You saved up for years, and it’s finally happened.
Congratulations, you’ve just bought a new (or new-to-you) car. The color is perfect, the engine purrs, and the touchscreen is fingerprint-free.
The farthest thing from your mind is a breakdown and a high repair bill.
But then, six months in, your A/C suddenly dies. The dealership tells you it’s the compressor. And the price? $1,500. Not covered under your basic warranty. Not considered wear and tear.
Just… your problem.
It’s a scenario that plays out more often than you’d think and catches many drivers off guard.
Mechanical breakdowns aren’t just an “old car” problem anymore.
Let’s look a little closer at why new vehicles still benefit from Mechanical Breakdown Coverage, what your factory warranty may not cover, and why Sprout Assure is the wise choice for long-term peace of mind.
New Cars, New Problems
The belief that only high-mileage vehicles break down is outdated and risky.
Here’s what the modern vehicle landscape looks like now.
Cars are built with more complex electronics and computer systems than ever before. Touchscreens, sensors, and computer chips all make our driving life easier, but when they quit working, you can’t just pop into the corner repair shop and get a replacement.
One faulty sensor or module can turn off major functions and cost thousands to repair.
Manufacturer warranties may expire sooner than you think or come with strict limitations.
According to the recent AAA “Your Driving Costs” study, new vehicles now average over $1,400 annually in unexpected repair and maintenance costs, even within the first 5 years of ownership.
What Your Warranty Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
It’s easy to assume that your manufacturer warranty has you covered. But here’s the reality.
Most warranties:
- Only last 3 years or 36,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper).
- Cover manufacturer defects, not breakdowns due to real-world wear.
- Don’t include roadside assistance, towing, or A/C and infotainment repairs.
- May require repairs to be done only at dealerships.
And when the warranty ends? You’re on your own.
Common New Car Repairs That Aren’t Covered (or Cost a Fortune)
Here are some of the most common repairs for vehicles under 5 years old and their average price tags in 2024–2025:
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Infotainment system failure | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Fuel injection system repair | $900–$2,500 |
| Hybrid/electric drive system failure | $3,000+ |
| A/C compressor replacement | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Power steering failure | $1,000+ |
| Advanced driver assistance sensor replacement | $500–$2,000 |
Newer cars are more expensive to fix, not less. As tech improves, the costs of repairs go up (sometimes way up).
3 Reasons Even New Cars Need Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
1. Modern Vehicles = More Things That Can Go Wrong
Today’s vehicles contain hundreds of sensors, chips, and components that didn’t exist 10 years ago. While these things improve performance and safety, they also create more potential failure points.
That’s the main reason why the average auto repair bill in 2025 jumped to $652, up from $553 just three years ago, according to RepairPal.
2. Manufacturer Warranties Run Out Fast
If you drive more than 12,000 miles a year (which most Americans do), your basic warranty may expire in under three years. And even while active, it won’t cover wear-and-tear or many electrical system failures.
Mechanical Breakdown Coverage extends protection when your manufacturer’s warranty stops, and fills the gaps while it’s still active.
3. Repairs Disrupt Your Budget (Even If You’re Prepared)
A single surprise repair can throw your budget off for months, even if your car is only 2 or 3 years old.
With Sprout Assure’s Mechanical Breakdown Coverage:
- You’re covered for major systems like engine, transmission, A/C, brakes, electrical, and high-tech features.
- You can choose any licensed mechanic or repair shop.
- You’ll never be blindsided by hidden fees or fine print.
How Sprout Assure Covers What Your Warranty Misses
Sprout Assure is designed for modern drivers. Our Auto Club Membership gives you affordable, transparent protection without the limitations of a dealership warranty or confusing extended plans.
You get:
- Mechanical Breakdown Coverage for all major components.
- Two flexible plan options: no deductible or $100 deductible.
- Freedom to pick your own trusted mechanic or repair shop (no forced dealer visits).
- No hidden fees, no confusing exclusions.
- Bonus perks like $100/year for oil changes and $150/year in towing reimbursement.
“But My Car Is New, Do I Really Need This?”
Let’s talk it through.
You don’t expect your home computer to last 5 years without a glitch. So why assume your car, which is 10x more complex, won’t have some sort of breakdown at some point?
- Even well-maintained new vehicles can have an unexpected system failure.
- Manufacturer warranties are limited in terms of what they cover and how long they are in effect.
- Repair costs are rising, even as cars stay on the road longer than ever.
Sprout Assure gives you the freedom to drive confidently, knowing you’re covered today, tomorrow, and long after your factory warranty has given up.
Mechanical Breakdown Coverage Isn’t About How Old Your Car Is, It’s About Being Ready.
Protect Your Car from Day One, Not Day 1,001
Why wait until something breaks to hope your manufacturer’s warranty covers the cost of repairs? Oh, and that A/C compressor repair on the 6-month-old vehicle at the top of this article? It’s covered with Sprout Assure.
Our Mechanical Breakdown Coverage keeps you on the road without fear of expensive surprises, whether your car is brand new, three years old, or just out of warranty.
Get Covered Today with Sprout Assure.
Choose the plan that works for you and stop worrying about what could go wrong.
