The car brands with the longest warranties and capped-price servicing period

These are the car brands in Australia with the best warranties and capped-price servicing coverage periods

In a market as small as Australia's, where we 'only' see around 1 million new car sales each year, car brands will quickly follow each other – and one-up each other – to stay competitive.

And, with something like 60 brands currently competing for buyers' attentions, it's a hard-fought battle.

One clear example of tight competition is in warranties. The complexities of covering the cost of a new warranty means that brands can't quickly and easily increase the length of their offer, but as soon as a few brands started upgrading from three- to five-year plans, others followed as quickly as they could.

Likewise, in servicing costs and scheduled visits, with more and more brands working to keep their costs attractive and the visits as infrequent as possible. Not all are doing a great job on that front, however, and that's where it's great for buyers to have a resource like the one we've built here.

So read on, to see which new-car brands in Australia are offering the most competitive and compelling warranties and capped-price servicing plans.

Best new-car warranties in Australia

This list is ordered first by warranty length, and then alphabetically.

• Mitsubishi – 10 years / 200,000km
• GWM/Haval – 7 years / unlimited km
• Kia – 7 years / unlimited km
• MG – 7 years / unlimited km
• Skoda – 7 years / unlimited km
• SsangYong – 7 years / unlimited km
• LDV – 7 years / 200,000km (non-EV models)
• Isuzu Ute – 6 years / 150,000 km
• BYD - 6 years* / 150,000 km (* see details below!)
• Alfa Romeo – 5 years / unlimited km
• Audi – 5 years / unlimited km
• BMW - 5 years / unlimited km
• Citroen – 5 years / unlimited km
• Ford – 5 years / unlimited km
• Genesis - 5 years / unlimited km
• Honda – 5 years / unlimited km
• Hyundai – 5 years / unlimited km
• Jaguar Land Rover – 5 years / unlimited km
• Jeep – 5 years / 100,000km
• LDV – 5 years / 130,000km (EV models)
• Lexus – 5 years / unlimited km
• Mazda – 5 years / unlimited km
• Mercedes-Benz – 5 years / unlimited km
• Nissan – 5 years / unlimited km
• Peugeot – 5 years / unlimited km
• Renault – 5 years / unlimited km
• Subaru – 5 years / unlimited km
• Suzuki – 5 years / unlimited km
• Toyota – 5 years / unlimited km
• Volkswagen – 5 years / unlimited km
• Volvo – 5 years / unlimited km
• Rolls Royce – 4 years / unlimited km
• Tesla – 4 years / 80,000km (Battery and drive unit – eight years/160,000km, 192,000km for AWD models)

3-year warranty holdouts

• Alpine - 3 years / 100,000 km
• Aston Martin - 3 years / unlimited km
• Bentley - 3 years / unlimited km
• BMW Alpina - 3 years / 200,000 km
• Ferrari - 3 years / unlimited km
• Fiat - 3 years / 150,000 km
• GMSV - 3 years / 100,000 km
• Maserati - 3 years / unlimited km
• McLaren - 3 years / unlimited km
• Mini - 3 years / unlimited km
• Porsche - 3 years / unlimited km
• Ram - 3 years / 100,000 km

2-year warranty holdouts

• Caterham - 2 years/50,000 km
• Lamborghini - 2 years/unlimited km
• Lotus - 2 years/unlimited km

Australia's best and worst new-car warranties

Detailed breakdown

New car warranties traditionally covered a new vehicle for three years, and often with a limited number of kilometres.

However, Kia Australia’s decision to introduce a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in 2014 shook up the market in Australia and prompted other manufacturers to increase their coverage.

Some mainstream carmakers initially offered seven-year warranties for a limited time only, but few match Kia permanently – settling for five-year deals instead.

So is a longer warranty worth the paper it’s written on? Generally yes, though it’s important to check the terms and conditions. Its worth is only tangible if something goes wrong with the car. However, it provides peace of mind and could help resale values if the car is sold within the warranty period, as it transfers across with the sale.

