What’s the Best Vehicle Service Contract for Cars Over 100K Miles?

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.

The average age of cars on the road is 11.8 years old, and that number increases by about 4 percent every 5 years. Because of the increasing age of vehicles, it’s important for drivers to consider the best vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles.

In this article, we’ll look at the factors to consider when getting a vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles, how to get the best coverage for your high-mileage vehicle, and how CARCHEX can help you avoid costly repairs.

A vehicle service contract works a bit like an insurance policy for your car. Many manufacturer’s warranty plans are limited to 3 years/36,000 miles of coverage, so older vehicles often lack protection entirely. Motorists are potentially risking hundreds or thousands of dollars by driving around without extended vehicle protection coverage.

If you drive a reliable vehicle and are fine going without peace of mind on the road, it might be fine to opt out of a vehicle protection plan. For most owners of cars with over 100K miles, though, purchasing a vehicle service contract from CARCHEX could reap significant savings and reduce hassle in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

The further your car moves far past its original warranty period, the more likely it’s worth looking at the best vehicle protection plans for cars over 100K miles. Here at CARCHEX, we offer plenty of Vehicle Protection Plans that can keep drivers safe and financially secure when on the road.

If you’re considering the purchase of a vehicle service contract for older cars, one of your first considerations should be the price. Vehicle protection plan costs greatly vary based on your vehicle’s mileage and age, as well as on the level of coverage you select.

You’ll find that not every company offers a vehicle protection plan for cars over 100K miles, so first and foremost look for eligible coverage options. Providers such as CARCHEX offer multiple levels of coverage, different deductible amounts, and various monthly premiums.

To get an idea of your vehicle service contract cost, speak to a CARCHEX representative at 866-261-3547 for a free and instant quote. Then, add up the annual price of your plan and compare that to the repairs that your high-mileage vehicle is likely to need.

Benefits of a Vehicle Service Contract

Along with price comparisons, it’s smart to consider the added perks the come with the purchase of a CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plan. You’ll likely find some unexpected benefits that come standard when you have a vehicle protection plan. Below are a few of the potential perks:

• Longer coverage on parts and services than your original warranty
• Considerable money saved on repairs for old and high-mileage vehicles
• Transferable coverage that adds to your car’s resale value
• Standard services such as trip interruption benefits, rental car options, and 24/7 roadside assistance
• No need to be caught off guard by surprise repairs
• Vehicle service contracts may be the only coverage option for high-mileage cars

The best vehicle service contracts for cars over 100K miles should keep you driving longer and safe from potential breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance issues. At CARCHEX, we work to provide quality protection that can keep even the highest-mileage vehicles functional on the highway.

If you’ve got an older car, be sure to keep maintenance records and carefully follow the service guidelines found in your owner’s manual. However, topping off the oil and buying a new timing belt will only get you so far as a car’s odometer ticks toward the 100,000-mile mark.

Though some car repairs are relatively affordable, costs tend to add up quickly for owners of older vehicles. Below are some common issues that would likely be covered by the best vehicle protection plans for cars over 100K miles:

It’s rarely cheap to maintain an older vehicle, and costs often increase as the years and miles go by. That’s why it’s often a smart move for motorists to pick up a vehicle service contract from CARCHEX or one of the other reputable companies on the market.

Average Costs for Common Car Repairs

Below are some simple car repairs that drivers regularly run into with high-mileage vehicles. Though most of them run only a couple hundred dollars, repair bills quickly increase as cars begin to show their age.

While you hopefully won’t end up with engine or transmission problems, they become far more common in cars with over 100K miles. Even the smaller repair costs add up over time, though, so it’s smart to be fully protected from potential damages as the years roll by.

Whether you’re looking for a vehicle service contract for vehicles over 100K miles or a protection plan for your new car, the following components can usually be covered by CARCHEX:

Additionally, the best vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles should offer 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, gas delivery services, and trip interruption benefits. At CARCHEX, we offer a wide array of added services for drivers to enjoy in times of need.

Be aware that vehicle protection plans don’t cover everything. Vehicle service contracts generally exclude wear-and-tear parts like wiper blades and brake pads, and you’ll still have to pay for regular maintenance needs such as tire rotations and oil changes.

Vehicle Service Contracts vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Vehicle service contracts and mechanical breakdown insurance are both legitimate choices when it comes to protecting your car. Either of these coverage options will cover unexpected mechanical issues, and both require a monthly payment.

However, there are some important differences to note:

• Vehicle service contracts often offer benefits that are left out of mechanical breakdown insurance
• Mechanical breakdown insurance is from companies with a property and casualty license, while vehicle protection providers specialize in vehicle protection plans
• You may find a more flexible and long-lasting plan with a vehicle service contract

It’s important to maintain some sort of repair coverage to protect against future repair costs. A vehicle service contract is likely the better option for those looking for a high-level coverage plan.

If you’re ready for the best vehicle protection plans for cars over 100K miles, don’t sign anything just yet. Below are a few tips to help you find the best price for a Vehicle Protection Plan:

• Read the Fine Print
  • If you’ve got over 100K miles on your car, make sure to find out exactly what’s covered in the contract. You’ll also want to consult the list of exclusions found in your sample contract.

