Extended Warranties

fraublucher

Call Toyota of Greenfield (MA). I can't post the number or the contact name, but do a google and you should be able to find it. They sell the Toyota Platinum Plan for $20 above cost.

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi lyevara. I always advise consumers who are interested in purchasing an extended warranty for their vehicle to buy an official manufacturer-backed policy rather than one that is being sold by an independent company. A number of independent warranty providers have gone bankrupt over the years, leaving their policyholders with absolutely worthless contracts. Automakers are much more likely to be financially stable than a random company that no one knows much about. Furthermore, manufacturers are much more likely to step up to the plate and cover a repair on your vehicle without any hassle in an effort to keep you as a happy and hopefully for their sake a loyal customer than some random company will be.

As long as your Explorer is still covered by its original factory warranty you should be able to purchase an official Ford extended warranty for it. Remember that the selling prices of extended warranties are negotiable in most states. Furthermore, you are free to purchase a warranty for your vehicle from any Ford dealer, not just the one where you bought your truck or the one that you plan on having it serviced at. Shop around, either in person, over the telephone, or on-line with several dealers for the level of coverage that you are interested in. Once you have gotten the lowest price quote, give the dealer that you plan on having your truck serviced at a chance to match that price. While you don't have to buy your warranty there, all things being equal, namely price, it certainly doesn't hurt to do so.

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mbman

After reading the forum, I guess that the mercedes factory extended warranty is the way to go because these new cars have so much technology in them that you would want the authorized dealership shop to fix them.
However, the warranty is , I believe to be $2000 for an extra 2 years and up to 100K miles.
Does anybody know if any dealer have the warranty for less ??

nvr2l8

There seems to be a lot of you out there that seem to know a lot about extended warranties. I have an 03 Ford F250 Diesel with 29K on it. The factory extended warranty cost about 4K. I won't pay 4K. Non-manufactured warranties are about half that. Who out there knows which one to choose. Is it Warranty Direct? Continental? I am sure one of the experts out there have done the research on which one to choose.

postwarbrit

Hi--
I'm new to the board, but grateful I found it. I currently have an 03 MINI Cooper hovering at about 34K. The factory warranty on the Cooper is 50K, but judging how I've racked up the miles thus far, I'll hit that within a year. MINI only offers an extension of my warranty to 60K (and I'd pay 1500 for it), so I'll likely HAVE to purchase a warranty for it. I've looked at Warranty Direct, 1 Source, Accel and Warranties4Wheels. Can anyone recommend the lesser of the evils among these companies or tell me another strategy!

Thanks --

mitzij

There is no lesser of the evils when it comes to service contracts. You are both much better served by putting that $1500 in savings and leaving it there in case of trouble.

If you do buy a service contract, read the whole contract completely. Be sure you understand phrases like 'parts of like kind and quality' and 'used parts' Also be aware of what can void the contract, keep ALL receipts and proof of maintenance.

wlbrown9

Hum...just posted a response, but can not find it now..sorry if it shows up twice now.

Try www dot fordwarrantys dot com . This is actually Lombard Ford in CT that sells discounted Ford ESP warranties. I got a quote from them when I was considering an Expedition earlier this year.

 My opinion is that current vehicles have an abundance of electronics that might go bad over 4-6 years that it makes sense to have a factory backed warranty to fall back on. Many will not recoup the complete $1200-$1500 for a 60 month 100,000 warranty, but just about any repair will run $300 - $600 at the dealer. One water pump and maybe a power window or two replaced will get you back 50-75% of your 'insurance' and you get a major payback if the $3000 transmission repair comes up. If I end up leaving $500-600 on the table after the coverage ends, that works out to maybe $100-250 year for the insurance. I would rather spend that now than risk a major $ output later... Just my current opinion.

Bill

postwarbrit

Thanks a lot. I'm getting all the contract savvy people I know to scrutinize the contracts. Most are saying it would be better, like you said, to put the money in the bank. I'm just a little nervous because I've had two cars in the past (a VW Golf and a Honda Civic) that as soon as they rolled over factory warranty, I incurred MAJOR mechanical headaches. I'm just worried that I'll run into that with my MINI. Part of me just wants to trade it in after it rolls over warranty and start over!

dcfromoc

I have a 2002 Olds Bravada with 58,000 miles. The extended warranty expires at 60,000 miles. Where can I get an extension to 100,000 miles?

jivecat

Look at 5starwarranty.com

CarMan@Edmunds

I think that your friends are giving you some very sound advice, postwarbrit. If I was in your situation I personally would rather put away the money that I would have spend on a third party warranty to use if the vehicle ends up having any problems.

