10 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2021

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• An extended car warranty costs around $1,600 to around $4,500, depending on the provider and coverage.
• Our team reviewed more than 20 coverage providers to find the best extended car warranty companies.
• Leading car warranty companies offer flexible payments and coverage ranging from powertrain warranties to bumper-to-bumper protection.

Featured Extended Warranty Companies

We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks. 

Best Overall	Best for Used Cars	Low-Cost Plans
Endurance	CARCHEX	Select Auto Protect
Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote
(866) 990-3410	(866) 950-7122	(860) 294-4933

The best extended car warranty companies offer affordable protection plans that cover the mechanical components most susceptible to costly car repairs. After we thoroughly reviewed the most popular providers on the market, these extended warranty companies came out on top:

1. Endurance: Best Overall
2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
3. CarShield: Most Affordable
4. Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits
5. autopom!: Best Customer Service
6. Concord Auto Protect: Best for Luxury Cars
7. Select Auto Protect: Low-Cost Plans
8. Olive
9. ForeverCar
10. Infinite Auto Protection

If you’re considering purchasing an aftermarket auto warranty for a new or used vehicle, you’ll want to learn more about coverage and costs. Our team did much of this work for you, factoring in industry standing, extended car warranty plans, affordability, and customer service.

What Is an Extended Car Warranty?

An extended car warranty for cars, also called a vehicle protection plan or vehicle service contract, foots the bill for mechanical breakdowns after your factory warranty expires. Rather than paying a costly repair bill, you’re only responsible for a deductible and a one-time or monthly payment.

Some car manufacturers offer extended car warranties along with the factory warranties they include with new vehicles. But third-party providers tend to offer more coverage options and more flexibility in where you can have your vehicle serviced.

What Is the Cost of an Extended Auto Warranty?

There’s no standardized way extended warranty companies determine the cost of coverage, so prices vary by provider.

Our warranty experts reached out for quotes from numerous providers and found the average cost of an extended car warranty for cars to be around $2,600. Since costs vary for each type of plan and the length of coverage, our quotes ranged from $1,700 to $4,600.

Here are some factors that can impact the price of an extended car warranty:

• The condition of the vehicle
• Vehicle make and model
• Level of coverage
• Deductible amount

How Does an Extended Auto Warranty Work?

As we mentioned above, having an extended warranty means you aren’t responsible for the entire cost of a repair bill, depending on the component. Here is how the car warranty process typically works: 

1. Choose a repair shop: Most aftermarket car warranty providers have a wide network of repair facilities for customers to get covered repairs done. Take the vehicle to an in-network shop if a covered part breaks down.  
2. Get the car diagnosed: A technician will assess the car to diagnose the problem. During this time, you should provide the repair facility with contact information for your warranty company. 
3. An administrator reviews the claim: Once the car is assessed, an administrator will review the warranty claim to determine if it’s covered under your protection plan.  
4. Pay your deductible: If the claim is approved, you’ll pay your deductible and the warranty company will cover the rest of the repair.

It’s important to remember that most extended car warranties come with a built-in waiting period, defined both in terms of time and mileage. You won’t be able to use your coverage before this waiting period expires.

Our Choices for Best Extended Car Warranty Companies

When we compared some of the most popular aftermarket car warranty companies based on factors such as industry standing, coverage, affordability, and customer service, we found 10 companies that were the best extended car warranty providers.

	10 Best Extended Warranty Companies	Award	Our Rating
1	Endurance	Best Overall		Get Quote
2	CARCHEX	Best for Used Cars		Get Quote
3	CarShield	Most Affordable		Get Quote
4	Protect My Car	Best Maintenance Benefits		Get Quote
5	autopom!	Best Customer Service		Get Quote
6	Concord Auto Protect	Best for Luxury Vehicles		Get Quote
7	Select Auto Protect	Low-Cost Plans		Get Quote
8	Olive			Get Quote
9	ForeverCar			Get Quote
10	Infinite Auto Protection			Get Quote

Below, we’ll take a closer look at our top three providers: Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield.

1. Endurance: Best Overall

Endurance is known for its comprehensive benefits and positive customer service experiences. We named it Best Overall for these reasons and because it’s one of the only direct providers available.

Industry Standing
Coverage
Affordability
Customer Service
Overall

Industry Standing

Endurance has underwritten extended car warranties since 2005, which bodes well for the company’s standing. It has a good reputation with experts like AM Best, as well as with customers on rating sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.

