Extended Warranties

driftracer

4 years or so, you'll barely be out of warranty at any point -

They called the $250 checks "flex cash" - of course, this is after you'd signed up, so I'm giving you this info too late..

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi 68mpolo. I thought that the 2005 Saturn VUE already comes with a free 5 year / 60,000 mile extended warranty. Did you choose the additional $1,250 "personalization allowance" instead of the free warranty? If the answer is no, then you may already have enough coverage for your truck without purchasing another ESP.

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cadillacmike

I think (it was a while ago) that my GMPP from 1992 was partially refundable, based on "used" mileage or something like that. I do remember submitting an application for a partial refund from GM when we traded in a 1992 Corsica in 1996, we hadn't "used" all of the GMPP yet. We got a refund check pretty quick, but it was NOT a TOTAL refund, just a pro-rated amount.

I can't remember if we actually the warranty either.

driftracer

can have a pro-rated refund when it's cancelled - this is about a dealer making them claim that if you don't use it, we'll give you your money back. They're using this ridiculous claim as a selling tool, and that's pathetic.

cadillacmike

Yeah, that's a real good way to get the firm in hot water!

but it takes all kinds to make the world...

driftracer

with the idea of offering a warranty to lower the rate - in some rare cases, when the amount to finance goes over a certain amount, the rate may actually drop a bit - too many weak F&I managers use this phrase/scenario all the time, and of course, consumers don't know the specific lender's policies...

My feeling is that if you're so weak you have to make up stories to sell ANYTHING, be it a warranty, a car, or a TV, you're in the wrong business.

rx300

I have a 1998 Mercedes E320 and I want to purchase extended warranty. Can someone kindly recommend a good warranty / good warranty company with the best coverage I can get. There are so many out there that you don't know where to start. Can't trust some of these companies.
Was about to purchase one. First the guy told me I'll have to get th ecar inspected with a 14 day wait which was no problem. Now he is telling me I'll have to wait 30 days / 1000 miles before filing any clims. That I hav e a problem with in terms of what happens if after I purchase say 2 wks after the something goes out. He's giving me two different standards.

driftracer

of trouble finding anyone to write a contract on a car that's already 7 model years old, 8 actual years (on sale in 1997).

rx300

Its interesting though. There are companies out there that will sell. The issue is who will stand by their product they sell. Who can I trust.

driftracer

there's not much time and mileage involved in the coverage, as compared to the cost. They'll use the "Mercedes is a high priced German car" thing against you, and likely want to change you $2500-3000 for a 2 year contract.

Unless you can get twice that time and mileage, for half that cost, you'd be better off leaving a reserve on a credit card, or putting that money in the bank for possible future repairs.

YOU would be a much better "warranty company" that anything I've seen in the private contract world.

buckeyeespn

I am currently looking for an extended warranty for my truck. One that will handle my claims without a problem along with covering everything on the original warranty. I need help in finding the right one for me. The truck has 49600 miles and I might put a plow on it. Where should I start looking? I have looked at Contiental and 1sourceautowarranty companies but both seem to have compaint proplems with claims.

buckeyeespn

I am looking for an Extended Warranty for a F-250 2001 with around 49,600 miles on it. With the possiblity of putting a snow plow on it in the future. what is my best possible choice to look at for this truck warranty?

rx300

Check out Warranty Direct. They will do cars & trucks under 60K miles

rx300

I can get a 3yr 36K warranty for about $2,500.THsi will tak eme over 100K. I can agree with you to some extent. However reapirs on Mercedes are expensive than most cars.

driftracer

I agree that MBs are expensive to fix, but without the $5,000 nav system failure that I've seen on newer vehicles, you'd have to lose several major components, like ABS or ECM modules, or an engine or transmission to recoup your money.

Maintenance/wear and tear isn't covered (significant cost with MB), the contracts themselves are a major hassle to deal with, and barring a catastrophic failure, you may never have repairs add up to the money you've spent.

rx300

The one I'm looking at for $2500 - 36K covers wear & tear (not the brake pads type)seals & Gaskets and a lot of major engine components such as transmission, A/C, radiator, cooling and so on. Now I am told it is aministered by Warranty America. You know anything about them?
Thanks for the help.

buckeyeespn

Which extended warranty company ranks the best in overall satifaction?

driftracer

service contracts, for information, having dealt with them as a service manager, and having sold them in F&I.