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CarMan@Edmunds

Hello dcfromoc. I personally feel as though if you can not purchase an official manufacturer-backed extended warranty for your truck, you are better off taking the money that you would have spent on your policy and saving it to use if you ever need to make any repairs. Most manufacturers allow the purchase of extended warranties on their vehicles up to the expiration of the original warranty. This is an unusual situation though because your Bravada, like most Oldsmobiles have for the past couple of years, came with a free extension of its normal warranty. I've come across two dealers that sell official GM extended warranties over the Web that seem to offer attractive prices. They are Black Pontiac Cadillac's GM Outlet and Charles Capper Auto Center. Shoot them e-mails and see if you are able to extend your current extended coverage.

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dcfromoc

Dear Car_man, thanks for the tips. I called each, and got these responses: Capper said they could not offer an extension if I was past the original factory warranty period; Black said the GMPP policy is that I needed to have extended with at least 3001 miles and 3 months remaining on my present extended warranty (I have the months but not the miles). So it looks like I will do as you suggest--using the money I would have spent on a warranty to pay for any repairs.

boomer1b

I wonder if that Olds GMPP warranty program rules are different from the other GM divisions.

I called both of those dealers for a GMPP for my 01 Chevy truck 2 months before my new car warranty expired. Was told by both as long as I was under 3/36 mfr. warranty I could purchase a GMPP at ANY time............Hmmmmmmmmmm

Well, with giant rebates, killer trade in, and the $1200 I would of spent for extended warranty. I bought a new 04 instead..............

mitzij

dcf wants an extension on the GMPP. he is beyond the bumper to bumper 3/30 GM warranty.

boomer1b

Right......But its a Oldsmobile with a 5/50? or whatever mfr. warranty.

Funny....I could of got a GMPP for my last Caddy before the end of its 4/50? warranty at anytime also.

Me thinks GM wants to put Olds to rest fast !!!!!!

CarMan@Edmunds

You're very welcome, dcfromoc. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let us all know what you were able to find out.

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CarMan@Edmunds

I think that the issue here is that Oldsmobiles still come with a 3/36,000 original factory warranty and GM has been giving buyers a free GMPP extension to this original warranty, rather than changing the original warranty for Olds models just to make it longer.

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boomer1b

Hmmmmm.........Thats sounds about right to me !

GM and its wisdom....................LOL !

jwglee

I am buying an MDX '01. Its a certified car so I get another 12k added to the basic warrantee taking it out to 62K. The Acura Care will take it to 100k which I would like. However, the dealer wants $1,100 which seems high. Any thoughts on the real cost and real benefit of purchasing it?

bystander

My computer illiterate dad just bought a Tahoe. The dealership offered a 5yr/75k mile extended warranty for about $1600. Seems high. Could extend to 100k for additional $200. However, if don't use warranty (assuming at all), then get all monies back.

For you Chevy/GM owners, what's the best option for an extended warranty, and where is the best deal offered? Are these two sites referenced above (Cappers and Black) good?

I genuinely appreciate all responses.

klaus

Has anyone heard of any negatives on this company? They are offering me a 6yr/100000 mile policy for 1588. Named component coverage for an 02 Olds Silhouette. GM wants 3200 for a 5yr/100000

jivecat

I recommend 5starwarranty.com, they have been a round awhile and all the extended warranties are directly insured by an insurance company. They have a clean BBB and WebAssured file

jivecat

5starwarranty.com is the way to go. All the warranties that they sell are exclusionary, virtually everything is covered. I think that their prices are good for all they include.

boomer1b

Capper and Black sell genuine GMPP warranties. I shopped Blacks price at a few dealers near me including my selling dealer. They couldn't/wouldn't come NEAR it by hundreds of $$$.
Plus I would of saved the 8.25% NY sales tax also.

After being burned by a aftermarket warranty company once, its a mfr. warranty only from now on!

drmm

Hi,

  I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry. I was asked about purchasing an extended warranty/service plan. It would be for 7yrs/100,000 miles at a cost of $1400. It has a $0 deductible and covers everything except for regular, routine preventative maintainence.

  Is this something I should consider purchasing?

  Thanks for the input!

