Warranty

Mercedes-Benz has become the first German luxury car maker to introduce a five-year warranty across its entire range – a move certain to put pressure on rivals such as Audi, BMW, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover to increase their three-year coverage which is now well below the industry average. To date, 14 of the Top 15 car brands have introduced five-, six- or seven-year warranties over the past three years.

Holden won't move to a seven-year warranty to win back buyers – but it could extend free servicing based on the success of its current offer on the Colorado four-wheel drive ute, and seven-seat Trailblazer and Acadia SUVs. Holden boss Dave Buttner said the company has no plans to match Kia's seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – which has led the industry since October 2014, and could soon be matched by Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi has hinted for the second time in two months that it will move to a permanent seven-year warranty across the range, rather than as a special offer on the Triton ute. The seven-year/150,000km warranty — up from the standard five years/unlimited kilometres — was introduced with the facelifted Triton in December 2018.

Anyone who buys a new car from a Top 10 brand will get at least five years factory-backed warranty from today. Nissan – the last of the Top 10 to offer extended coverage – has finally added a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty across the range and included five-year roadside assistance for good measure.

Market leader Toyota has finally bowed to public pressure and will boost warranty coverage from three years to five on every new model sold from January 1, 2019. The warranty will extend to seven years on the engine and drivetrain on “properly maintained vehicles” that are equipped with genuine Toyota parts. Private buyers will get a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty while commercial and business fleets will get a five year/160,000km warranty.