I can't recommend a company, period.

How does it read with reference to wear and tear? Brake pads aren't covered, but "wear and tear" is?

Seals and gaskets are a mandatory thing - I've seen many service contracts get around paying for engine failures because your head gasket blew - they don't cover gaskets, or failures resulting from gasket failures. Same with front and rear transmission seals...

You want to talk about a mad consumer?? Tell them that because their water pump gasket failed, and their engine overheated and blew, since it wasn't an "internal" (initiated) failure, it wasn't covered...

rx300

What do you mean by seals and gaskets are mandatory? Do you mean I should make sure they are covered? Madatory from my part.
This copy of the contract I'm looking at says Seals & Gaskets & Wear & tear included - meaning wear & tear in terms of say your power doors, windows, sunroof, etc. Things that will mechanically wear , as opposed to maintenance like brake pads. Also I do believe power items will fall in Electrical per se. If I had an email address I could I've forwarded a copy of what they sent me.

Have you heard anything about Warranty America. I know you can't endorsed anyone.

driftracer

Yes, mandatory coverage - that's a HUGE loophole for the service contract company otherwise.

Power windows, doors, sunroofs aren't wear and tear items - they fall under electrical - sounds like a weird set of classifications to me...

I can endorse anyone I like - I have no restrictions at all. I WILL NOT endorse any private service contract firm, though, because of the Wrath of Hades I've seen companies put consumers through.

They're pretty much the same, same requirements, same loopholes, etc - just insurance policies, that have adjusters looking for ways not to pay claims. Not cool at all.

rfrench

Am interested in purchasing an extended warranty on my 2004 buick and have really looked over all the internet sites and think I have found one that has caught my interest...It's Autowarrantygruop backed by ServiceGuard....Anyone know anything about this company....

buckeyeespn

I have looked at Contiental and 1sourceautowarranty? comparing both I pref. 1source but have not decided after seeing all the complaints made on them. I don't know if there is an extended warranty company that doesn't have one but I am trying to find one that at least looks to solve comsumer problems. Anyone know???

rx300

Look at Warranty Direct www.warrantydirect.com They only cover vehicles under 60,000 miles

driftracer

Warranty Direct, and they're actually one of the worst as far as consumer hassles and payment.

cadillacmike

"They're pretty much the same, same requirements, same loopholes, etc - just insurance policies, that have adjusters looking for ways not to pay claims. Not cool at all."

That's one reason why ins companies are near the top of my hate list.

Believe it, driftracer is right, they have every angle covered - from both sides!

Stay Away from non mfr backed "warranties".

buckeyeespn

Who is the best at consumer hassles and parment?

buckeyeespn

Warranty Direct and 1sourceautowarranty which one is better in overall customer satisfaction?

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi rfrench. If I was in the market for an extended warranty for a 2004 Buick, I personally would purchase an official factory-backed policy. In most states the purchase prices of extended warranties are negotiable. Furthermore, you do not have to purchase your vehicle's extended warranty from the same dealership that you bought your car at or the one that you plan on having it serviced at. Shop around on the Internet and get a few price quotes on the level of coverage that you are interested in. I am aware of a couple of Web sites that offer very competitive prices on official GM warranties. They are: Black Pontiac / Cadillac and Capper Auto Center. Once you have gotten price quotes from these and possibly other sites, give the dealer that you plan on having your service work performed at the opportunity to match or beat these prices. While you do not necessarily have to purchase your extended warranty from the dealership that you will have it serviced at, all things being equal it definitely does not hurt to buy it there.

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boomer1b

Remember if you decide on a GMPP ex-warranty. You have untill the expiration (3-36) GM factory warranty to purchase a extended one.

It may cost a little more but the coverage starts when you purchase it.

You never know if your gonna dump the car before the warranty ends. Or you might have a troublefree car and never need a ex-warranty !

Its a gamble no matter what brand of car you buy!