Here’s a breakdown of Endurance’s ratings:

Expert	Score	What This Means
AM Best	A+ in financial strength (Superior)	The company is reliable financially to pay out customer claims.
BBB	C+	Endurance’s rating recently dropped due to advertising issues, which have since been resolved.
Trustpilot	4.4/5.0 stars	Customers have a positive experience with the extended warranty services from Endurance.

Coverage

Endurance offers six plan options, all providing different levels of coverage. All plans come with your choice of a $0, $50, $100, or $200 deductible, which is the price you’ll pay to the repair shop out of pocket for any covered repair. If you choose a higher deductible, your monthly costs will be lower, and vice versa. Endurance will handle the rest of the repair cost.

Here’s a breakdown of Endurance’s vehicle service contracts:

Plan	Best Extended Car Warranty For	Type of Coverage
Supreme	New, high-tech, commercial, or hybrid vehicles	Bumper-to-bumper, exclusionary
Superior	Drivers who want comprehensive coverage	Highest level of stated-component coverage
Secure Plus	Drivers who need coverage soon	Powertrain plus coverage with the shortest waiting period
Select Premier	Drivers of high-mileage vehicles	Specifically-designed powertrain plus coverage for older cars with lots of miles on them
Secure	Drivers on a budget	Most affordable powertrain coverage plan
EnduranceAdvantage™	Both extended warranty and maintenance coverage	High-level stated-component coverage plus regularly scheduled maintenance services like oil changes

Each Endurance plan comes with rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and 24/7 emergency roadside service. Drivers also get their first year of Endurance Elite Benefits for free. Benefits include:

• Collision discount: Receive up to $500 per covered collision up to $1,000.
• Total loss protection: Get up $1,000 toward vehicle replacement if your car is totaled.
• Tire repair/replacement: Get reimbursed for up to two repaired or replaced tires per year.
• Key fob replacement: If your key fob is lost or broken, Endurance will cover the cost of a new one up to $500.

After the first year, customers have the choice to renew their memberships for a small fee.

Affordability

While Endurance contracts tend to be on the more expensive side, many drivers think it’s worth it for the perks and comprehensive benefits. Our review team found that, on average, the best extended car warranty from Endurance, the Supreme plan, costs around $70 per month for 36 months to get five years or 100,000 miles of extended car warranty coverage.

In general, we found that Endurance plans of all levels cost about $69 to $180 per month and require a down payment of $150 to $350.

Customer Service

On the BBB website, Endurance has over 1,100 customer reviews rating the company at an average of 3.4 stars out of a possible 5.0.

Positive Endurance warranty reviews praise the company for its excellent customer service, simple buying experience, peace of mind, and affordability. Negative customer reviews shine a light on long wait times to speak to customer representatives, slow claims approval, and phishing emails.

2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

Founded in 1999, CARCHEX has a long history of positive customer experiences, along with a strong reputation among industry experts such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book. We chose it as the best extended warranty company for used cars because it covers vehicles with up to 250,000 odometer miles.

Industry Standing
Coverage
Affordability
Customer Service
Overall

Industry Standing

CARCHEX has an A+ rating from the BBB, and consumers on Trustpilot rate CARCHEX an average of 3.2 stars out of a possible 5.0. The company’s years in business and positive ratings bode well for its reliability and ability to pay out customer claims in a timely manner.

Coverage

CARCHEX offers five extended vehicle protection plans with several contract options under each tier:

Plan	Best For	Type of Coverage
Titanium	Drivers who plan to own their cars for a long time	Exclusionary contract, similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty you’d get on a new car at the dealership
Platinum	Car owners who want comprehensive coverage	Highest level of stated-component coverage
Gold	Vehicles with over 60,000 miles	Second-highest level of stated-component coverage
Silver	Older cars more liable to have hefty auto repair costs	Powertrain plus coverage
Bronze	Reliable vehicles expecting infrequent repairs	Basic powertrain coverage

All CARCHEX service plans come with:

• 24/7 roadside assistance: Includes emergency tire service, lockout service, battery service, fuel delivery, and winching
• Towing reimbursement: Up to $75 per occurrence
• Rental car reimbursement: Up to $40 per day (up to $160 per occurrence)
• Trip interruption service reimbursement: Up to $50 per day for three days maximum if your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles away from home

Reimbursements may vary by contract.

Affordability

CARCHEX plans cost about $100 to $200 per month. For example, a Titanium plan with five years or 100,000 miles of coverage can cost about $136 per month for 18 months. The deductible with this plan is $100.

Customer Service

There are over 100 CARCHEX reviews on the BBB website. Positive reviews detail a speedy claims process, satisfactory service for luxury vehicles like BMW, and friendly, professional customer service representatives.

