Automakers offering free-maintenance programs used to be few and
far between, with BMW being one of the most well-known. Other
luxury brands such as Jaguar are now adding them, but so are niche
brands like Mini and, perhaps most impressive, Volkswagen.
VW has a reputation for being more expensive than the Hondas and
Toyotas of the world, so offering free maintenance for three years
or 36,000 miles narrows the total price gap. A 2010 VW Tiguan, for
example, starts at $23,200 ($24,300 when equipped with an automatic
transmission) versus a Honda CR-V starting at $21,545 which comes
standard with an auto.
The same could be said for someone shopping for an efficient
compact car. Mini is now offering free maintenance for three years
or 36,000 miles as well. If you compare a Mini Cooper hatchback and
a Honda Civic LX (the model with typical standard features like
power windows and air conditioning), the Cooper’s MSRP is $18,800
and the Civic’s is $17,605.
Free service could definitely make that shopping decision more
complex than the difference in monthly payments.
A list of current free-maintenance programs is below, and let us
know if you would consider a program like when shopping for a new
car.
Jaguar:
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at five years or 50,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
Volkswagen:
Totals four maintenance visits. From
: “Every 2010 Volkswagen comes with Carefree Maintenance, including
a no charge Courtesy Vehicle Check. That means regularly scheduled
maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, at no charge.”
Volvo:
Totals four service visits as well.
:
Scheduled maintenance coverage for the first 3 years or
36,000 miles, whichever occurs first
The first four regularly scheduled maintenance services at
7,500, 15,000, 22,500 and 30,000 mileage intervals
BMW:
:
New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty: This warranty covers
defects in materials or workmanship for the first four years or
50,000 miles, whichever comes first, so you can rest assured your
BMW will perform as expected.
BMW Maintenance Program: One of the most comprehensive
maintenance programs in its class, covering all
factory-recommended maintenance services during the New
Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty Coverage Period, as well as specific
items that require replacement due to normal wear and tear, such
as brake pads, brake discs and wiper blade inserts.
Mini:
three-year or 36,000-mile free maintenance, plus free
roadside assistance for four years or 50,000 miles.
Saab:
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.
Land Rover:
Offers
a complimentary first maintenance only
at 15,000 miles for most
models and 7,500 miles for the LR2.