Automakers usually offer new-car warranties as across-the-board, take-it-or-leave-it propositions. Standard bumper- to-bumper or powertrain protection remains pretty much the same for every model in a manufacturer's line. And it's non-negotiable, unless you pay extra for a service contract or extension. This year, however, General Motors has introduced some new wrinkles that may make warranties another variable to consider in the car-buying and pricing process.

For its Ion coupe, Vue sport-utility or Relay minivan, Saturn offers either a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty or 3-year/36,000-mile coverage plus a discount off Saturn's usual no-dicker purchase price. Discounts range from $1,000 to $1,250, depending on the model. With this unusual gimmick, Saturn essentially builds the cost of an extended warranty into the purchase price of the vehicle.

GM is also dangling a longer powertrain warranty as an incentive to buy its Aveo subcompact and new Cobalt compact; rather than the standard 3-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty offered on other Chevys, these two get 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.

Mitsubishi also extended its warranties across the board. To compete better with other Asian automakers, especially Hyundai and Kia, the Japanese carmaker now covers its vehicles bumper-to-bumper for 5 years/60,000 miles and its powertrains for 10 years/100,000 miles.