With interest rates at their highest since 2002, more Americans are finding ways to save as much as possible. This has led to more and more people choosing used vehicles instead of newer ones. Whether it’s for a cheaper payment or driving them after they have been paid off, car owners are holding on to reliable, used vehicles more than ever. Many see their cars do well over 100,000 miles, with some even hitting the 150,000-mile mark.

However, when it comes to high-mileage and older cars, they are often left on their own regarding mechanical breakdowns and other types of auto repairs. This is because many manufacturers’ warranties, including bumper-to-bumper warranties or powertrain warranties, that you’d find on a brand-new car from the dealership won’t be active anymore.

If you didn’t look to extend that warranty coverage when it first expired or bought a used car that was a few years old already, you won’t be able to get coverage from the automaker. Even worse, because high-mileage vehicles past 150,000 miles are often prone to frequent breakdowns and more expensive repair costs, many third-party warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) providers have a cut-off limit of 100k miles.

To help give you peace of mind when it comes to your high-mileage vehicle, some third-party providers, such as Endurance Warranty, can provide you with various levels of comprehensive coverage to help protect your high-mileage vehicle from sudden maintenance issues and breakdowns.

Why Get an Extended Car Warranty for High-Mileage Cars

Continuously driving your car naturally causes wear and tear, resulting in breakdowns the more the car is driven, even when following the proper preventative maintenance schedule. For those with cars outside their factory warranty coverage, a vehicle service contract or third-party extended warranty provider can help cover you from these types of repair bills. However, only a few can give you a high-mileage warranty or coverage plan for cars over 100k miles, let alone the 150,000-mile mark, such as Endurance, autopom!, CarShield, and Ox Car Care.

But why even get an extended warranty? With the right plan, you can save thousands of dollars in repair bills for your vehicle’s various components, like your engine, alternator, water pump, transmission, and even your air conditioning and electrical systems. High-mileage vehicles especially can be more susceptible to specific issues than other vehicles, including:

• Engine Failure
• Faulty Transmission
• Fuel System Issues
• Broken Driveshaft

Prices that high can make you and your wallet scream in fear, but as we said — Endurance has you covered.

How Endurance Can Help Protect Your High-Mileage Vehicle

The Cost Of Repairs On High-Mileage Vehicles

It is no secret that high-mileage cars will need more repairs than newer ones. As the parts get older, they are more susceptible to breaking down. Let’s look at a few examples to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for more extensive repairs.

Engine Replacement

As one of the most detrimental problems that can happen to your vehicle, a full engine replacement tops the list. An engine replacement may be required for a blown head gasket, cracked engine block, or catastrophic failure of the motor. You can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000 to replace an engine.

Transmission Replacement

The transmission in your vehicle is one of the most expensive components in your car. It is used every time you drive your vehicle and takes on a lot of wear and tear over the years. Over time, transmissions can wear out, start to slip, or shut down entirely. Expect a transmission replacement to cost about $5,193 to $5,295 on average, according to RepairPal.

Clutch Replacement

If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, you can expect to have to replace your clutch at least once during the lifetime of your vehicle. The clutch is a wear item, but sometimes it can fail prematurely due to hard driving or poor construction. A clutch job can cost between $1200 to $1500.

How Endurance Can Help Protect Your High-Mileage Vehicle

While various providers can help cover high-mileage vehicles, unlike Endurance, many aren’t the direct providers of their plans. Instead, they will often sell extended warranties from other companies, such as CarShield plans being administered by American Auto Shield. In other words, you are dealing with different entities throughout your repair process.

When you’re an Endurance customer, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll be the direct provider of your plan, which means that whenever you file a claim with us, someone from the award-winning Endurance team will be with you every step of the way. Plus, you can transfer your Endurance protection to the new owner if you decide to sell your vehicle. Selling your car with an active protection plan can increase its value, too, helping you get even more for your old car.

In fact, dealing with repairs as an Endurance customer is as easy as following a few simple steps:

1. Find and Choose a Repair Facility: A key benefit to the coverage from Endurance is that the network of repair facilities goes beyond what automakers offer. Take your car to any ASE-certified mechanic or certified repair facility — including your vehicle’s dealership. Even if you have a breakdown away from home and find yourself stuck on the side of the road, Endurance has you covered with complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, regardless of your coverage option. You’ll even be able to enjoy the help of trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursements to help you get back on the road fast.
2. Get Your Car Diagnosed: If you don’t already know what is wrong with your car, then all you need to do next is have the mechanics run several diagnostics to pinpoint the issue with your vehicle. They will relay this to your coverage provider.
3. Give the Mechanic Your Coverage Contract: All coverage holders with Endurance are issued a vehicle service contract. They will use this whenever they need car repairs taken care of by giving it directly to the mechanic so they can relay the info and pricing to us.
4. Pay the Deductible (if applicable): Some contracts may or may not have a deductible. This is typically paid at the end of the repair after your car is back in your possession.