• If You Buy, Go Big
  • An older car may be a great fit for a basic powertrain plan, but you’ll receive far greater coverage for very little more money with an exclusionary plan. The offerings that come close to a dealership’s initial exclusionary plan offer you the best deal for what you’re paying.

• If You Buy Used, Know the Rules
  • Vehicle service plans cover your total mileage on a car—not the amount you’ve put on it yourself.

• Do Some Make and Model Research
  • Anticipate what could go wrong with your car and when the issues are likely to surface. There are a couple problems that all cars with 100K miles tend to face, but each model also has particular problem areas. Find out which auto repairs you might need in the near future and how much they’re likely to set you back.

• Take Stock of Your Car’s Repair History
  • Knowing what’s gone wrong in the past and how frequently issues popped up can help you determine your extended coverage limits, especially if you’re looking to purchase a used car plan. If possible, get a detailed record of previous car problems and the dates of service.

• Consider Your Goals with the Car
  • If you’re planning to fix up your car for high-performance driving, know that the average plan may be voided altogether.
  • If you might swap out your car in a few years, consider purchasing a vehicle service contract to up its resale value. Before you buy, make sure that it is transferable.
  • Traveling a lot? Trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement may make a vehicle service contract worth it if you’re venturing far from home in an older car.

Reliable Cars That May Run for Over 150,000 Miles

According to Edmunds.com, the value of older cars tends to hold relatively steady, especially for SUVs. In addition, certain cars with a reputation for reliability may be smart to hold onto for the long haul. The models below have a good chance of being roadworthy for up to 300,000 miles:

Still, every car on the market faces certain issues. Below, you’ll find some commonly needed repairs and their average costs:

If you’re looking for the best vehicle protection plans for cars over 100K miles, there’s a good chance you’re planning to keep your vehicle for as long as possible. If so, here are a few maintenance procedures and repairs to consider making:

• Fresh fluids: Engine coolant must be changed to avoid water pump, radiator, and heater core replacements. Make sure you know exactly which oil you need and when to change it, as otherwise you may end up hurting an older car.
• New spark plugs: This can get somewhat pricey, but most cars only need spark plug replacements once every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Rotate the tires: Every 6,000 miles is a good rule of thumb to make sure your tires are wearing evenly in order to avoid expensive blowouts on the road.
• Battery checkup: Look for signs of corrosion and loose connections. Aim to test and potentially replace your car’s battery about once every three years.
• Regularly scheduled maintenance: Belt and hose replacement, engine performance checks, and brake checkups are necessary for your car’s health and longevity.
• Whatever your manual recommends: Every car is different, so being familiar with its particular quirks can go a long way in preventing minor issues before they become expensive repairs.

There’s a lot that goes into protecting an older car, which is why we recommend picking up a vehicle protection plan. You’ll enjoy covered repairs on everything from your vehicle’s drivetrain and drive axle via powertrain coverage down to the specifics in one of CARCHEX’s exclusionary choices.

Once you’ve decided to purchase a vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles, the next step is selecting a third-party provider. Read our comparison below to find out which third-party companies stand out.

Updated September 2024

CARCHEX Customer Service

CARCHEX is one of the few extended vehicle protection companies with an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We pride ourselves on our quality customer service and CARCHEX reviews bear this out.

“I had heard horror stories of trying to utilize warranties when needed, but this was far beyond my greatest expectations. The phone representative I spoke to was very kind and personable as well, and the turnaround was so quick.” – Andrew R, via BBB

With outstanding customer service and options for a vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles, we believe that CARCHEX stands as the industry’s best option. If you’d like to learn more about how our plans compare to the competition, reach out to a CARCHEX representative at 866-261-3457.

With over 20 years of experience in the automotive protection business, CARCHEX holds an A+ customer service rating from the BBB, a score of 10.0 from Thoroughly Reviewed, and the backing of CARFAX and Edmunds.com. Our knowledgeable and honest protection specialists work hard to provide customers with the most affordable coverage on the market.

CARCHEX offers several customizable and affordable Vehicle Protection Plans: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Within these levels, there are several specific plans that can be altered to fit any vehicle, making CARCHEX an excellent option for a vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles.

Advantages of a CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plan

Our vehicle protection plans receive excellent reviews from drivers who appreciate our quality customer service and efficient claims process. Below, we’ll look at some added benefits of CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plans:

• 24/7/365 direct quote engine
• Choice of thousands repair facility
• Claims paid directly to the repair shop
•  Benefits such as roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car reimbursement options
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
• No-Haggle, Low Price Everyday Guarantee™
• Promise of “Customer Experience Above All”

We stand by our promise to serve every customer right, which is why we receive praise from various industry leaders. Listen to what Pat Goss of “MotorWeek” had to say about CARCHEX in the video below.

Get a Vehicle Service Contract from CARCHEX Today

Now that you’re up to speed on a vehicle service contract for cars over 100K miles, feel free to reach out to CARCHEX to learn how we can fit your needs. Call us at 866-261-3457 to receive an instant, free quote that’s tailored to your needs.