- Dacia Zen offers extended coverage with the annual car inspection at a dealer
- Regime open to used Dacias up to six years old and with less than 75,000 miles
Dacia, the popular budget car maker, has launched a new warranty program that offers up to seven years of coverage for cars, even those that are already on the road and have likely racked up thousands of miles.
The Romanian manufacturer, now part of the Renault Group, has introduced a new plan that adds to its existing three-year or 60,000-mile warranty.
Called Dacia Zen, it offers coverage for up to seven years, as long as the owner has the vehicle serviced each year to allow the warranty to continue.
And it’s not just for new models: those with Dacias less than six years old and less than 75,000 miles can also get it.
Budget carmaker Dacia has announced a new seven-year warranty program, and owners of its older vehicles can also take advantage of it.
When a Dacia reaches the end of its standard three-year warranty, customers who have their car serviced at a franchise dealer every 12 months (or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first) will benefit from another year of extended coverage.
For existing Dacia drivers with older models, says the manufacturer That owners will not be penalized if they have used unofficial dealers to service the car in the past, as long as the car has been serviced annually.
The warranty covers the cost and repair of most major defects that have not resulted from a vehicle accident.
And it will be available for Dacia’s first electric vehicle (EV), the Spring, which will arrive later this year.
The Romanian manufacturer has introduced Dacia Zen as a complement to its existing three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Provides coverage for up to seven years, as long as the owner has the vehicle serviced each year to allow the warranty to continue.
The scheme will be available on all new models, including the upcoming Spring EV, the brand’s first electric car, which starts at just under £15,000 in the UK.
While Dacia’s Zen program is tremendously impressive for a low-cost automaker, it’s not a market leader.
Suzuki offers a similar ‘Service Activated Warranty’, which provides annual renewable coverage after each scheduled service at a retailer, until the car is seven years old or reaches 100,000 miles.
Kia and MG also have seven-year/100,000-mile warranties, while Peugeot offers eight years/100,000 miles.
The longest warranties of all are available from Japanese sister brands Lexus and Toyota and a colossal 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Like the Dacia Zen, all of these warranties require maintenance to be performed at an authorized dealer.
By doing so, manufacturers can ensure an after-sales revenue stream and, by using certified parts, should improve the reliability of their vehicles.
Any Dacia less than six years old and less than 75,000 miles can also qualify for the plan. The company says owners will not be penalized if they have used unofficial retailers to service their cars in the past, as long as the car has been serviced annually.
“Dacia Zen offers a level of protection close to that of a new car warranty, although it may apply to vehicles that have been on the road for several years and have traveled thousands of kilometers,” the company says.
and steve Whitcombe, head of Dacia aftersales in the UK, adds: “Owning a Dacia is all about adventure, but that doesn’t mean owners should have to worry about the unexpected.
‘The reliability and durability of our vehicles is well documented, but Dacia Zen offers our customers even more peace of mind.
“In the unlikely event that a problem arises, Dacia Zen means they won’t have to pay for any repairs and can spend the money on the things they really want and enjoy.”