Negative CARCHEX reviews detail unsolicited sales calls, slow claims approval, and difficulty canceling contracts.

3. CarShield: Most Affordable

CarShield is known for having unbeatable pricing for its extended car warranty coverage options. The company doesn’t underwrite its own policies but administers vehicle service contracts from other highly ranked providers.

It’s important to note that CarShield does not offer coverage in California, so if you live in the Golden State and want extended auto warranty coverage, you’ll need to go with a different provider.

 Here’s a quick snapshot of how CarShield ranks by our standards: 

Industry Standing
Coverage
Affordability
Customer Service
Overall

Industry Standing

CarShield’s BBB rating could be higher. It currently has an F, the lowest rating. This is because a high number of consumers have reported a pattern of behavior regarding misleading sales and advertising practices, rude customer service, failure to cover needed repairs, and difficulty canceling a policy for a refund, despite the 30-day money-back guarantee.

A certain number of negative customer reviews are to be expected with any company, and these complaints are not uncommon in the car warranty industry. When you consider that CarShield has covered over one million vehicles, the number of complaints is small.

CarShield received higher scores on other customer review sites. For example, the company has 4.1 out of 5.0 stars on Google. Trustpilot scores are also calculated from first-person customer reviews, and CarShield has received 4.0 stars out of a possible 5.0-star rating. This is a good indication that customers are largely satisfied with their extended car warranty experience from CarShield.

Coverage

CarShield offers six different plans:

Plan	Best For	Type of Coverage
Diamond	New cars that will be kept for a longer period of time	Bumper-to-bumper coverage with few exclusions
Platinum	High-mileage vehicles	Protection for most of your car’s vital parts
Gold	Drivers of unreliable cars liable to have hefty repair bills	Powertrain plus coverage
Silver	Drivers on a budget	Powertrain coverage
Aluminum	Drivers of high-tech vehicles	Specialty plan for electrical components and computer-related problems
Motorcycle & ATV	Drivers of specialty vehicles	Platinum or Silver coverage

Some benefits that come with all CarShield plans include:

• Rental car reimbursement: Get reimbursed for a rental car while your car is in the shop for covered repairs.
• Towing: When your car breaks down, CarShield will tow it to the nearest certified repair facility. Get up to $75 per occurrence.
• 24/7 roadside assistance: CarShield will send roadside services for flat tires, lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and winching out to your location if your car is disabled.

Affordability

Our research indicates that the Diamond plan from CarShield costs around $83 per month for 18 months to get five years or 100,000 miles of coverage. The Diamond plan is the highest level of coverage, making it one of the most expensive. We found some plans to be as low as $70 per month.

CarShield’s coverage is unique when compared to Endurance or CARCHEX because some of its lower-tier policies have unlimited terms – as long as you keep paying for coverage, your contract will not be canceled.

Customer Service

There are over 1,000 CarShield reviews on the BBB’s website. Positive customer reviews detail excellent claims service, courteous staff, and fair rates. 

Negative CarShield reviews report unsolicited sales calls, pressure marketing tactics, and trouble canceling a policy.

Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?

Many car owners think extended car warranties are worth it. In our 2021 extended auto warranty survey, we polled 1,000 consumers that either bought or considered purchasing a vehicle service contract. About 41% of respondents said they were happy with their warranty coverage, and another 24% mentioned they were still satisfied with the purchase despite never filing a warranty claim.

There are pros and cons of extended car warranties. Reasons why people don’t buy extended car warranty coverage include lack of availability, high cost, and not thinking they need one. However, this study suggests that most drivers would benefit from the coverage. Luckily, affordable car warranty options are available.

Getting The Best Extended Car Warranty

The first extended car warranty provider you try may not be the best one for you. Just as you would when choosing a car insurance company, check reputations and prices to ensure you’re making a valuable purchase. 

Read Industry Reviews

Price isn’t everything. You’ve probably heard of phone scams and pushy salespeople asking about your car’s extended warranty. Before making a financial commitment, check out what sites like the BBB and Trustpilot say about a provider.  

Customer reviews usually offer insight into how companies respond to complaints or how effective they are at approving claims and sending refunds. You should also see if the company has been fined by any government watchdogs, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Shop Around 

When you are looking for rates on the best extended car warranty, our experts recommend getting quotes from at least three providers. While it’s important to compare costs, you should also look at each company’s coverage plans to see if one better suits your needs. All of our top providers offer multiple levels of coverage, so being flexible can help you get the best deal.

FAQ: Best Extended Car Warranties

What does a car warranty cover?

