It’s a logical question: if you’re buying a vehicle on a rent-to-own (RTO) system, who pays the servicing? You or the RTO company? After all, during the process, who actually owns the vehicle?

Until the final payment is made and the paperwork is all wrapped up, it is still their vehicle. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to pay for all the maintenance and servicing, let alone repairs. So how can you find out what you’re going to have to pay for?

Simply, look at the terms and conditions. The details will be in there, and they vary from company to company. Many people never look at the T&Cs on anything they buy or any service they take out a contract for, but this is a situation where you really should find out in advance when reviewing your rent-to-own vehicle contract.

Capped Price Servicing: Understanding the New Car Benefit

As part of studying and understanding the contract, you will come across the term ‘capped price servicing’, which indicates the maximum that can be charged for a service. This covers you against inflation; for a fixed period, you know what you’re going to be paying, regardless of the rising costs of parts and labour. Again, though, don’t just skim past this: you need to understand what the cost is and what it covers.

Routine Maintenance Responsibilities During the RTO Term

You may get the capped price servicing for free as part of the deal. But there may well be certain things not included. And it may depend on whether you’re buying new or used. So that’s more reading and understanding to do.

Dealing With Unexpected Repairs and Breakdowns

If a problem occurs that really shouldn’t, particularly with a new vehicle, you may feel the RTO company should pay it, but what does it say in the contract? With a used car, it is always a bit of a gamble because you don’t know what the vehicle was subjected to by the previous owner(s), but with a new one, everything should be pristine and in perfect working order. There is also the small matter of how you treat the car because from the moment you start driving it, you are the custodian of its welfare.

The Impact of Poor Maintenance on Your RTO Contract

In the event that you do not complete the contract and the car is returned to the RTO company, it will be inspected, and if it appears to have been poorly maintained, you could face a financial penalty. Even if you do go full-term, the company will notice how the vehicle is being treated.

It is in everyone’s best interests to take care of the vehicle in basic ways, from keeping it clean to prevent scratches to keeping an eye on the oil and coolant.

Roadside Assistance: Your Safety Net Explained

Here is a perhaps unexpected benefit of the RTO system. Typically, you will have roadside assistance in the contract, which may include 24/7 support, including breakdown repairs on the spot or towing to a garage. The company may cover flat battery assistance, changing a wheel in the event of a flat tyre, and even help if you lock yourself out of the vehicle somehow. With RentBuyIt, you can drive away with peace of mind knowing your brand new vehicle comes with scheduled capped priced servicing, roadside assistance and manufacturer’s factory warranty included (near new pre-owned come with the balance thereof). We support customers across Australia, including those in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast.