Subaru Introduces Extended Maintenance Plan
Could this be the new industry trend? Following Audi South Africa’s announcement of their extended Audi Freeway Plan, Subaru South Africa has decided to follow suit by announcing their own extended motor plan. Here’s everything you need to know.
All new Subaru’s are usually sold with a 3-year/75,000km maintenance plan, but now customers will also have the option to get Subaru’s extended 5-year/120,000km maintenance plan. The maintenance plan covers all routine servicing, maintenance and mechanical repairs in line with the expected wear and tear. The maintenance plan also provided access to Subaru Assist, an emergency roadside service. The extended maintenance plan will be offered to customers at no additional cost and will be included in the retail price of selected new Subaru vehicles.
"Maintenance Plans afford our customers additional peace of mind and confidence in owning a new Subaru," says Subaru SA Marketing Lead, Nteo Nkoli. "We're constantly assessing how we can further our customer's Confidence in Motion and this is yet another way we can do that."
"Further to the predictability and peace of mind ownership that a Maintenance Plan offers, Nteo notes that "it also offers better value for money especially during the economically challenging conditions facing South Africa right now."
In addition to the extended maintenance plan, new Subaru’s will also be sold with a 5-year/150,000km material or workmanship defect warranty. Nteo adds, "We are aware of a lot of customers who make the mistake of thinking that Maintenance Plans are the same as Service Plans. These are very different programmes and certainly our Maintenance Plan is far more comprehensive and safer for the consumer." Service Plans cover the cost of routine services as per the vehicle handbook - and that's it. Maintenance Plans include wear items such as brakes, shocks, windscreen wipers and more.
FAQ
Q: What does Subaru's extended maintenance plan cover in South Africa?
Subaru's extended maintenance plan covers all routine servicing, maintenance and mechanical repairs in line with expected wear and tear for 5 years or 120,000km, plus includes access to Subaru Assist emergency roadside service at no additional cost.
Q: How long is the standard Subaru maintenance plan versus the extended plan?
The standard Subaru maintenance plan covers 3 years or 75,000km, while the new extended maintenance plan covers 5 years or 120,000km, giving you an extra 2 years and 45,000km of coverage.
Q: What's the difference between Subaru's maintenance plan and a service plan?
Subaru's maintenance plan covers routine servicing plus mechanical repairs and wear-and-tear items, while service plans only cover the cost of routine services as per the vehicle handbook, making maintenance plans far more comprehensive.
Q: Does the extended Subaru maintenance plan cost extra money?
No, the extended 5-year/120,000km maintenance plan is offered at no additional cost and is included in the retail price of selected new Subaru vehicles.
Q: What warranty comes with new Subaru vehicles in South Africa?
New Subaru vehicles come with a 5-year/150,000km material or workmanship defect warranty alongside the maintenance plan coverage.
Should You Buy It?
If you're considering a new Subaru, this extended maintenance plan makes buying one a no-brainer right now. Getting 5 years or 120,000km of comprehensive coverage that includes repairs and roadside assistance, all built into the purchase price, is genuinely excellent value in today's tough economic climate. The fact that it covers actual mechanical repairs and not just basic servicing like most service plans puts Subaru ahead of many competitors. With maintenance costs easily running R15,000 to R25,000 per year on most vehicles, this plan could save you serious money over five years of ownership. If you were already considering a Subaru, this extended plan tips the scales firmly in favour of buying new rather than used, especially since you get that comprehensive 5-year/150,000km warranty as well.
