There was a time when a new car came with a warranty that was good for only 90 days or 4000 miles, which ever occurred first. But the combination of higher quality manufacturing methods and stiff competition has extended new car warranties FOR beyond that brief limit. Warranties now run from three to eleven years, with maximum mileage limitations between 33,000 and 100,000 within those time periods. In fact, there is a car warranty that has no limit.

Warranties cover various parts of the car for different time spans. Basic warranties cover the entire car, except for the tires and perhaps the battery. Tires and batteries are warranted by their specific manufacturers. The car makers' basic warranties are usually good for 36 months or 33,000 miles to 60 months or 60,000 miles, depending on manufacturer.

Extended warranties generally cover only the powertrain That means the engine, transmission (or transaxle) and final drive. These warranties generally run up to 72 months (6 years) or 60,000 miles. When warranty work is carried out during this extended time, most, though not all, have a deductible clause requiring a payment of $25 to $100 for each repair job.

Quite a range of differences are to be found among the car manufacturers. Trying to compare them is very difficult. Foreign car-makers tend to have shorter (but more comprehensive) warranties than American companies. Most American warranties run longer but, during the latter years, do not cover as much of the car. Comparing warranties is like comparing apples and oranges.

There are some manufacturers who offer additional warranty coverage for one, two, or three years. This extra coverage costs extra. It can be purchased at the time the car is purchased, or for a limited time thereafter. Check what extra coverage is available and how much it costs with the sales person when you are negotiating your deal. Service contracts, described elsewhere, are over and above the warranty coverage outlined here.

New cars are also covered by a corrosion warranty, which is important to everyone living in areas where salt is dumped on the streets and roads to melt snow and ice. Corrosion warranties last from 36 to 84 months. Most have a 100,000 mile limit within the time period. Some may not have that generous a mileage limit, but there are others that impose no mileage limit.

Almost without exception, any unused portion of the warranty can be transferred to the car's next buyer, if the original owner sells the car before the warranty has expired. There may be a transfer cost of about $100.

You must check with a dealer to find out exactly what the warranty does and does not cover on the car you are considering. Ask for a copy of the warranty and carefully read all the fine print--before you buy. Also, bear in mind that warranties can change, particularly when new models are introduced. Warranties can also vary from region to region, depending on certain legal requirements. In reading through the warranty and discussing it with the dealer, make sure you understand all the requirements to keep it valid within the prescribed time and mileage limits.