Once those steps are taken care of, you just have to sit back and wait for the repairs to be done.

How High-Mileage Coverage from Endurance Differs from the Rest

Endurance protection plans stand apart from automakers and other providers by offering certain perks you can’t find anywhere else. For one, you can enjoy a full year of Endurance Elite Benefits that offers fantastic benefits, including total tire protection, key fob replacements, collision discounts, and even total loss protection, just by purchasing any level of coverage.

Along with extra benefits, the comprehensive Advantage auto protection plan truly sets Endurance apart from the rest. Like the other levels of coverage provided at Endurance, each Advantage plan will help cover you from expensive and unexpected repairs, including vehicles with over 200,000 miles. In fact, with the Prime level of coverage with Advantage, vehicles up to 20 years old can get covered with no mileage limits.

But that’s not all, as every level of Advantage can help you keep your vehicle running longer by providing you with $3,500 in yearly maintenance services, regardless of how many miles it has.

Maintenance Tips for Cars with Over 150k Miles

Any vehicle, regardless of mileage, needs regular maintenance to help keep it running. But for high-mileage vehicles especially, ensuring you are following all the recommended maintenance can help you avoid potentially costly repairs, with some of the most important maintenance including:

• Routine Oil Changes
• Replacing Spark Plugs
• Replacing Coolant
• Checking Brake Fluid
• Rotating Tires
• Checking Tire Pressure (Including Spare Tires)

These steps become especially important after the 150,000 mile mark, so set a reminder to always get them done when necessary. And if you have an Advantage auto protection plan from Endurance, you can save on many of these vital maintenance needs for your vehicle, including oil and filter changes, engine diagnostic exams, alignment checks, tire rotations that also include PSI checks, and getting help towards your car’s next state safety inspection.

You’ll also enjoy even more coverage and savings with several special, one-time services that come with every level of Advantage. That means you can get help with cooling system maintenance, a brake pad/shoe replacement, a battery replacement, and even a wiper blade set replacement.

At-Home Maintenance for High-Mileage Cars

Along with having the help of an Advantage auto protection plan from Endurance, there are other ways to maintain your high mileage vehicle right from home, including:

• Checking all the lights for burnt-out bulbs
• Checking the pressure of your tires with a pressure gauge
• Vacuuming the interior and clean leather/vinyl with proper cleanser/wipes
• Checking wipers & replacing them when they are worn

Warranty Costs for Vehicles Over 150,000 Miles

The factory warranty on new vehicles is a great way to protect your vehicle from unexpected repair costs. However, these warranties only last for a certain amount of time. Most cars’ bumper-to-bumper factory warranty will last between 3 years/36,000 miles to 5 years/60,000 miles. Some manufacturers offer powertrain warranties up to 10 years/100,000 miles, giving you plenty of protection on your newer vehicle.

For those whose warranties have expired, such as older vehicles with high mileage, the only option you will have is an extended warranty. An extended warranty usually covers specific years with mileage limits that often surpass the vehicle’s lifetime. Most extended warranties will be $1,000-$4,000, depending on coverage and the type of vehicle. For high-mileage vehicles, this can easily pay for itself as covered components start breaking down due to old age.

Best Extended Warranty Companies for Vehicles Over 150k Miles

When choosing an extended warranty company for your high-mileage vehicle, you must find one that will give you the best coverage for the best prices. You will also consider choosing one with good customer reviews, reputable service, and excellent benefits. Look at some of the best-extended warranty companies for vehicles over 150k miles.

Endurance

Endurance is one of the few direct providers of their extended warranty plans. American Auto Shield administers companies such as CarShield, so you deal with different entities when going through a claim. When you file a claim, you work directly with someone on the Endurance team to ensure you get help with each process step. You will also get Endurance Elite Benefits and a high level of coverage up to 200,000 miles. Lastly, you can enjoy up to $3,500 in yearly maintenance services.

CARCHEX

With over 20 years in business, CARCHEX has certainly made a name for itself within the extended warranty industry. With a wide variety of coverage options that can be altered to fit any vehicle, you should have no problem finding coverage for your vehicle with over 150k miles.

Like Endurance, you can choose your repair facility, get claims paid directly to the repair shop, and get expected benefits such as roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car reimbursement. However, you will not get Elite Benefits or yearly maintenance service allowances as you would with Endurance.

CarShield

CarShield is one of the most well-known extended warranty companies due to its affiliation with American Auto Shield. CarShield’s high-mileage plans sometimes extend up to 300,000 miles, giving you protection that can sometimes outlast the vehicle. You will also get month-to-month contracts as an option, bypassing the need for a lengthy contract. Choose from 6 different CarShied plans to get your high-mileage car covered.