Extended auto warranties cover select mechanical components. Basic extended warranties (typically referred to as powertrain or drivetrain warranty coverage) protect the parts of your car that help the vehicle move, like the engine, transmission, and drive axle.

A more comprehensive coverage plan (typically referred to as a bumper-to-bumper warranty) covers the same components as a powertrain plan, plus your car’s cooling and electrical systems, high-tech components, air conditioning system, and more.

What do extended car warranties not cover?

Extended car warranties do not typically cover the following damages and car parts:

Routine maintenance including oil changes, tire rotations, and replacement of brake pads
The interior/upholstery, paint, and carpeting
Damage from misuse, abuse, or corrosion
Auto glass parts such as the windshield, headlights, and light bulbs
Damage from a collision, weather event, or environmental damage (unlike car insurance)

Some of the best extended car warranties offer exclusionary coverage. This means your contract only lists the items that are not covered instead of naming each part that is covered. Be sure to read the fine print of your contract carefully to know what your car warranty covers. If you have not purchased a warranty, look online or reach out to an extended warranty provider, as most companies offer sample contracts.

What is the average cost of an extended car warranty?

According to our research, the average cost of an extended car warranty is around $2,600. Most third-party warranty providers will allow you to purchase a warranty and pay it off through a monthly payment plan that typically lasts around three years. 

What is the best extended car warranty?

We’re confident you can find the best extended car warranty from these companies:

Endurance: Best Overall
CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
CarShield: Most Affordable
Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits
autopom!: Best Customer Service
Select Auto Protect: Low-Cost Plans
Olive
ForeverCar
Concord Auto Protect: Best for Luxury Cars
Infinite Auto Protection

Ultimately, getting free quotes from several providers is a tried-and-true way to find the right plan for your vehicle from a reputable extended car warranty company. You can compare some of these top providers head-to-head in our Endurance vs. CARCHEX, CarShield vs. Endurance, and CARCHEX vs. CarShield reviews.

Is an extended car warranty worth it?

An extended vehicle warranty can be worth it if you have an older vehicle or your manufacturer’s warranty is going to expire. Companies with the best coverage will offer protection for your vehicle’s major systems and perks such as rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage, and regular maintenance.

What is an extended warranty on a car?

An extended warranty for cars covers the cost of unexpected repairs for a range of components, depending on the plan you choose. Some manufacturers offer extended car warranty plans, but you can also buy coverage from one of many aftermarket car warranty providers.

How much does a CARCHEX warranty cost?

A CARCHEX warranty costs around $100 to $200 per month, according to our research.

Is CarShield expensive?

Compared to many of the other best extended car warranty companies, CarShield is not expensive. In fact, its rates are some of the lowest we saw, which is why we awarded it “Most Affordable” in our study.

Can you buy an extended warranty after purchase?

If you choose an aftermarket auto warranty provider, you can usually buy an extended warranty after you purchase a vehicle. While some manufacturers offer this option, others require you to buy extended warranty coverage when you purchase your vehicle.

How do you cancel an extended warranty on a car?

Each provider has its own methods for cancelling an extended warranty on your car. Some allow you to cancel in just a few steps online. Others require you to notify the company with a physical letter.

Original article: 10 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2021

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Limited Edition Mopar ’22 Durango Coming Soon!

Mopar is giving enthusiasts a treat for its 85th birthday, which the storied brand will celebrate in 2022. The Mopar ’22 Durango is the latest customization option from the creative minds at Mopar, but don’t expect to see many. Only 250 units are set for production, 200 for the United States and 50 for Canada. That said, let’s take a quick look at the Mopar ’22 Durango.

Interior Treatments

The Mopar ’22 Durango has leather and suede front seats with an embroidered, two-tone Mopar logo, blue accent stitching throughout, all-weather floor mats, a Mopar pedal kit, and a unique instrument-panel badge with a serialized build number. Owners will also receive a special rendering of the vehicle by the Mopar Design team to compliment the build badge.

Mopar ’22 Dodge Durango. Photo: Stellantis.

Exterior Design

The Mopar ’22 Durango is available in two colors: DB Black or White Knuckle (the latter looks really good on a 392 Dodge Charger). Exterior treatments include an “offset asymmetrical” blue stripe on the driver’s side, running from the front fascia to the rear fascia. The blue “Mopar” badge on the front grille and blue Brembo brake calipers are standard.

The Mopar ’22 Durango rides on 20-by-10-inch wheels with Pirelli tires. And the icing on the cake is the one-inch factory lowering kit to improve handling.