KCRam

Extended warranties are a very debatable item. Some say get it, some say put the cash away into a bank account to pay for repairs. It's really a personal choice. I tend to get them because they have paid off in the past for me. Regardless, make sure the plan offered is the official Toyota factory service plan, and not a third-party company. Dealers are obligated by their franchise contracts to honor the factory plan, but no dealer is obligated to honor an aftermarket service plan. Weigh the peace of mind versus the outlay, and if you think you need it, go for it.

kcram
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tangofan

I have decided to purchase the GMPP for my 2004 Monte Carlo ss. 72 mo. 72 K with a 0 deductible. I got a great price from Blacks The car only has 7,000 miles on it as of this morning. Should I wait until I have about 20 K (I read the price is the same as long as the mileage is under 24K) or buy it now. Does the extended start at manufacture date or policy date & will the 72,000 be total vehicle miles or added to the miles currently on th car when I buy the policy. I will check with Blacks when I buy the policy on this but forgot to ask when I spoke with them earlier.
Thanks for info.

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi tangofan. I am glad to hear that you have found an attractive selling price on the level of coverage that you are interested in. The 72,000 mile policy that you are interested in should cover your car for 72,000 total vehicle miles, not 72,000 miles past the date that you purchase it.

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gajeepgal

Hi everyone - this is just a THANKS for great advice in this discussion thread. I posted a question about extended warranties in the Honda CRV neighborhood and am also getting good replies - but there is just so much good info here, I think I've made my decision (I'm going with the Mason Jar Buried In The Backyard theory...or at the very least, a Honda warranty rather than 3rd party). Rock on, keep up the good work.

boomer1b

GM has a 3 tier GMPP pricing
New, Up to 12k miles, Over 12k miles.

CarMan@Edmunds

I am glad that you enjoyed reading this discussion so much, gajeepgal. I definitely think that you are making the right choice by either purchasing an official manufacturer-backed extended warranty or by setting aside the money that you would have spend on an ESP rather than purchasing one from an independent company.

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tangofan

As far as I understand GMPP policy, for cars 2001 - 2004 the new coverage is for vehicles under 12K and under 1 year old . Those two options are the only way to qualify for the car to classify as new, then you have between 12 - 24 K and the final tier is for 24,001 - 33,000 as I've been told an extended had to be written while the vehicle still have 3,000 miles left on the original warranty. My car was a demo. It still qualifies as new but was put in service on 10/10/04 with 5,000 miles on it. Would those miles count on a new warranty (say I bought 72/72 would i get 72/77 miles??) If not maybe it might pay off to wait to buy the policy since the cost is about 200-250 between the new tier & the 12 - 24K tier. If I bought a 60/60 on the car say September 05 with my mileage at 20,000 I would get 3 extra years and 80,000 miles as opposed to 6 years and only 72,000. Does this seem right??

boomer1b

Checking Blacks site http://www.gmoutlet.com
The GMPP starts at the date of purchase and mileage.

Whats funny tho....With any warranty company...They will make the mfr. pay for warranty repairs if under the new car waranty.
I always thought it best to buy a ex-warranty near the end of mfrs. warranty period. It does cost more...But not by much at Blacks price.

It also sez GMPP may be purchased anytime before the 3/36 factory warranty expires.

Your factory warranty should add the demo mileage to the 3/36. It should be noted in the warranty in service booklet. Dealer should of noted it in the book upon purchase.
My 04 had 120 transportation miles on it. The dealer noted it in the booklet.

tangofan

Hey boomer1b,
Thanks for the info. I'll double check my booklet/

tangofan

well, I checked. The demo went into service about 10 months b 4 I bought it. So not only do I lose the mileage, the 36 months are up in 26 from the date I bought the car. I called GM direct they were able to tell me the date my car first went into service from my vin#/ I thought I was going to forfit the mileage but did not think I would lose the months as well. Spoke to my salesman, hes going to try & do something for me.
Thanks for the info, without it I would have found out too late.
Shari

boomer1b

That stinks ! Hopefully they should add the 10 months and mileage to the 3/36.

Remember tho...if our gonna buy a GMPP you had better do so before the original 3/36 expires....
Just to be on the SAFE side !

Good luck and keep us posted !

kyrock

I'm probably going to buy a used Chrysler Town & Country tomorrw (formerly in a rental fleet). It does not have a tow package, but I need one. If I add an aftermarket tow package, will it void the remaining factory warranty or an extended warranty? Thank you

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi kyrock. Adding a trailer hitch and wiring should not void this van's factory warranty, but it would be best if you check with the dealer that you plan on having it serviced at to make certain.

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kyrock

Thank you Car_Man.
I need to add the entire tow package, ie, engine and trans cooler fans, radiator, load leveler and wiring. Do you think this will affect the waranty. Do you have an idea of the price range?

ateixeira

It might.

Most manufacturers' warranties cover the car as new plus any accessories or options you install at the dealer within a certain amount of time, a month or a year or whatever.