Tips For Reading Fine Print or Contract Language For High-Mileage Vehicle Warranties

Look For Specific Exclusions and Inclusions

The last thing you want to do when dealing with a repair is to find out that your extended warranty will not cover the specific repair. If your extended warranty is exclusionary, you will need to get familiar with the exclusions and look at purchasing additional coverage if needed.

Understand Your Responsibilities

In your extended warranty contract, there should be a list of responsibilities you must abide by as a vehicle owner to keep your warranty valid. This usually includes keeping up with regular maintenance and ensuring that a certified mechanic completes the work.

Deductibles for Your Covered Claims

With any extended warranty, there is usually a deductible that has to be paid when a claim is made. A deductible is the amount you will be charged for the vehicle repair, no matter the repair cost. For example, if your plan’s deductible is $250, and your repair costs $1,500, you will only be responsible for paying the $250 deductible. As a rule of thumb, the lower the deductible, the higher the premium.

Transferrable Warranty

Many higher-end extended warranties will allow you to transfer the warranty if you sell your vehicle. This makes it easier to sell a used vehicle as the coverage helps the new owner stay protected from any unexpected repairs. This is usually stated in the contract and marketed heavily by most warranty companies.

Restrictions on the Repair Shop You Can Use

Dealership warranties usually limit where you can have the repairs done. Most of these will want you to bring the car to their dealerships to be covered under their warranty. With a third-party extended warranty, you can get warranty work from any certified auto repair shop, giving you more flexibility when your vehicle breaks down.

Payment Terms

It is also essential to understand what the payment terms are for your extended warranty. Some warranties may require paying the mechanic directly and being reimbursed for the repairs. However, most higher-quality companies will have coverage options that pay the mechanic on your behalf.

Extended Warranty FAQs

Can I Get an Extended Warranty on a High-Mileage Car?

Yes. Extended warranties can be purchased for high-mileage vehicles. You will need to purchase an extended warranty created for high-mileage vehicles to ensure you have adequate coverage for your vehicle’s specific mileage. Some extended warranties carry well past the 200k mile mark, so consider your current mileage and how much driving you plan on doing in the future.

Can You Get a Warranty on a Car With 200k Miles?

Yes. Several options within the extended warranty industry offer coverage for vehicles over 200k miles. The EnduranceAdvantage plan is one of Endurance’s highest coverage options and will cover vehicles over 200k miles.

What Are the Benefits of an Extended Warranty?

An extended warranty benefits car owners whose factory warranty has expired.

Extended Coverage Period – The most significant benefit of having an extended warranty is the added protection past the factory warranty mileage. As cars age, components tend to fail, so as your car gets older, you will need protection from larger repair bills. An extended warranty gives you factory warranty-like coverage for years after your OEM warranty expires.

Helps Reduce Financial Responsibility – Car repair bills can get expensive quickly, especially when something significant, such as a drivetrain issue, occurs. An extended warranty helps cover these expensive repairs, helping reduce the car owner’s financial responsibility.

You Know What You Will Pay – By understanding how your extended warranty works and your deductible, you will better understand what you will have to pay for repairs on covered components. If you have drivetrain coverage and your transmission goes out, you will only be responsible for paying the deductible in your contract.

Transferable or Resale Value – Since most higher-quality extended warranties are transferable, they can be used to increase the resale value of your vehicle. An extended warranty is attractive to people looking for a reliable, used vehicle as they will get protection if the vehicle needs to be repaired without having to search and purchase their coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage – Many extended warranties can be purchased with comprehensive coverage, giving you more coverage than you might have had with your factory warranty. They will also offer great benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption.

Protect Your High-Mileage Vehicle with Endurance

When it comes to high-mileage vehicles over 150,000 miles or more, keeping up with maintenance is key to helping you avoid issues with its major systems and taking unexpected (and potentially costly) trips to the repair shop.

Even though some extended auto warranty companies can provide you with covered repairs for many makes and models in their vehicle protection plans, whether it’s a Ford, Toyota, Honda, or more, they may not cover high-mileage vehicles. Worse yet, most providers won’t include maintenance in part of their coverage, leaving those with high-mileage vehicles without any vehicle service contract or extended warranty options — except Endurance.

From basic powertrain protection to near bumper-to-bumper coverage, Endurance can help with plans starting with monthly payments as low as just $99. Plus, regardless of your coverage, you’ll automatically receive benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursements, trip interruption coverage, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t wait! Protect your vehicle with an Endurance auto protection plan today by requesting your free quote or calling (800) 253-8203. You can also find even more great articles on topics ranging from expert automotive tips and answers to extended warranty FAQs, vehicle buying guides, and more by visiting the Endurance blog.