Engine & Powertrain

Under the hood of the Mopar ’22 Durango is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower paired to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The Tow N Go Package adds 8,700 lbs. of towing capacity, an increased top speed of 145 mph, Track, Sport, Snow, and Tow drive modes, and a retuned SRT-performance exhaust. An electronic limited-slip differential and SRT active damping suspension are both standard.

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Pricing & Availability

Dealerships will begin taking orders for the Mopar ‘22 Durango in the first quarter of 2022. The MSRP for the add-on package is $3,995.

If you are in the market for a new Durango, this free and easy search tool* will show you which dealers in your area are offering the best price. That tool will also help you obtain the invoice price, which is a good starting point for negotiations. 

Photos & Source: Stellantis.

*Although always free for you, Automoblog and its partners may receive a commission when you use the services provided through that link. MSRP figures are subject to change. 

Original article: Limited Edition Mopar ’22 Durango Coming Soon!

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Ride Red: A 90s Honda XR600R with retro chops

There’s a 295-pound Honda XR600R hanging on the wall at Dirtshop Thailand, in Bangkok. Made in 1990, it’s the actual motorcycle that introduced shop owner Ek Chalermphol to dirt biking.

It’s also the bike that prompted him to open his workshop with a friend, 30 years ago. So Ek has now honored this inspirational machine, and Honda’s desert racing legacy, with a stunning throwback build—an XR600R restomod.

Ek has a deep love for historic off-road racing and a sharp eye, as proved by the R nineT Urban G/S he built last year. This latest project pays homage to Honda’s XR and XL models of the 1980s, and its Dakar race bikes…with inspiration coming from custom builder on the other side of the planet.

“When I first saw Andrew Greenland’s XL600R it stunned me,” Ek tells us. “I wanted to build one so badly, but with my beloved XR600R model instead. So I started looking around to find a bike and parts.”

Ek’s build doesn’t follow Andrew’s to the letter, but it does pull parts and design touches from the same legacy Honda models. And while Andrew’s bike was a XL model with a Honda Dominator motor, Ek’s is a XR600R through and through.

It’s not the same bike that’s hanging on the shop wall though. Ek couldn’t bear to cut into his first love, so he sourced a 1996 model. With help from Dirtshop’s resident mechanic, Wichan Phikulthong, Ek stripped the bike down and got to work.

The idea here was build a retro machine—so this scrambler is devoid of any modern parts. The original wheels, suspension and brakes were all overhauled and refreshed, and the engine was rebuilt with OEM parts. Everything’s been repainted too, so this XR looks box fresh.

One of the biggest visual hits is the Honda ‘Flash Red’ theme. Ek had the frame and the engine’s top cover done in red, going so far as to import the powder for the powder coating from the US.

He also swapped the plastics with original 1983 Flash Red Honda XR items, which turned out to be one of the hardest, and most expensive, parts of the project.

“It is rare to find OEM plastics in Flash Red,” explains Ek. “I tried to get them from many places, and finally got most of them from a guy in Europe, and a side panel from someone in the US. They are used OEM parts, but with a very high price tag.”

Ek goes on to explain that the full kit cost him almost $2,000—where the same plastics in white would have only set him back $400. He simply couldn’t find original red Honda hand guards though. So, after a year of searching, he settled for UFO Plastics replicas from a vintage bike collector in the UK.

The bodywork only took minor fettling to fit, particularly the rear fender. The 96-model XR600R also has a different airbox setup to what Honda used in the 80s, so Ek had to make sure he had all the right parts to fit the left side cover properly.

The fuel tank’s another special find: it’s from an ultra-rare 1980s Honda XL600LM, found at a spares dealer in Europe. Ek fitted it by welding an original XL600LM tank bracket to the XR’s frame up front, and adding an additional aluminum bracket at the back. The LM tank itself managed to go unmolested.

Other add-ons include new fork boots, period correct brake protectors, and a sweet blacked-out SuperTrapp exhaust. Ek fitted oversized ProTaper bars with Renthal grips too, along with an OEM replacement speedo and levers, sourced from Japan.

Taking inspiration from 1980s Honda desert racing liveries, but adding his own twist, Ek sketched out a retro-fabulous new paint job for his XR—using his iPhone. It looks stunning, and is complemented by a blue leather seat cover with a classic ‘XR’ logo.

He might be 50 years old, but Ek still spends his weekends tearing up trails with his friends—just like he used to on his first Honda. “I rode hard on my 1990 XR600R those days,” he recalls. “I gained a lot of experience on how to ride a proper dirt bike… it was my passion!”

These days, Ek mostly rides modern Husqvarna or Gas Gas machines. This new build had to be one hundred percent thrash-able, and able to keep up with its younger stablemates. Because while Ek’s first XR is still hanging on his shop wall, he’s wasted no time in getting his new one dirty.

