What Car? Q&A - What warranty for pre-registered cars?

Q: Do pre-registered cars come with the same warranty as new cars?
Sam Sansome

A: The warranty period for pre-registered cars with a manufacturer-supplied warranty (usually three years) starts from the date of the car's first registration, not from the date you take delivery of it as a customer. Many pre-registered car are only a few months old at most, however, so you'll have the majority of the peace of mind to enjoy.

If you take out a dealer-based warranty to supplement any cover you have lost, this will usually start from the moment you take delivery of your vehicle. Be aware, though, that dealer's warranties often have more restrictive limitations than a manufacturer's warranty.