Among the appeals for buying a new vehicle is the factory warranty, promising protection and reliable service for years. Many used-car buyers want similar peace-of-mind that comes with a warranty, evidenced by the popularity of certified pre-owned vehicles. Sometimes shoppers may buy a used car from a dealer instead of a private seller for this additional protection. Yet while many cars sold privately do not come with any warranty protection, used cars being sold privately can often make very good values, especially if they’re being sold by their original owners who can give you the complete history of the car.

Now ForSaleWithWarranty.com has begun offering warranties to consumers who want to sell their used cars privately. The system works less like a traditional extended warranty and more like a home warranty. For a single up-front premium payment, the warranty provides a fixed maximum benefit. So if something goes wrong with the car within a certain time frame, ForSaleWithWarranty will pay for repairs up to a specified amount. The benefits range from a $500 fixed benefit good for 30 days to a $3,500 benefit good for 90 days. Prices range from $50 to $450.

If you’re selling a used car privately, being able to provide a warranty to put buyers’ minds at ease sounds appealing. But Brian Gluckman of Auto Trader says simply better ads would probably be more effective for classified ads. He says on autotrader.com that many sellers don’t post enough pictures of their cars, need higher-quality pictures, and often don’t even wash the car before taking pictures. Auto Trader charges extra for more pictures, but it doesn’t cost you any more to wash the car, make sure the picture is sharp, and the car is shot against a simple, flattering background. (Learn how to maximize your car's curb appeal.)

As with any insurance product, the cost of the premium will likely be more than the payoff for most people. That is the basis for the business model. However, it may help your for-sale vehicle standout in a down market.

If you’re buying a used car, our research has shown that a getting it professionally inspected is money well spent. A mechanic may discover signs of accident damage or developing issues that may not surface during a brief warranty period, and may lead to expensive repairs down the road. A recent Consumer Reports investigation has shown that even catastrophic accidents sometimes don’t show up in vehicle history reports.

Consumer Reports generally recommends against buying extended warranties, whether you’re purchasing electronics, home appliances, or used cars. But in this case, there may be a marketing benefit for sellers. Just make sure you have good photos in place, as well.

—Eric Evarts