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Everything you need to know, including what’s covered, what’s not, and how to tell if they’re the right choice for your new or used car
Prepaid maintenance plans are offered for a majority of new cars and some used cars. The car dealer’s finance and insurance manager (the “F&I” guy) usually pitches these plans to customers while the final paperwork is being signed. They usually cover only the regularly scheduled maintenance prescribed in the owner’s manual.
For example, new Toyota models come standard with a two-year, 25,000-mile maintenance plan, but a buyer can purchase an extended prepaid maintenance plan that covers up to five years.
BMW has been a rarity among luxury automakers in that all new models since 2017 that are leased or purchased include a “scheduled maintenance” plan for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The plan covers “consumables” such as engine oil and brake fluid, as well as spark plugs and various filters. This plan can then be extended for two years or up to 39,000 miles—for an additional fee.
But the automaker also offers a prepaid maintenance plan for new cars that covers items such as brake pads, wiper blades, and the clutch pedal on manual transmission cars. Owners can also purchase that plan for up to four additional years.
In August 2025, Audi announced that all 2026 models will include scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, as well as one brake fluid service. Like BMW, Audi offers owners the opportunity to extend coverage for up to 120,000 miles.
Similarly, all new Nissans come with “Nissan maintenance care,” which includes up to three oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Nissan also offers a Security+Plus prepaid maintenance plan. There are various options, ranging from prepaying for oil and filter changes to one that offers oil changes, brake fluid flushing, tire rotation, and more.
As with any contract or agreement, it’s very important to check the fine print. Some plans have restrictions on where that work can be done. In addition, it’s important that you understand what type of plan you’re buying, what the plan covers, and when you can have the work done.
In addition, you can price-compare the plan with having the work done à la carte. If it includes three oil changes, find out what each change costs individually. If there’s a savings, then go for it. But if it’s no cheaper than the individual price—or if you go to an independent mechanic—you aren’t getting any advantage from a prepaid plan.
• All of these plans can be bundled into an auto loan and paid for in your monthly bill. But this means you’ll be paying interest on the plan. To avoid this, you can pay for the plan in full separately.
• Despite any pressure you get, you don’t have to decide on a plan when you buy your car. These plans can be added at a later date. You can buy a plan from any dealer, and the prices are negotiable.
• Some plans can be transferred if you sell your car before they expire. You’ll have to confirm whether this is allowed before you buy the maintenance plan.
• Factory-backed plans are honored at any dealership that sells that brand, which is helpful if you move. But if you live far from a dealer, it can be a hassle to get there, so take that into consideration.
• Dealerships use genuine OEM parts and factory-specified engine oil.
• Some plans are more expensive than just paying for maintenance at a dealer. Ask what each service interval costs to get an idea of a plan’s true value.
• Aftermarket plans may have limitations on where the work can be done.
• Prepaid plans usually don’t cover replacing the brakes, tires, or wiper blades.
See the car brands ranked
Jon Linkov
Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.
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