Dirtshop Thailand | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Ek Chalermphol

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2023 Chevy Corvette Z06: Not As “Out There” As We Expected

Well, here it is, the moment all us gearheads have been waiting for: the unveiling of the Z06 version of the mid-engined C8 Corvette. And the results are, surprisingly, not as “out there” as I had expected. Sort of.

All About Those Rear Tires

In the past, the track-focused Z06 version of Chevy’s mighty Corvette has been not only the quickest but the flashiest. Don’t get me wrong, I get that all the kicks, flips, spoilers, and carbon fiber on the Z06 package found on the C7 are there for a Reason (with a capital “R”), but they weren’t exactly subtle. The C8 ZO6, on the other hand, doesn’t look all that different from its C8 brethren. The rear wing, although big and gaudy, looks to me like the optional big wing. The other aero bits are just as subtle. Apart from the badging and that odd bit of carbon fiber trim coming off the trailing edge of the side scoops, the only real outward sign is the tires – the rear tires.

Back when Chevy made the first ZR1 in 1990, apart from a very small “ZR1” badge, the only real way to tell was the rear tires. They were these massive 315/35s; impressive, imposing, effective. And if you look at the new Z06 from the rear (the view you’re most likely to see), you will note that the rear tires are friggin huge! 345/25ZR21, to be exact. Those, as the kids used to say on the playground, are boss meats.

The front tires are large but not humongoid (275/30ZR20s), but the wheels are as wide as the Mississippi delta: 20 x 10-inch (front) and 21 x 13-inch (rear). The rear track has been widened an amazing 3.6 inches! In a world where automakers routinely crow about “We bumped up the track by half an inch,” this is a big jump.

2023 Chevy Corvette Z06. Photo: Chevrolet.

Horsepower & Torque

But why? Why the quantum jump with the rears? Power. Bags and bags of good old, torque-infused ‘Murican horsepower. The new 5.5-liter LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V8 to ever hit the market in any production car. Not just a Chevy either; of any car, ever.

The all-new flat-plane crankshaft mill has a lofty 8,600 rpm, 670 horsepower, and 460 lb-ft. of torque. We are looking at 670 ponies from a five-and-a-half-liter block. That is a really high specific output. Like really high. Someone call up Stuttgart and talk to Mercedes; I bet they’d have a nice, grumbly response.

It’s also worth pointing out that a version of the LT6 has powered the C8.R race cars since 2019. Lastly, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has a “shorter” 5.56 final drive ratio.

Engine & Aerodynamic Performance

Other high points of the new plant include the aluminum cylinder block casting with 4.4-inch bore spacing and an all-new dual-overhead-camshaft cylinder head design with fully CNC-machined combustion chambers and intake ports. According to Chevy, this is to support the “finger-follower” valvetrain of the Z06. Meanwhile, the dual-coil valve springs support the titanium intake and sodium-filled exhaust valves. The forged aluminum pistons and forged titanium connecting rods are also high points of the 5.5-liter LT6.

The LT6 is hand-assembled at the Performance Build Center within the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

Other stuff, of course, separates the 2023 Corvette Z06 besides the 3.6-inch stance bump, the big-big-big rear tires, and that monster engine. There’s unique front and rear fascias with the front designed to optimize cooling, while the reconfigurable rear spoiler, with its adjustable wickerbill elements, improves stability at higher speeds on the track. Not surprisingly, the Z06 includes specific suspension tuning, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and larger Brembo brakes (six-piston front) than the Stingray.

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Z07 Performance Package

If that’s not enough, there’s an available Z07 performance package that provides 734 lbs. of downforce at 186 mph. It also includes a carbon fiber high rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibrations, Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and optional carbon fiber wheels.

It’s also worth singling out the wheel options for the new Z06. As we discussed before, the standard wheels are 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) forged aluminum “spider” wheels in five available finishes. If you like, carbon fiber wheels are available that drop a whopping 41 lbs. in unsprung mass, which will give you a much more agile and responsive car. 

Now, obviously, from a performance standpoint, the big carbon fiber wheels are the way to go. And yeah, I know that other car companies have been making carbon fiber wheels for a bit now. But who am I kidding? I’d go for the carbon fiber wheels too.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Original article: 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06: Not As “Out There” As We Expected

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AmeriFreight: Reviews, Costs, & Services (2021)

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

AmeriFreight Review

In Our Opinion:

AmeriFreight is a popular auto shipping company that offers an easy quotes process and has high customer service reviews. The company separates itself from many competitors due to its many discounts that help drive down car shipping costs. Overall, AmeriFreight is an auto transport broker worth considering for your car transport needs.

