Is a Nissan Extended Warranty Worth Buying?

Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.

An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.

When your Nissan factory warranty expires, you may be wondering what your options are to continue protecting your vehicle against mechanical breakdowns. Nissan provides three manufacturer-backed extended warranty plans that can continue your coverage. You may also consider a vehicle service plan from a third-party company like CARCHEX. The experts at CARCHEX can help you understand and compare your options so you make the best overall choice.

Nissan offers three coverage plans for new and pre-owned vehicles under its Security+Plus extended warranty program. All Nissan extended warranty contracts are transferable for a fee, and your vehicle can be covered up to eight years or 120,000 miles with a $0 or $100 deductible. Below are details about Nissan’s dealership extended warranties:

Powertrain Preferred—Covers over 950 components of the engine and transmission, as well as specific components within the vehicle’s suspension, steering, fuel system, brakes, and other vital systems.

Silver Preferred—Covers over 1,600 components, including all items covered under the powertrain preferred plan and some components of the interior and electronic systems.

Gold Preferred—Covers almost all components except for tires, brake pads, spark plugs, and other routine maintenance items.

All Nissan extended warranty plans also include roadside assistance, but only Silver and Gold plans cover car rental reimbursement, towing reimbursement, and trip interruption. You can choose between either a $0 or $100 deductible for any of the three plans.

Typically, extended warranties — which are only sold directly from vehicle dealerships — are more expensive than third-party vehicle service plans. The cost of this Nissan extended warranty can also be rolled into your vehicle financing, meaning you may end up paying interest on your warranty.

With a Nissan extended warranty, your vehicle can only be fixed at a Nissan dealer. The extended warranty also won’t cover repairs made by non-Nissan mechanics.

Since dealer extended warranty plans provide so few options, you may end up paying a high price for coverage that you don’t want. Keep reading to learn how a vehicle service plan from third-party providers like CARCHEX can be customized for your personal driving habits and budget.

CARCHEX extended vehicle service plans offer affordable, flexible coverage for your Nissan. Purchasing a Nissan coverage plan from CARCHEX can protect your investment and provide peace of mind should an unexpected or untimely repair arise.

Here’s what you get when you turn to CARCHEX for a Nissan vehicle service plan:

• Affordable Payment Options—We offer budget-friendly monthly payment plans that may help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket repair bills.
• Your Choice of Repair Shop—CARCHEX partners with over 30,000 repair facilities, giving you more mechanic choices than a factory extended warranty.
• Vehicle Service Plan Extras—Get roadside assistance, as well as rental car, towing, gas delivery, and trip interruption benefits.
• Claims Paid Directly to the Repair Facility—We make it easy by paying your repair shop directly, so you won’t have to wait for reimbursement.
• No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™—We believe you shouldn’t have to haggle to get the lowest price.
• 30-Day Money–Back Guarantee—We’re committed to providing the best Nissan coverage on the market. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll refund your money.
• A Strong Customer Satisfaction Rating—Customer satisfaction is what’s most important to us, and CARCHEX is proud to boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

CARCHEX offers five levels of vehicle service coverage, with a number of customizable plans within each level. Each plan is backed by a reliable provider.

• Titanium Coverage: This top-tier plan covers nearly all components of the vehicle, with a small list of exclusions.
• Platinum Coverage: This plan is our highest level of stated-component coverage available.
• Powertrain Plus Coverage: This coverage level includes listed components in all major systems of the vehicle, making it ideal for vehicles with over 60,000 miles.
• Powertrain Coverage: This plan is designed to protect you from the biggest costs associated with repairing your vehicle’s engine and transmission.
• Extra Care Coverage: This coverage works to enhance existing powertrain protection and handles repairs in additional vehicle systems, such as the suspension and steering.

Exclusions and coverage deductibles apply. Check your CARCHEX coverage contract for more details or reach out to our customer service team for answers to your questions.

Coverage terms are between five and 10 years for most plans from CARCHEX, so you’ll receive long-lasting protection for your vehicle, no matter the mileage.

All Nissan vehicle service plans from CARCHEX include 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, rental and towing reimbursement, and other roadside benefits at no additional cost. Some restrictions apply.

• Nissan Rogue fuel pump replacement: $1,299 to $1,430
• Nissan Sentra catalytic converter replacement: $2,601 to $2,676
• Nissan Versa A/C compressor replacement: $930 to $1,213
• Nissan GT-R head gasket replacement: $3,830 to $4,368
• Nissan Pathfinder brake master cylinder replacement: $367 to $532

Consider Nissan’s track record for reliability and the fact that most Nissan models are not very expensive to maintain, costing an average of $500 to maintain annually, according to RepairPal. Though in Consumer Reports ratings, Nissan ranks better in dependability than GMC, Jeep, or Ford, it still ranks below Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and other manufacturers.

While a Nissan extended warranty can offer comprehensive coverage and similar peace of mind, vehicle service plans from third-party providers such as CARCHEX often provide even more benefits at much lower prices. These benefits include: 

1. Service Options

At CARCHEX, you can head to the licensed auto repair shop of your choice. With over 30,000 repair facilities across the United States, you’re sure to find one you trust.

2. Easy Monthly Payments

CARCHEX vehicle service plans come with monthly payment options that won’t raise your car payment.

3. Simplified Policy Transfer

Third-party providers like CARCHEX generally allow you to transfer your vehicle protection policy to a new owner, which can increase the resale value of your car.

Restrictions, exclusions, and coverage deductibles apply. Check your CARCHEX coverage contract for more information, or ask our team for answers to any of your coverage-related questions.

Sources:

CarBuyingTips.com: 
https://www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htm#lookfor

RepairPal: 
http://repairpal.com/nissan

RepairPal: 
https://repairpal.com/estimator

AAA Newsroom:
http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/08/1-in-4-cant-pay-for-major-car-repair/

Better Business Bureau:
https://www.bbb.org/greater-maryland/business-reviews/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-in-hunt-valley-md-23015869

AutoGuide:
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/06/top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-maintain-over-10-years.html

YourMechanic: 
https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates/nissan

Thoroughly Reviewed:
https://thoroughlyreviewed.com/car-warranty/extended-car-warranty-company-reviews

Nissan USA: 
https://owners.nissanusa.com/content/techpub/extendedserviceplans/Extended.pdf

Forbes: 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2018/10/25/the-most-and-least-reliable-rides-on-the-road/#357373b452c7

Consumer Reports: 
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/