Car buyers: Is pre-paying for routine maintenance upfront worth it?

Prepaid maintenance plans allow car buyers to pay upfront for regularly scheduled maintenance. But, like with anything else, there are pros and cons.

Many dealerships offer buyers a prepaid maintenance plan.

"It's different than an extended warranty, which covers things on the car when they break," said Mike Monticello, an editor with Consumer Reports. "A prepaid maintenance plan covers the services you're required to do to keep the car running in top shape -- things like oil changes, filter replacements and rotating your tires."

Are the plans worth the cost? According to Monticello, they can be.

"For a lot of people, it's about peace of mind," Monticello said. "And you can't really put a price on that."

Before signing up for one, consider that the cost of the maintenance plan can be bundled into your auto loan, so the monthly bump in price can seem negligible. Since that means you'll pay interest, Consumer Reports recommends paying for the plan in full separately.

Buyers can also ask whether the plan can be transferred with the car if it is sold before plan expires.

The People You Meet at a Dealership

According to Consumer Reports, always read the fine print and do the math. Some plans have restrictions, including where the work can be done (often, only at a dealership and not at your favorite local mechanic). And keep in mind that prepaid plans usually do not cover brakes, tires or wiper blades.