Off-road vehicle buyers today will spend a significant amount of shopping time online, researching what brands and models best fit their needs and budget, but purchase add-ons like extended warranties often get much less focus. If you are a shopper, you might ask yourself, “The vehicle is new and covered by the factory warranty, so why bother with extended coverage? If the brand gets favorable reviews, then I should have little to worry about, right?” or “Is it worth paying the additional cost for coverage I might never use?”

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of TRACKER OFF ROAD extended warranties, and other questions that might not typically come to mind, so you will be more informed about the benefits even on top of factory warranty coverage.

ATVs and side-by-sides each have specific uses with shared capabilities. They all can operate off-road, and most do well in rugged terrain in all kinds of environmental conditions. But you should also ask yourself these questions when thinking of how you plan to use the vehicle.

What kind of weather and climate will you most often encounter when riding? What type of terrain will you be riding across? Will the vehicle be used for towing or hauling?

The peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty might be for you if the answers go beyond the occasional trail ride. The best off-road vehicles are manufactured to stand up to just about anything the rider encounters under safe conditions. There are situations where something can happen that requires maintenance above and beyond the norm.

Here is a second question to consider...

HOW MANY HOURS WILL YOU PUT ON YOUR ATV OR SIDE-BY-SIDE?

You will likely put more than average hours on the vehicle if used for farming, ranching and chores on your property. The same goes for outfitters and guides. The hours will rack up when making daily round-trip runs from base camp to the hunting areas. if that sounds like you, then the peace of mind coming with the extended coverage might be worth the investment.

Extended warranties can cover repairs and other issues for up to four years after the initial factory warranty expires. That’s something to keep in mind if long-term ownership is the plan.

Here’s something else to consider. You might be tempted to go with a cheaper third-party warranty. If you are thinking of those, read on. Service can be a problem as only a few select dealers might honor the contract. Technicians performing the work could be unfamiliar with servicing your new model. What is more, the parts might not be factory recommended by the manufacturer. Here is one more reason to be cautious about third-party warranties. Some have deductibles that must be met to do the work. Add it all up and the risk might not be worth the savings.

Extended warranties might be for you if you plan to keep the vehicle for more than a few years. You get the assurance that should an issue arise, that it will be paid for if covered by the warranty. Extended warranties might not be for you if the vehicle is only occasionally used, or if you plan to trade or sell it within a year or two.

BUY IT NOW OR LATER?

You can purchase an extended warranty and have it included in the financing. For some extended warranties, you can wait until after the purchase is made. If you do that, expect to pay the full price up front when you sign the contract, but it will give you time for final considerations before the deadline passes.