Australia’s automotive market features over 60 brands, each with its own unique warranty terms. Navigating these can be complex, but this guide provides a clear overview of the longest and most competitive new car warranties currently available, updated as of January 11, 2026. It’s crucial to understand these terms because extended warranty coverage can significantly reduce ownership costs, especially for high-mileage drivers or those concerned about long-term reliability.
Key Trends in Australian Car Warranties
The trend in recent years has been towards longer warranty periods, driven by increased competition and a desire to attract buyers. Some brands now offer unlimited-kilometer warranties, which remove the mileage cap that traditionally limited coverage. Others provide tiered warranties, where commercial use reduces coverage compared to private ownership. The fine print matters: many warranties require strict adherence to scheduled servicing at authorized dealerships to remain valid.
Brands with the Longest Warranties
Currently, Nissan leads the market with a 10-year/300,000km warranty, provided scheduled servicing is maintained through their dealerships. Jaecoo follows closely with an 8-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty for both the vehicle and its high-voltage battery. Hyundai recently updated its warranty to seven years/unlimited kilometers for private buyers who adhere to scheduled servicing, though commercial use remains capped at 150,000km. Geely also offers a seven-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty for private use but limits commercial applications to 150,000km.
Notable Warranty Offerings by Brand
- Tesla: Now offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty as of January 1, 2026.
- BMW: Provides a five-year/200,000km warranty, alongside a 12-year/unlimited-kilometer body rust warranty and a five-year/unlimited-kilometer paint warranty.
- Honda: Offers a standard five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, with certain 2024/2025 models (HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V) receiving an extended eight-year/unlimited-kilometer coverage until September 30, 2025. Commercial use is capped at 225,000km.
- BYD: Simplified its warranty to six years/150,000km for all components, including an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery and drive unit.
- Audi: Offers an Audi Advantage Package which adds two years, unlimited kilometers to existing warranties for vehicles under eight years old and 120,000km.
Brands with Limited or Unspecified Warranty Information
Some brands lack publicly available detailed warranty information, including Foton, GAC Aion, and Skywell. This lack of transparency can be a red flag for buyers, as it makes it difficult to assess long-term ownership costs.
Commercial Use Considerations
Most warranties differentiate between private and commercial use. Commercial use typically voids unlimited-kilometer clauses, capping coverage at a specific mileage (often 150,000km). This is because commercial vehicles tend to experience higher wear and tear. The definition of “commercial use” varies but generally includes ride-sharing, business fleets, and driving schools.
Conclusion
The Australian new car warranty landscape is dynamic, with brands constantly adjusting their terms to stay competitive. Understanding the specifics of each warranty – including mileage caps, commercial use restrictions, and servicing requirements – is essential for making an informed purchasing decision. Prioritize brands offering generous coverage, particularly unlimited-kilometer warranties, to maximize long-term value and peace of mind.