68mpolo

Hello Car_man,
I could've either had the 5yr/60K warranty or 0% financing over 5 years. Opted for the 0% financing because I had no down payment and also had to trade in my 04 Mazda3(which I was upside-down about $430). Figured since I wasn't paying any interest, I might as well purchase the ESP to boot.
Had second thoughts after reading the contract. Did some research and asked for people's opinions (thanx again driftracer) and will get a refund.
I am slowly but surely learning about proper car function and maintenence so hopefully won't encounter too many problems down the road.
Thanks.
68mpolo

rfrench

thanks for the info car_man- I did just what you said several days ago but the dealer tried to tell me that he couldn't go any lower, 2362.00 for a 100 ded. 6yr/100000 miles starting from the in-service date plus 100 ded was on each repair of componets instead of one visit...As you can tell he wasn't to interested to deal with me...I finally went back and cancelled the warranty...We had signed it when we purchased the car, but after looking over some of the cost over the internet there was no way we would buy his insurance...I have probably looked at 50 or so internet sites for extended warranties, but after checking with the bbb and other invaluable sources had come up with the company in Ohio. They have been in the business since 1977 and are administered by the ServiceGuard Sytems...and insured with the Dealers Alliance Corp...Have sent info to Black Pontiac but have yet heard from them...Thanks again, Rfrench

CarMan@Edmunds

Thanks for the reply, 68mpolo. You're right the 0% for 5 years that GM is offering on this model is not compatible with its free warranty program.

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CarMan@Edmunds

You're welcome, rfrench.

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dscruggs

Kirstie,

As a 300M owner for over 4 years and a member of a national 300M club I have been exposed to literally hundreds of owner complaints about a myriad of issues but with the exception of a few dash dimmer light issues NONE of these are "expensive electrical/computer problems". Even the dimmer light problem can be avoided at NO cost at all with a very simple modification in usage.

Might I ask where you, as an official representative of Edmund's Town Hall, came upon this information? Certainly something that justifies the label 'notorious' must be backed up by some hard data. Might you share it?

Thanks
Don

driftracer

if I may...

Don, while I'm a fan of the 300M, I've seen over 300 lemon law cases for transmissions, engine management systems, and electrical systems in the past 4 years.

If I had one, it would definitely have an extended warranty on it, and only a DCC contract would do - no aftermarket stuff for me.

docd4u

In my searching, I am finding that there is only one company in California that can sell extended warranties. Is this correct? Are there other choices or options? I am looking to buy a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 2wd with 38000 miles on it. Just over the manufactures time frame, of course.
Thanks a head of time
DocD

analyticangel

Kirstie
Please explain to me your response and what direct knowledge you have regarding the statement you could be charged with fraud (what laws are you referring to???)

I live in Florida and Toyota warranty is sold in this state and regulated by SET My understanding is that any warranty sold in Florida must be at a set price but that law does not apply to sellers outside the state of florida

Furthermore, one can contact a Toyota dealer outside the South tell a dealer where you live, where you bought the car and where it is registered (not fraud stating the exact truth) and I have had dealers say they can write a policy for anywhere in the US I have been told thAt the laws regulating the set price refer to any dealers physically located in this state I had Finance guy from a dealer in Florida tell me I dont have to buy my policy in Florida

I have not purchased any yet and any information or direct knowledge or links would be helpful

Kirstie_H

Reliability ratings have been poor. I'm speaking as a consumer, and I am lucky to live in an age where so much information is readily available, and I can buy Consumer Reports at any newsstand and search all of the automotive sites on the web.

Additionally, I was a 300M owner, and experienced a number of issues that were fortunately covered under warranty - including the failure (on the Interstate) of the entire power control module. Also, a close relative (who shall remain nameless) is a long-time Chrysler employee and is currently a divisional parts & service manager for DCX. He basically told us to dump the 300M given the number of complaints experienced, or go for the warranty.

As an Edmunds.com host, I have read the myriad problems posted in Chrysler 300M Owners: Problems & Solutions. If you have not had any (or many) problems, that's great. If you love your car, that's also great. I once owned a 2000 Jetta, a model year that was reported to be riddled with electrical and other problems. I had ZERO problems - good for me. I'm not advising against purchasing a 300M; I was responding to a consumer who is interested in purchasing an extended warranty. Personally, I recommended it, and still do.

Driftracer has also shared experience that is more than anecdotal.

Kirstie_H

analyticangel, what I'm referring to is members who plan to outright lie about where they live, and give a false address. Putting a false address on a contract is a bad idea, legally. It's like using a fake name. While that would be fraud, the worst that would likely happen is that your policy would be voided and you'd lose all the money you paid for it.