It’s worth noting warranties are conditional on the car being regularly serviced to prescribed schedules, but you have the right to choose your own authorised mechanic. Some manufacturers offer incentives to service your vehicle at their dealerships, such as capped-price servicing, free roadside assist or loan cars.

From longest to shortest, here is the comprehensive list of vehicle warranties available in Australia and what conditions are attached for private cars (without the small print).

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Mitsubishi – 10 years / 200,000km

Mitsubishi Australia has a 10-year/200,000km warranty under its Diamond Advantage program, but there’s more to the story than just that. Owners who wish to receive the benefits of a 10-year warranty from Mitsubishi must also undergo their regular servicing through brand dealerships for the full decade.

If owners take their vehicle outside the dealer network for servicing, the coverage is halved to Mitsubishi’s standard five-year/100,000km.

The exclusion to this is plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are covered by an eight-year/160,000km deal separately.

Corrosion cover is offered for 5 years from the date of first registration, and roadside assistance can be obtained as part of their 4 year capped price servicing program.

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GWM/Haval – 7 years / unlimited km

GWM utes and Haval SUVs are covered by the Chinese automaker's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with capped-price servicing available across the model range for the first five services if you have your vehicle checked at a Haval dealership.

The seven-year warranty applies to all Haval vehicles sold from October 1, 2018, and the GWM Ute – Great Wall Steed vehicles sold after April 1, 2019 have a five-year/150,000 km policy.

GWM/Haval owners also benefit from free Roadside Assistance Cover for five years/100,000km after their ownership commencement date.

Kia – 7 years / unlimited km

Kia’s offering also comes with free roadside assist for 12 months, but can be extended to the full seven years if you get the vehicle serviced at an authorised Kia dealer. It also offers seven years capped-price servicing, which is subject to conditions depending on certain models or types of engines.

A perforation guarantee is included for the duration of the 7 year warranty.

EV models are also included in the 7 year coverage, although to a mileage of 150,000km (whichever occurs sooner).

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LDV

7 years / 200,000km (ICE models)

5 years / 130,000km (EVs)

In November 2022 LDV announced that they were upping their warranty from five years and 130,000km to seven years and 200,000km, but only for their non-EV vehicles. This was partly due to the introduction of new models to their line-up, along with increasing competition from other brands.

The LDV EV range is covered by a five-year term, with separate coverage for genuine parts and accessories. Roadside assist is available for the duration of the warranty, with capped price servicing available on select models up to 3 years or 95,000km.

Australian head of LDV did indicate confidence that the EV range will eventually have its warranty increased to match the ICE equivalent vehicles.

MG – 7 years / unlimited km

The Chinese-owned iconic British marque is hoping to emulate the success of Korean brands Kia and Hyundai in changing public perceptions by offering one of the longest warranty terms in Australia for all its petrol-powered models – which comes with complimentary roadside assistance. The capped-price servicing is renewable annually at MG dealerships, with the quote for the next service fixed for 12 months.

Rust or perforation is included for the duration of the warranty.

Things are different for the ZS EV, which comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre deal, as well as a separate eight-year/160,000km cover for the high-voltage battery.

Skoda – 7 years / unlimited km

The Czech brand upped its five-year warranty to seven years in September 2022, which includes complimentary roadside assistance for the first year and is renewable at service for a further nine years.

Corrosion and perforation is covered under a three-year warranty for paint, and 12 years for body. Capped-price servicing plans are available on new cars for periods of five and seven years at 75,000km and 105,000km respectively.

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SsangYong – 7 years / unlimited km

The Korean carmaker's factory-backed return to the Australian market came with all its new models covered by its 777 Care Cover – which includes a seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance plan and seven years of capped-price servicing.

Isuzu Ute – 6 years / 150,000km

Isuzu stretched its five-years by an additional 12 months on May 1, 2019. However, the increase in maximum kilometres driven in order to qualify, from 130,000 to 150,000km, wasn't quite as generous.

The cover period is matched by a seven-year roadside assistance plan, as well as a seven-year capped-price service schedule.

