The latest data from Warranty Direct has examined the average cost of repairs and most common issues occurring once a manufacturer warranty has expired.

Results were produced by analysing authorised claims made across four-year-old vehicles. Cars of this age were picked because the majority of manufacturers offer three-year warranties for new cars.

Over the past three years a quarter of a million pounds was paid out on claims, across a variety of vehicles. Warranty Direct reveal the four year old cars with the most claims whilst on cover with Warranty Direct.

Land Rover had the largest number of authorised claims for vehicles of this age with the Defender model accounting for nearly a third (30%) of all Landrover claims. This was closely followed by the Discovery (28% of Land Rover claims), the Range Rover (26%) and finally the Freelander (16%).  Jaguar, Vauxhall and Renault led other manufacturers with the highest proportion of authorised claims.

The vehicle brand with the most expensive authorised claims for vehicles of four years of age was Bentley with costs averaging £1,358 per claim. Land Rovers followed closely behind with an average of £1,324 per claim and Nissans were in third place with a £1,284 average.

The most common authorised claims across all makes were axle and suspension repairs, the likelihood of which often increased outside of manufacturer warranty due to wear and tear from increased mileage. These made-up 21 percent of claims across all makes.

Most common authorised claim post-manufacturer warranty (4 years old)

% of overall authorised claims across all makes of vehicle

Axle and Suspension

21%

Electrical

20%

Catalytic convertor and Emissions

10%

Cooling Systems

8%
 

Electrical issues were the second most common concern, making up 20 percent of the figures.

Newer cars often come with more advanced electronics, such as parking sensors, video cameras and evolving computer technology. While these electrical improvements can enhance automotive performance and safety, they can fail more frequently due to the complex nature of parts.

Catalytic convertors and emissions claims came in third place (10%), followed by temperamental cooling systems (8%).

 

 

Most expensive parts per authorised claim post-manufacturer warranty (4 years old)

Average materials cost for these claims on 4-year-old vehicles

1

Gearboxes

£974

2

Engines

£847

3

Steering Systems

£303
 

Gearbox parts topped the list of the most expensive authorised claim post-manufacturer warranty, due to labour intensity, electronic complexity and many problems requiring expensive diagnostic equipment. This was closely followed by engine costs and steering systems.

Simon Ackers, CEO of Warranty Direct, said: “Our latest information on the most common costs and claims for vehicles post-manufacturer warranty should offer valuable insight for consumers whose vehicles are approaching the four-year mark. Those who currently possess certain brands, which have displayed more issues or expensive repairs, would be wise to consider purchasing an extended warranty once their manufacturer’s runs out. This could be more cost-effective in the long run and a good way to prepare for any future concerns.”

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