If you can purchase a service contract in another state while telling the truth about where you live and where the vehicle is registered, then there's absolutley no problem at all!

adam102

I purchased a Guardian warranty in 2003 and had no need for it until this past week. What a scam they denied the claim and had all sorts of bogus reasons as to why. BUYER BEWARE

armywife1

I am new here and a little confused with all this info.
I have a 2002 ford explorer, and want to extend my warranty. I think from reading the messages that the best thing is to go to the dealer and say you want the extended manufacture coverage not an off company. And that you want to pay $100 over their cost. Is this correct? I now have 35,900 miles on my vehicle so want to act quickly. Thanks much

gohonda1

I originally purchased a warranty from the dealer the day I bought my new 2005 Honda Accord. After reviewing the contract I decided I no longer wanted the warranty so I proceeded to cancel it. I was refunded the full amount since I cancelled within 60 days. My question is, am I entitled to the tax that I payed on the warranty? I would think that I would be, but when I contacted the dealer they said they weren't sure I'd get that back. I figured this was probably just another way for them to screw me out of more money. Anyone have any experience with this? What should I do to get them to pay me back? Thanks.

driftracer

you purchased a product, for which the retailer charged you sales tax. They have no way to return the tax, just like there's no way that you'd get your sales tax back (from your state) if you sold your car tomorrow.

gohonda1

"They have no way to return the tax, just like there's no way that you'd get your sales tax back (from your state) if you sold your car tomorrow."

That's a completely different situation though. You are describing a situation where I bought a product and then sold it to another person. That is not the same as buying a product and returning it for a refund. For example, if you buy something from Wal-Mart and return it for a refund you get EVERYTHING back, including the sales tax that was payed on that product. Why would this be any different? Right now it is as if this warranty was never purchased, so why would NJ be able to collect tax on something that wasn't sold? That makes no sense. Not that I am saying you are wrong because I have yet to find an answer and since we are dealing with the government here, I am sure there are LOTS of things that make no sense.

driftracer

however, it's an "aftersale" product that the dealership paid the state sales taxes on - you're not getting your tax money back. This is categorized like undercoating, an alarm system, etc.

Let me just say that I've never seen it done in the many states I've lived in, worked in, and had business contacts in - it NEVER hurts to ask.

crystal2

Hi, Car_man and others, Can you let me know if $1850 for an extended warranty of 100,000 miles/ 8 or 10 years for a 2002 Audi A6 with 31,000 miles on it ( and a current 50K miles/ 4 years warranty) is a reasonable price? This was quoted by the nearest Audi dealership to us in Long Island, NY. Besides shopping at various Audi dealerships, how does one start the comparison shopping via the internet for a Audi sponsored warranty? Thanks for any input and insights.

gohonda1

"however, it's an "aftersale" product that the dealership paid the state sales taxes on - you're not getting your tax money back. This is categorized like undercoating, an alarm system, etc. "

I have yet to get my money back, but this is a response I got from the Division of Taxation in NJ.

"Since the warranty was cancelled, the sale was cancelled, therefore you are entitled to a refund of the sales tax that you paid. You may either request the refund from the car dealer, or you may send an application to the Director of Taxation for a refund provided that the application is made within four years from the date of payment."

It appears that I was correct in assuming that I deserved that money back. Of course, getting the money from the dealer or the state is probably going to be a whole new headache!

driftracer

never seen it pursued, I wish you luck - you'll have to deal with the state and not the dealership, more than likely.

tjo

I Understand there is another dealer with low mark-ups for selling GMPP Extend warrantees. I believe they are H & H Chevrolet in Kershaw SC, but I don't have a web site or 800 #.

I was considering purchasing one from Warranty Direct (They supposedly sell to dealers also) and are out of NY, and are licensed in Calif... The dealer I purchased my 05 truck from does not sell GMPP but use CNA National Warranty Corp.??? They want $1900 for a 84 month 100,000 mile $150 deduct. WDirect is 1500 "0" deduct for the same. I need to do a fine tooth re-read of warranty comparison first.

Thanks for everyone's good in put... tom

boomer1b

You can purchase the GMPP warranty up till near the end of you 3/36 new car GM warranty. Check http://www.gmoutlet.com for the sliding price comparo.

Read the fine print CLOSELY on those brand X warranties. Some have the hidden 'gotchas" like internally lubricated...yada..yada excuses to get out of a repair................

I know....I got burned once !!!! Be warned..its YOUR money..............