Reputation:

Prices:

Services:

Customer Service:

Pros:

Numerous discounts

Overall positive customer service reviews

Includes transportation services for specialty vehicles

Cons:

Slower shipping quotes process than some competitors

No real-time tracking

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AmeriFreight is a well-established auto transport company, which is why we named it one of the best car shipping companies in 2021. AmeriFreight reviews are some of the best in the industry and highlight the company’s customer service, affordability, and range of services.

This review will provide you with a close look at AmeriFreight’s shipping options, car transport rates, and customer reviews. We’ll also provide details on AmeriFreight discounts and insurance options.

AmeriFreight Highlights 

AmeriFreight is an auto shipping broker that has provided shipping services to drivers since 2004. Headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, it’s one of the most reputable shipping companies in the nation.

The car transport broker only works with licensed carriers to provide shipping services nationwide. It routinely screens to make sure they have the proper insurance credentials in case of any errors made during transport.

Within the car shipping industry, AmeriFreight stands out for providing a wide range of discounts, which is why we gave it the award for “Best Deals” in our review of the leading car shipping companies. AmeriFreight offers discounts for active-duty military members, first responders, senior citizens, students, and returning customers. The shipper also has many positive customer ratings, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

AmeriFreight Car Shipping Services 

AmeriFreight provides transport services to and from the contiguous United States, in addition to Alaska and Hawaii. The car shipper works with carriers around the nation to transport cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs.

Here’s an overview of the shipping services offered by AmeriFreight:

• Door-to-door delivery: ??A shipping method where the vehicle pick-up and drop-off locations are as close to your home as possible
• Expedited shipping: Comes with an extra free but ideal for drivers with time constraints since vehicles can usually ship within a few days
• Open trailer transport: The most common shipping service offered by transport brokers, where your vehicle is exposed to the elements
• Enclosed trailer transport: A pricier shipping service where your vehicle is transported in an enclosed trailer or shipping container to prevent damage

All shipments come with basic carrier’s insurance. However, AmeriFreight also offers AFta gap coverage for an additional fee. The AFta gap coverage works in addition to the carrier’s insurance and covers up to $2,000 of the insurance deductible for your private car insurance, $800 for minor damages, $350 for lost, stolen, or damaged keys, or reimbursement for a rental car in the case of delivery delays.

AmeriFreight Auto Transport Costs 

Like other shipping companies, AmeriFreight costs will vary depending on your specific situation. However, the company says it typically charges between $495 to $1,300 to ship a sedan on open transport. Enclosed transport can cost upward of 80%, according to the company.

AmeriFreight costs will also depend on the type of shipping you choose: Economy, Priority, or First Class. Economy shipping starts at the lowest bid and has the highest pickup window, while Priority is priced at the market rate to find more carriers who are willing to take your car. First Class is aggressively priced and includes a one- to two-day pickup window for delivery.

To give you an idea of what AmeriFreight rates look like, we’ve compiled some prices for a 2020 Toyota Corolla and a 2018 Honda CR-V in the table below.

Vehicle	Mileage	Shipping Method	Cost Estimate
Honda CR-V	520 miles	Economy	$550
Honda CR-V	520 miles	Priority	$650
Honda CR-V	520 miles	First Class	$800
Toyota Corolla	1,280 miles	Economy	$1,055
Toyota Corolla	1,280 miles	Priority	$1,200
Toyota Corolla	1,280 miles	First Class	$1,475

You can find a general estimate of what you can expect to pay for the shipping process by using AmeriFreight’s rate calculator or calling the company directly to get a free quote on shipping. 

What Factors Affect Shipping Costs? 

Car shipping rates are highly variable and can be influenced by each carrier. Here’s an overview of the factors that affect the cost of auto transport: 

• Price of fuel: You will end up paying more for transport if fuel prices are up.
• Vehicle size: The larger your vehicle, the more you will typically pay for transport.
• Time of year: You will usually pay more for vehicle shipping in the summer and January.
• Delivery location: You will save money if your vehicle is shipped to a terminal rather than your door.
• Transport service: Enclosed shipping is more expensive than open shipping. However, it can be worth the additional cost for luxury and classic cars.
• Vehicle operability: Inoperable vehicles are more expensive to ship than operable vehicles because of the effort and resources required to move them.
• Miles traveled: You’ll pay more to ship from Los Angeles, California to Buffalo, New York than you will to transport from Jacksonville, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia. This is  because long-distance shipments cost more than shorter-distance shipments.

