Vauxhall’s lifetime warranty has now been extended to include approved used cars from its Network Q programme.

The lifetime cover applies to the second owner of any Vauxhall purchased through Network Q that has covered less than 30,000 miles and is under 12 months old. Vauxhall said 80% of all Network Q models fit these parameters.

Warranty coverage continues until the car reaches 100,000 miles. The scheme cannot be transferred to a third owner.

To maintain the lifetime warranty, owners need to visit a Vauxhall dealer once a year for a free vehicle inspection and sustain the manufacturer service schedule.

The Network Q Lifetime Warranty cover includes powertrain, steering system, brake system and electrical equipment throughout the life of the vehicle.

Dealer training and literature will roll out from today and the launch will be supported by national press and TV advertising. Vauxhall had to adjust its previous advertising campaign for its new car lifetime warranty following a ruling from the Advertising Standards Agency.

Every Network Q vehicle is subjected to a multi-point check by Vauxhall technicians, before it is allowed to carry the Network Q stamp of approval.

Duncan Aldred, managing director of Vauxhall Motors, told AM: “Dealers were consulted on the new car lifetime warranty and this used one too.

“It will help guarantee a stream of businesses back into our dealers and help retain customers that might have gone outside the franchise repair network previously.”

Launched in 1990 as the first national, manufacturer-backed used car programme, Network Q is the largest used car programme in the UK. Network Q has sold 1.9 million used cars to date and over 80,000 in 2010.

• See AM’s January issue for more detail on Vauxhall’s lifetime warranty strategy.