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BYD - 6 years / 150,000 km

Following an outcry from customers BYD reduced its capped-price servicing costs and offered a free initial 12-month service to those who bought prior to August 31, 2022. The warranty period of six years up to 150,000km otherwise remained unchanged apart from some components (ie 12-volt aux battery and charging cable) being covered for 12 months.

Roadside assistance is offered complimentary for 12 months with an option to extend the support at each annual service.

The battery and drivetrain are covered for a period of 8 years up to 160,000km and 150,000km respectively.

Alfa Romeo – 5 years / unlimited km

Jumping up from its previous three-year/150,000km warranty, Alfa has extended its coverage to five-years/unlimited-kilometres as of April 22, with a five-year roadside assistance package also standard on all new purchases.

Capped price servicing is available for a period of 3 years, and corrosion coverage last to 8 years from start of ownership.

Audi – 5 years / unlimited km

Having stuck with its three-year offering for nearly two years after Mercedes-Benz increased its warranty period, all Audis sold in Australia are now covered by a five-year warranty as of the start of 2022.

With e-tron models the battery is covered for 8 years / 160,000km, with roadside assistance included for 6 years as part of their Audi Advantage package.

Capped price servicing is available as part of Audi's Genuine Care Plans, with options of either 2 year or a 5 year service plan. Corrosion or perforation cover is given for 5 years on the paint and 12 years on the bodywork.

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BMW - 5 years / unlimited km

The last hold-out of the premium European makes, November 2022 saw BMW upping their warranty from three years to five for any customers who bought their vehicle on or after October 1, 2022. BMW do not outline a distance in their warranty brochure.

BMW detail that panel rust and perforation will be replaced or repaired for a period of 12 years from first registration, with paint covered for five years. The high-voltage battery in BMW's electric vehicles can enjoy 8 years of support up to 160,000km, while plug-in hybrid vehicles are covered for 6 years and 100,000km.

Roadside assistance varies based upon the vehicle, but begins at 3 years with unlimited kilometres for petrol and diesel vehicles, moving to 6 years for plug-in hybrid vehicles. 7 Series and 8 Series owners can enjoy 7 years assistance, while high-voltage battery vehicles are covered for 8 years with unlimited kilometres.

Complimentary servicing is offered on 7 Series and 8 Series, along with M5 and M8 models. This servicing runs for 5 years or 80,000km - whichever occurs soonest.

Citroën – 5 years / unlimited km

The French brand previously came with a six-year limit, but this was slashed to three years by its Australian distributor Inchcape – which then extended it to five years in February 2018. Roadside assistance is also provided for 5 years, and capped price servicing is available on the first five services.

Corrosion and perforation cover is also included with a guarantee of three years for paint and 12 years for bodywork.

Ford – 5 years / unlimited km

Ford bolted another two years to its three-year Express offer for all new vehicles sold from May 1, 2018, and removed the 100,000km limit.

Seven years of support is provided with each new car sale from March 2021 as part of Ford's National Roadside Assistance & Auto Club Lifestyle Membership, provided the vehicle is maintained at a participating Ford dealership. Corrosion is included in a 5 year guarantee for paint and bodywork.

Ford EV vehicles and batteries come with an 8 year / 160,000km warranty.

Genesis - 5 years / unlimited km

The premium brand offers a generous 5 year, unlimited kilometre warranty on new registrations, with 5 years of complimentary servicing up to 50,000km for vehicles with a turbo and 75,000km on vehicles without. Customers within a 70km radius of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane CBDs can also enjoy a valet service that collects their vehicle for servicing before having it returned.

Roadside assistance is also included for 5 years from the start of ownership, which also offers a 24/7 customer service line.

Paint is covered for defects for a period up to 12 months.

Honda – 5 years / unlimited km

Honda's standard five-year/unlimited kilometre policy also comes with six-year protection against rust perforation. In the past some Hondas had been covered by seven-year terms, which were part of limited edition offers, and included free roadside assist. It is possible that these may again become available during Honda's 'Annual Event' sale.

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Hyundai – 5 years / unlimited km

Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty extends to all its vehicles for private use. Paintwork is only covered for 12 months if there’s an application issue or three years for durability. The N Performance brand provides 5 years of corrosion coverage, while other vehicles in the Hyundai range are "per vehicle usage type" according to Hyundai's Service Warranty Passport. Hyundai's Genesis and Ioniq sub-brands are also covered for five years.

Roadside assistance is complimentary for 12 months, with a 12 month renewal available at each service with a Hyundai dealership. Capped price servicing is offered through lifetime or through pre-paid servicing packages

The high-voltage batteries in Hyundai EVs including the new Ioniq 5's battery are covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

Jaguar Land Rover – 5 years / unlimited km

After dabbling with temporary five-year offers, JLR increased permanently to five years and unlimited kilometres from April 1, 2021. This replaced the previous three-year, 100,000km warranty on all new Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Roadside assistance is provided as part of the 5 year warranty for Jaguar and Land Rover models, as well as 5 years for paint surface. Corrosion cover is for 6 years. Service plans are also available, providing services for a duration of 5 years, with kilometre limits differing per vehicle.

Batteries for electric vehicles are covered for 8 years or 160,000km - whichever occurs earliest.

Jeep – 5 years / 100,000km

As well as the five year ‘There and Back’ warranty and fixed-price servicing, Jeep offers lifetime roadside assist, but it is dependent on you having your vehicle serviced through authorised dealers. The 100,000km limit is a little tight considering Jeep’s adventure sales pitch.

Corrosion is also covered for 3 years, and also for a distance of 100,000km.

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Lexus – 5 years / unlimited km

This may come as a surprise if you've just purchased a Lexus in 2021, but don't despair. The Japanese luxury carmaker announced in November 2021 that it will be increasing its warranty from four years/100,000kms to five years and unlimited kilometres. This warranty is bumper-to-bumper and covers hybrid systems (although not the high voltage battery), and driveline.

High voltage batteries (hybrid, PHEV and EVs) are covered for five years and unlimited kilometres, with an option for a further five years subject to an annual health check with Lexus. Battery degradation is assured through an 10 year, unlimited km warranty.

Roadside assistance is offered for 3 years from the date of registration as part of Lexus' Encore membership.

Rust or perforation on all models is covered as part of a 7 year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Capped price servicing is available through Lexus' Encore membership and, depending on the membership tier, is available for a period of three or five years from the vehicle's warranty registration date.

Mazda – 5 years / unlimited km

Mazda followed Ford's lead by stretching its three years to five from August 1, 2018. This covers any defect in material or workmanship in both parts and panels. The new period also covers the BT-50 ute, which prior to August 2018 was only covered for two years/unlimited km.

Mazda's roadside assistance also lasts for the duration of the new car warranty. The warranty also provides corrosion protection for 7 years.

Mazda do offer a pricing guide for their servicing, but November 2022 saw Mazda lift their service intervals from 10,000km to 15,000km.

The batteries in Mazda's electric models are covered by an 8 year / 160,000km warranty.

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Mercedes-Benz – 5 years / unlimited km

Mercedes-Benz Australia surprised everyone when it announced all its vehicles, including AMG and EQ electric models, would be covered by a five-year warranty from April 1, 2020.

EV model batteries are covered by Mercedes' 8 year / 160,000km warranty.

Service prices are be capped for the first three services, with amounts available on their schedule. Roadside assistance is available through an annual membership.

The German manufacturer was the first German luxury-car brand to extend its warranty period beyond the industry-standard three years – but as yet its main rival BMW is yet to follow.

Nissan – 5 years / unlimited km

Nissan now offers a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on all its products, with their batteries on EV models covered by the standard 8 years or 160,000km warranty.

Capped price servicing is available on the first six services.

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Peugeot – 5 years / unlimited km

Like Citroen, Peugeot cars were sold under licence by UK-owned Inchcape, which extended the deal for both French brands from three to five years in February 2018.