AmeriFreight Discounts 

Many people use AmeriFreight because of the various discounts the company offers, which make it stand out from among many of its competitors. Discounts include:

• Student: $25 off
• Early bird: $35 off
• Senior citizens: $25 off
• First responders: $35 off
• Medical personnel: $35 off
• Active-duty military: $35 off
• Returning customer: $50 off
• Multiple vehicles: $50 off (every additional vehicle)

Aside from the early bird discount, you can’t apply multiple discounts to the same order.

AmeriFreight Reviews and Ratings 

AmeriFreight boasts many positive customer reviews. The auto transporter is accredited by the BBB and, as mentioned, carries an A+ rating from the agency. With over 1,150 customer reviews, AmeriFreight averages a 4.9-star rating out of 5.0.

AmeriFreight reviews are similar on Google, where the company has a 4.7-star rating backed by over 3,000 reviews. Positive customer reviews across both platforms praise the overall shipping experience and excellent customer service representatives, while negative reviews mention issues with paying a much higher price than originally quoted.

Positive AmeriFreight Reviews 

“Reliable company! I’ve used them twice to move vehicles across the country. Both times they have effortlessly made it happen. I highly recommend them.”

– Laura Iacofano via Google Reviews

“Good communication. Pickup and delivery went as planned without any problems. Driver was professional and very polite.”

– Michael S. via BBB

Negative AmeriFreight Reviews

“[I] got a quote to move a vehicle from Georgia to Indiana. [I] had several quotes all in the same price range, so I researched and found AmeriFreight to have good ratings, so I chose them. They came back with shippers 30-40% higher than they quoted and told me [to] take it [because] it was a good deal.”

– Troy M. via BBB

“Do not ever use this company. Total mess. My four-day car window turned into 11 days.  AmeriFreight had no idea where my car was. [The] carrier had issues transporting [my vehicle] and would not respond without threats. I have shipped my car over nine times – worst experience I have ever had.”

– Elizabeth R. via Google Reviews

AmeriFreight Car Shipping: 4.0 Stars

AmeriFreight distinguishes itself from many other car shipping companies with its wide array of discounts, its add-on shipping insurance, and its mostly positive customer reviews. AmeriFreight’s costs are also relatively affordable, and the company offers many shipping services from which customers can choose.

AmeriFreight can fall short when it comes to its quotes process, however. While the company offers a rate calculator on its website, you still have to reach out to customer service for an actual cost estimate. Also, negative auto transport reviews from AmeriFreight users frequently note how pricing differs from the initial quote to the final price.

Other Top Recommendations for Car Shipping

Even though AmeriFreight is a highly reputable company, our team recommends reaching out to multiple companies to find the best service and car shipping quotes for your situation. Two other car transport companies worth considering are Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport, both of which we featured in our review of the best car shipping companies.

Montway Auto Transport: Best Service 

Montway Auto Transport is one of the most popular and well-respected auto transport companies in the industry. The company offers various shipping services for drivers nationwide and has a positive reputation. Our team gave Montway the Best Service award and a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 based on reputation, prices, services, and customer service.

Like AmeriFreight, Montway is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. With over 1,900 customer reviews on the BBB website, the company has a 4.5-star rating out of 5.0.

Learn more in our full Montway Auto Transport review.

Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Pricing 

Unlike most auto transport companies, Sherpa Auto Transport offers locked-in pricing through its Price Lock Promise. This means the price you’re quoted by the company is the final price you’ll pay. If you end up paying more, the company will cover any costs up to $300. Sherpa also offers customers a Clean Car Guarantee, which grants you a reimbursement of up to $20 for a car wash after your vehicle is delivered.

Just like AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport earned a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 from our team based on reputation, prices, services, and customer service. Sherpa is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating.

Find out more about the provider in our complete Sherpa Auto Transport review.

FAQ: AmeriFreight Reviews

Is AmeriFreight reputable?

Yes, AmeriFreight is a reputable auto transport company offering various services to drivers. The company stands out from competitors due to its discounts and positive customer reputation.

What are the best auto transport companies?

We named Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and uShip as the best auto transport companies in the nation based on reputation, rates, services, and customer experience.

Does AmeriFreight offer door-to-door shipping?

Yes, AmeriFreight offers door-to-door shipping services.

How do I know if a car transport company is reliable?

You can check an auto transport company’s reliability through the Department of Transport’s Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA). A legitimate car transport broker or carrier will always have a six-digit motor carrier docket number and a seven-digit USDOT number. You can also check customer reviews online through the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.

Original article: AmeriFreight: Reviews, Costs, & Services (2021)

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