Definition: The basic guarantee that comes with a new vehicle. All vehicle manufacturers today offer a bumper-to-bumper (covers everything!) warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles (which ever comes first). Separate warranties may be provided on emission controls, body rust, powertrain or other components. On 1995 and newer vehicles, the emissions warranty is 8 years and 80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and engine computer, and 2 years/24,000 miles on all other emission control components. New car and truck dealers also sell "extended" warranty packages that extend the time and mileage of coverage. Extended warranties are expensive but can easily pay for themselves if the vehicle requires major repairs.

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