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[What Is a Prepaid Maintenance Plan?]
When a consumer purchases a car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=coupes&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>from a dealer, a prepaid maintenance plan is frequently offered by the salesperson. It is not an extended warranty. Instead, it is a plan that allows the consumer the opportunity to prepay for routine maintenance that will be performed on the car during the basic warranty period. This question can leave the consumer in a quandary while trying to determine if this is a sound investment or not. Doing a little research and number crunching before you get to the car lot can offer consumers a better idea of whether or not they should pay for a maintenance plan.
This guide is designed to clarify the basics of a maintenance plan and whether it is necessary for the consumer. Cost efficiency will be discussed as well as basic considerations the buyer should think about before agreeing to pay for a maintenance plan. If it is deemed to be cost effective, possible purchase options will be discussed, including how the options would tie into purchases on eBay Motors<http://www.ebay.com/motors>.
Determining the Necessity of a Prepaid Maintenance Plan
A prepaid maintenance plan allows the buyer to pay upfront for the routine maintenance of the vehicle being purchased. The plan usually covers the scheduled maintenance listed in the owner's manual<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=Vehicle+Owner%27s+Manual&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>, which is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. These plans are usually offered when the consumer buys a new car that does not have a scheduled maintenance<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=scheduled+Maintenance&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1> built into the retail price of the vehicle, or when acertified used car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=certified+used+cars&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1> is being purchased that no longer has any maintenance coverage.
Many prepaid maintenance plans found at independent used car lots are offered by third party companies. Consumer research is of the utmost importance to ensure the plan will deliver what is expected and the money paid for the plan will prove to be cost effective.
Determining Cost Effectiveness of a Prepaid Maintenance Plan
Many variables need to be researched and reviewed before determining the cost effectiveness of a prepaid maintenance plan. Starting the research early will help the consumer make optimal decisions while sitting in a dealership's business office signing paperwork. The best way to determine cost effectiveness is to do the math on what would be covered by the maintenance plan and for what period of time. The consumer can call the service department and get the prices charged for the services covered by the maintenance plan. Logically calculating the cost of the number of services that would be provided during the designated length of the plan and comparing that amount to the cost of the plan can let the consumer decide if it is worth the money or not.
If the cost of the plan is about the same as the sum of the individual services, then it would probably be worth purchasing. Obviously, if the cost of the plan exceeds the sum of the individual services, it would not benefit the consumer to purchase the plan. One exception to this is purchasing the plan from a dealership; the cost of the plan can frequently be negotiated. The cost of maintenance services for the dealership is about fifty percent of the cost presented to the consumer. By keeping this in mind, you can offer to agree to the plan for this lower price. The dealership will probably counter with their own offer, but the consumer can usually get the prepaid maintenance plan at a price that will save them money.
Basic Considerations
In addition to negotiating a price for the plan that ensures the consumer is at least close to breaking even on the services, there are a few other things to consider when thinking about purchasing a prepaid maintenance plan. Once a prepaid plan is acquired, the consumer must take the vehicle to that service department or repair shop for the duration of the plan. The dealers will offer to let the buyer finance the cost of the prepaid plan along with the car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=convertibles&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>, but this is not the best thing to do since the interest charged on the car loan<http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpages.motors.ebay.com%2Fbuy%2Ffinancing-center%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEici0dmfsxKwF_N_ZflOU5deT_xA> will make the prepaid maintenance plan more expensive. If at all possible, it is best to pay for the plan separately.
Another consideration is the cost of a dealership's service department compared to an independent shop. Dealerships often charge more for their services than an independent repair shop, so it is a good idea for the consumer to compare prices before putting the money into a prepaid service plan.
Prepaid Maintenance Plans for Used Cars
When purchasing a used car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=used+cars&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>, the prepaid maintenance plan will only cover the vehicle for the period of time covered by the warranty. That time starts when the car is first sold, not when the new buyer purchases the vehicle. To determine if a prepaid maintenance plan would be a wise purchase, the consumer needs to look at their average annual mileage and calculate how many service visits would be needed before the plan would expire. With this information, the buyer can determine whether or not the prepaid maintenance plan would benefit them. An alternate option would be prepaid maintenance plans that can be purchased in yearly increments, usually between one and five years. Some limits may apply such as a maximum of two scheduled annual maintenance visits. If this type of plan works with the purchaser's annual mileage estimates, this might be a better option.
Common Complaints
Prepaid maintenance plans are relatively new, and like any service offered to consumers, there have been complaints. Some of the most common complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau are:
* Maintenance plans were added to the closing paperwork without the consumer's approval.
* When the vehicle was dropped off for maintenance work, the work was not done.
* The repair shop closed and the consumer was left with a worthless maintenance plan.
* The consumer needs to remember that when they agree to purchase a prepaid maintenance plan, the dealership or repair shop is being paid for services upfront so care needs to be taken. Be sure the shop has a stable reputation and will likely be around for years to come.
Advantages of Having a Prepaid Maintenance Plan
There are conveniences associated with a prepaid maintenance plan that go beyond the cost. When the consumer has a prepaid plan, there are fewer hassles at the service department. Often, the dealership and its service department will offer discounted prices for the prepaid service plan. Additionally, they will often give premium service to a consumer that comes in with a prepaid service plan. By doing this, they hope to get the consumer's business when the vehicle has other repair needs.
The consumer has an advantage by being able to lock in the costs of the maintenance services. As others deal with rising costs, the owners with maintenance plans never have to worry about the cost of services increasing over the duration of the policy. Frequently, those car owners that have a prepaid maintenance plan are provided with express pick-up of their vehicle and do not have to stand in line at the cashier's desk. Knowing that regular maintenance services have already been paid offers a consumer a peace of mind and a feeling of convenience that frequently justifies the cost to the consumer.
Vehicles Available for Purchase Through eBay Motors
Although prepaid maintenance plans cannot be purchased through the eBay Motors sites, there are many used car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=used+cars&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1> and certified car<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=certified+cars&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1> options on the site. An interested consumer is able to do a nationwide general search for the type of vehicle they are interested in like trucks<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=trucks&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>, sedans<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=sedans&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>, SUV<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=SUV&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>s, or minivans<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=minivan&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1>. The search can be narrowed by including some basic information about the type of vehicle being researched, and the zip code of the buyer's home area. The created list of vehicles falls within a close radius of that zip code. It is possible to search individual sellers in the area, as well as classified ads for car dealerships, and certified vehicle listings in the area.
Zoom Feature
When looking at vehicles<http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.html?_nkw=trucks&_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_rdc=1> on the internet, some consumers would like to get a closer view than the thumbnail picture provides. By clicking on the picture, a larger view is offered as well as other information the seller provides about the vehicle. There is also an area to view feedback<http://pages.ebay.com/services/forum/feedback.html> offered by other buyers and detailed seller ratings so you as the consumer can feel more confident about the credibility of the person or company listing the vehicle.
Conclusion
Purchasing a vehicle, new or used, is a big decision for any consumer, and caring for that vehicle after it is purchased is a necessity. With the rising costs of products and services, many consumers would welcome the chance to lock in a set price for the necessary general maintenance of their vehicle, and be free of any hassles and worries for the duration of the maintenance plan. Some plans and the purchase prices offered are better than others and it requires logical research and calculations by consumers to determine whether a prepaid maintenance plan would benefit them or not. Remember that dealerships do make money on this service, but are often willing to negotiate the price of the maintenance plan. This can help the consumer realize a savings on basic maintenance service. By taking the time to thoroughly read the plan and understand exactly what services would be covered, the consumer can determine if the price is fair and would be something that would be budget appropriate.
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