Your Elantra comes with "America's Best Warranty," according to the manufacturer. It is a great warranty. It includes a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, which covers most engine and transaxle components; a five-year/60,000 mile vehicle warranty, which covers almost every new vehicle component; a seven-year/unlimited miles anti-perforation warranty that covers rust-related corrosion of sheet metal used in body construction; a five-year/unlimited miles 24-hour roadside assistance program, including accident-related assistance, flat tires, battery failure and lock-outs; a 12-month/12,000 mile parts and accessories limited warranty; and an eight-year/80,000 federal emission and performance warranty (a seven-year/70,000 mile California emission control warranty). But even with this type of coverage, you might want to consider an extended warranty. Why? There are many reasons.
Extended warranties give you continued protection on your Elantra for all components after the original 100,000-mile warranty expires. This means security, for you know that your Elantra is covered for virtually everything even though your original warranty is no longer viable. When you buy an extended warranty you are also protecting yourself against inflation, because labor and parts costs may go up but your Elantra Extended warranty covers you no matter how much they increase. Your Elantra is covered in the entire country so when you travel, you don't have to worry. And extended warranties are often transferable - you can pass them along to a subsequent buyer of your Elantra.
Usually there are three different types of extended warranties from which to choose: bumper-to-bumper, stated component and drive train.
The auto industry determines warranty coverage by mileage. A vehicle with more than 50,000 miles is considered "used." Therefore, a bumper-to-bumper policy will not cover the vehicle, although any car that still has the original manufacturer's warranty is also considered "new" by extended warranty company standards. Confusing? Don't let it be. Just remember that any vehicle with any of the original warranty is still considered new.
Extended warranty companies sell bumper-to-bumper coverage only on "new" cars. A new car is a vehicle with any of the original warranty still useable. A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty is similar to the original issued by Hyundai: it will cover everything on your Elantra except tires and emission control systems Many bumper-to-bumper policies also have, or offer as an option, added benefits and coverage, including 24-hour roadside assistance, rental car assistance (as much as four days at $25/day), travel interruption protection, car rental reimbursement, wear and tear coverage, seal and gasket coverage, electronic equipment coverage, and towing.
If your Elantra has more than 100,000 miles, you might want to consider a "stated component" warranty. This type protects most major Elantra components, including your engine, transmission, and radiator. The stated-component warranty may also cover the water pump, alternator, gaskets, seals, and electronic equipment, like video or stereo equipment or a security system.
A basic powertrain warranty only covers your Elantra's powertrain, which includes the engine and transmission, drive axles and the drive shaft. A powertrain warranty covers the least but it is also the least expensive.
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