Now that would mean the new items themselves would not be covered. But they also affect other parts of the drivetrain, so I'd call their 800 number to find out what exactly would be covered in that scenario.

Towing is harsh on a vehicle, so the coolers are a good idea.

Does it have an extended warranty already? How much longer would a used van be covered, wasn't the OE warranty just 3/36?

-juice

kyrock

Thank you juice.

As you suggested, I called the Chrysler warranty dept. I was told I should have any aftermarket work done by the dealership.
He said that the warranty would be void to the extent that any after market modification causes a problem with the original parts. So, if I add a transmission oil cooler and Chrysler decides the cooler caused a transmission problem, then the transmission would not be covered for that problem.
That was enough for me to decide not to add any after market tow package modifications.
kyrock

stuball

I just purchased an entended warranty and I'm trying to find out if it's legit.
Has anyone purchased a warranty with this firm?
Has anyone had any problems?

quigonjohn

How is Warranty Direct these days? Does anyone have any experience with them recently?

cove148

Shopping for a new Honda pilot. Asked two dealers today to quote the price for the extended warranty
as an add on to the sales price of a new 2005. Both dealers said that this was handled by the business office after the terms of the sale were agreed. Guess I am to negotiate with the business office first on the warranty price, since I know within $200 what the car will cost. Anyone else had experience with this? What should I pay for 100K warranty?

tangofan

Hi, quick question as to when to sell my newly purchased vehicle with out taking a giant bath. I bought a demonstrator in October with 5000 miles & the understanding that I have 36 months/36 K less the 5,000 miles. Well, I only have about 2 years left on original warranty as the Monte Carlo I bought went into service in January 04 .I got taken for 10 months on the original warranty time & although the price on the extended warranty at a used car rate is very good through Blacks (about $1600.00 as long as I buy b4 the vehicle has 24,000 miles)and my husband says Suck it Up, dealers lie all the time to make a sale , you love the car, it drives great & your getting 23 MPG in the city,I am seriously thinking about trading it in before the 3 years are up . My only issue with the Monte Carlo is a severe blind spot over my left shoulder .The car is beautiful and rides very nice but I am so ticked at this dealer I can't even see straight. Now the salesmen fully admits to telling me I have the full new car warranty,the closer who really handled the deal also told me its a new car warranty, all you're giving up are the miles, but my salesman cant get anyone to actually DO anything about the lost 10 months. I told my salesman they can give me a 48/48 extended which should cost them all of 300.00 but They keep asking how many miles I drive, like that is the problem....I did get a great price on the demo, I paid 22,000 out the door on a fully loaded '04 ss (not supercharged) I put 5,000 down & have a 17,000 loan at 4% which is pretty good considering I did get the 3500 rebate and the 4% financing for 72 months. If I trade the car in for something else; when is the best time for me to do it without taking too much of a hit. Car has 7,000 miles now so I feel it will be around 32,000 in November of 2006 at max with 2 months left on the warranty.
Any advise will be appreciated.

ateixeira

You can ask Terry in the Real-World Trade-in values thread to appraise it now, and maybe forecast what it'll be worth in a year, two years, and three yeras.

I would wait it out until the warranty runs out at least. Trying to bail now would represent a pretty big loss. Will the dealer still buy it back or is it past the 30 days where some dealers allow exhchanges?

-juice

tangofan

No, its past the 30 days but not by much. I've been in constant contact with the dealer, but to no avail. The value as of right now is 19,000 to sell private, 16,000 with a dealer trade. If I hang onto it for a few years , I shouldn't be upsidedown. I just was not sure if the fact that there is 2 years left on the warranty should be something I should consider if I try & trade it now. As far as I figure, Ill take a loss if I trade before 11/06.
Thanks for the info about real world trade in.

bobst

Since you like the car, keep it.

If you have trouble seeing over you left shoulder, then use your side mirror.

Yeah, the dealer did not trest you right, and you are so mad you "can't even see straight". So what? Do you think you are the only person to be treated badly by a car dealer?

Learn from the experience, so that you will get a better deal next time you buy a car. In the meantime, enjoy driving your beautiful car.

tangofan

Hey bobst,
thanks for the advice. You are right, I am taking this a bit too personally and no, I don't think I'm the only one to be treated badly. I just feel bad that I was not informed enough to know I should check into the cars "in-service" date . It is a learning experince and I'm sure to get a better deal next time around. Live & learn,right?
As far as the mirrors, I do use my side view way more often since I bought the car and also have taken the advise of others to adjust them further out than I normally would. The blind spot was the only thing I did not like about the car. Everything else I loved, the 10 month warranty issue put a damper on the car buying experience for me.
Shari