8 year, 160,000km coverage is also offered for batteries on EV/PHEV models, with capped price servicing provided through Peugeot's Assured Service Price Promise.

Corrosion protection is granted through a 3 year guarantee on paint and 12 years on bodywork.

Renault – 5 years / unlimited km

Renault offers five years with no kilometre limit on all its passenger cars and SUVs, with its Kangoo, Trafic and Master vans covered for three years/200,000km.

Service your Renault at an authorised service centre and you also get five years capped-price servicing and roadside assist.

Renalt's electric offerings come with a 3 year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with the battery covered for 5 years or 100,000km.

Subaru – 5 years / unlimited km

Subaru was one of the stragglers when it came to increasing its coverage period, but relented at the start of 2019 and as such, each of its models now receives a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Roadside assistance is complimentary for the first 12 months, and is renewable at each annual service.

Batteries in hybrid models fall under an 8 year / 160,000km warranty.

Capped price servicing is for five years, although the kilometre limits differ depending on the model. Most are covered to 62,500km while other vehicles such as the BRZ and WRX top out at 75,000km.

Suzuki – 5 years / unlimited km

Suzuki held out until October 2019 – since then all its vehicles are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, bolstered by a capped-price service program (to 100,000km). Roadside assistance also comes with a five year offering with new cars.

Toyota – 5 years / unlimited km

After insisting it would stick with its three-year policy in August 2018, Australia’s most popular car brand read the room and introduced a five-year warranty, along with a 60-day money-back guarantee in January 2019. Corrosion and rust is covered through a 7 year, unlimited km warranty.

Hybrid and EV models are covered by a 5 year warranty, with a further 5 year coverage provided with an annual check up through Toyota's participating dealers.

Roadside assistance is offered through an annual membership and capped price servicing is available for 5 years through the Toyota Service Advantage program.

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Volkswagen – 5 years / unlimited km

Volkswagen became the first German brand in Australia to offer a five-year, unlimited-kilometre deal in December 2018. Roadside assistance is provided for the first 12 months of ownership, with an annual renewal available at each service.

Capped price servicing is viewable through VW's Service Pricing Guide.

Perforation cover is provided for 3 years on paint and 12 years on the panels.

Volvo – 5 years / unlimited km

Volvo Cars increased its term to five years in July 2020, but backdated it to apply to all vehicles registered from April 1, 2020. Roadside assistance is provided for 8 years through Volvo's Roadside Assistance Program.

Batteries and EVs enjoy an 8 year, 160,000km warranty. Service plans are available for 3 or 5 years, depending on the model of vehicle.

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Rolls Royce – 4 years / unlimited km

Few cars that cost as much as a house come with more than a three-year warranty, though this only applies to private Rollers and not commercially operated limos. The four-year term includes free roadside assistance.

Tesla – 4 years / 80,000km

In typical unconventional fashion, Tesla is the only carmaker to actually decrease its general warranty period – from eight years and unlimited kilometres to four years and 80,000km. The good news is the batteries and drive units are still covered for eight years, with the maximum kilometres varying for different models. (eight years/160,000km for RWD, 192,000km for AWD models)

Corrosion and rust is covered for 12 years and unlimited kilometres, while roadside assistance is available through Tesla themselves.

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3-year warranty holdouts

• Alpina - 3 years/200,000km
• Alpine - 3 years/100,000km
• Aston Martin - 3 years/unlimited km
• Bentley - 3 years/unlimited km
• BMW - 3 years/unlimited km
• Ferrari - 3 years/unlimited km
• Fiat - 3 years/150,000km
• GMSV - 3 years/100,000km
• Maserati - 3 years/unlimited km
• McLaren - 3 years/unlimited km
• Mini - 3 years/unlimited km
• Porsche - 3 years/unlimited km
• Ram - 3 years/100,000km

2-year warranty holdouts

• Caterham - 2 years/50,000km
• Lamborghini - 2 years/unlimited km
• Lotus - 2 years/unlimited km

BELOW: Hover over any of the column headlines to sort by highest or lowest.