Understanding Car Warranties: What Still Applies on a Used Car
A warranty is not a promise of perfection. It's a definition of responsibility.
And when it comes to second-hand cars, that definition becomes narrower — but not meaningless.
1. What a Warranty Actually Is
A warranty is a legal obligation. It defines who is responsible, for which defects, within which time window, and under which conditions. It does not guarantee nothing will fail — it guarantees who carries the cost if it does.
2. What Can Transfer from a New-Car Warranty
Most new cars in Switzerland come with 2–5 years manufacturer warranty. This can transfer to the next owner if the warranty period is still active, the service schedule was respected, and no modifications voided coverage.
3. Factory Warranty vs. Dealer Warranty
Manufacturer Warranty: Issued by the car brand, valid across authorized workshops, standardized, often transferable.
Dealer Warranty: Issued by the selling dealer. Coverage varies widely — some cover major components only, some exclude electronics. Read them carefully.
4. Used Cars Without Warranty: What the Law Says
Private sales can legally exclude warranties entirely using "Garantie wegbedungen". Professional dealers cannot fully exclude liability — which justifies their typically higher pricing.
5. What Is Commonly Covered — and What Isn't
Often covered: Engine, transmission, differential, high-voltage battery (EVs, with conditions).
Often excluded: Wear parts (brakes, clutch, tires), software issues, interior components, cosmetic defects.
6. The 2026 Pivot
The 60-Day Rule: The 2026 revision of the Code of Obligations gives you 60 days to report a defect from the moment you find it.
The Right to a Cure: Professional dealers must prioritize repair as the first remedy before a refund.
Battery Integrity: For used EVs, battery capacity below the represented level is a legal breach in 2026.