I bought a Brand New Kia Rio in Jan 2003. Car came with a 3 yr unlimited mileage warranty.
Under warranty, the head gasket and one front wheel bearing had to be replaced. After 30,000 miles and out of warranty, 3 wheel bearings went and I had to get them replaced. I asked for the remaining wheel bearing to be replaced which was done 2 months later.
I then break down on a single carriageway bendy road, 4 months later, causing a massive tailback in both directions. The latest wheelbearing replaced simply collapsed without any warning and had to get a towtruck. The gardai were called to sort out the traffic.
Took the car to an independent dealer, and he replaced the wheel bearing and said there were problems with some of the other wheel bearings, he fixed.
The repairs cost me over €1000. I traded the car in for €4000
Lets say, you'll probably need the 7 year warranty. I'm sticking to main brands from now on.