction, your next immediate step should be getting protection for the vehicle. An extended warranty, unlike car insurance offered by insurance companies, offers financial protection against breakdowns under the hood. This allows you to be protected against repair costs, enhance the longevity of your vehicle, increase the future resale value if you intend to sell the vehicle, and more. There are a variety of different extended warranty options to consider, ranging from powertrain to bumper-to-bumper warranty, but picking the right type of coverage is crucial.

How Extended Warranties from Can Benefit You

At Endurance Warranty, we have a variety of vehicle service contracts, commonly known as extended warranties, to consider. With options ranging from simple coverage all the way to near-total coverage that rivals factory warranty, there’s something for you:

Endurance Warranty Plans

We offer a variety of plans available through Endurance, but the three that stand out are our Superior, Supreme, and Secure Plus plans. The Secure Plus plan offers coverage specifically designed for older vehicles. Under this plan, only the most vital components of the car, such as the engine, transmission, A/C, and more, are covered. The Superior plan takes the protection a bit further by offering coverage for the most common parts that break down under the hood, but the Supreme plan is the closest to manufacturer-level coverage. Under this plan, even small components such as hoses and gaskets are covered, with very few exclusions.

If you break down with Endurance, you can choose any ASE-certified repair shop nationwide. We also offer a deductible of your choice, anywhere from $0 to $200, so your repair won’t break the bank. In addition, our plans are also fully transferable, which means if you sell your vehicle, your Endurance contract will cover the car — and increase its value!

Additional Benefits

One benefit of using Endurance Warranty is that each vehicle service contract plan comes with standard benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance for immediate help with breakdowns, flat tires, towing or other emergencies, rental car reimbursements that can help cover rental car expenses while your car is repaired, and trip interruption coverage that reimburses for lodging and meals if you’re stranded.

We also offer all contract holders a year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include tire repairs or replacements, key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and $500 in collision coverage.* These benefits help make Endurance plans all the more worthwhile.

Customizable Coverage

As if all of the above wasn’t beneficial enough, Endurance stands out from other providers given the fact that we offer customizable coverage options to fit your specific needs and budget. Other car warranty companies may make you stick to their pre-outlined plans to a tee, but at Endurance, you don’t need to worry about odd items in the fine print.

Our customizability means you can ensure your vehicle gets the protection it needs without paying for unnecessary services or covered repairs that you may never need. Get the exact warranty coverage you need based on your driving habits without worrying about paying a cent more on warranty costs that may not be needed.

Whether the vehicle you’re looking at is a Toyota, Honda, Ford, or some other automaker brand, rest assured knowing you are covered in the event of a mechanical breakdown — all for affordable monthly payments on your Endurance vehicle service contract.

Ensure Long-Term Value and Peace of Mind

There are a variety of vehicle service contracts under Endurance that can offer you peace of mind. Depending on your specific needs, each auto protection plan can be customized in such a way that your budget and specific needs can both be met. Additionally, with the bonus perks discussed above, you’ll be able to have peace of mind that your vehicle is partially covered in the event of an accident or if you break down on the road.

To learn more about how Endurance can protect you on the road, contact one of our plan service advisors at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote today. You can also shop our eStore to see your plan recommendations and pricing now.