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Chrysler's New Lifetime Drivetrain Warranty
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Less hypothetically, Mazda did reduce their B2B warranty from 4/50 to 3/36 for 2007 model cars. Not sure how this impacted their sales, but it would have been a significant factor for me had I been considering one of their vehicles.
So I'm not buyin' your argument there. I think it's a combo of warranty + price + (in Hyundai's case) improved product.
I'm not sure why people buy Kias at all...I never really thought about it.”
Toyota and Honda have two good things going for them. Consistently good product with great reliability. They can be as bad as the domestics should you need to use the warranty but you are very unlikely to need it. If I wanted safe, fuel efficient and almost unquestioned reliability I would go with either of these two.
The domestics are hammered with a bad perception of quality. You might actually have to use the warranty and a bad perception of willingness to allow you to use the warranty. Plus frankly what are the odds of the power train going bad on a car? Esp. in the five to ten years you may have it? I would be far more worried about things like the power locks breaking.
Hyundai is cheap and perhaps less reliably than the domestics but they don’t fight you over the warranty and it covers way more stuff. If I wanted the best warranty for my money I would go Hyundai.
Finally the idea that someone is given only 60 days to get the car checked or loss the warranty sounds like a cop out to me. Why can’t the owner simply show that he has kept up with the maintenance of the car like with any other kind of warranty? I can see an inspection being required but give me a break. How about an inspection that is done at least once a year? Frankly I would be worried about a dealer trying to stall me from getting the car in during that time.
Pretty darn good if you have a chrysler product actually. My inlaws gave my wife and I a 92 caravan with 80K miles when they had finished with it. They had put two tranmissions in it when we got it. We put two in it in the time we owned it, one at 90K and another at 112K.
My wife was convinced that things were better at Chrysler a couple of years later when we were ready for a vehicle and she insisted on a lease of a new 97-98. This time I insisted she get the extended powertrain warranty and we made use of it, replacing the transmission at 55K. Mind you in both of these vehciles the transmissions were serviced properly, were not used as tow vehicles and HAD the towing package so they had the transmission coolers etc installed.
That was the last Chrysler product in our garage.
The new warranty will at least get me to look at the new models, but without that - I would never touch another Chrysler product again. Not with a $3K ticking repair bill - NO way.
I would be far more worried about things like the power locks breaking.
In all the vehicles I have ever owned with this feature none have ever broken on me ever.
But I think that was rather exceptional than the rule.
There was an active Townhall member up until a couple of years ago who was an expert for a law office specializing in lemon law cases. His comments were that (at that time) Hyundais still had the most warranty issues AND were very hard to deal with. Hopefully things have changed for the better...
I mention this fact because still, for whatever reason, some people still think they will be stricken with disease if they take this huge chance on buying a Kia. Those days passed about 7 or 8 years ago when Kia really stepped up their quality checks and began building an even better product than they were building when I bought my 1999 Kia Sephia.
So, for Chrysler to offer this Warranty on their powertrains is a big plus. That is, if one of their products is reaching out to you. I would be more for Chrysler sticking around than for them folding so I am one that likes this new powertrain Warranty for life and I hope that Chrysler makes the type of quality products that won't need the coverage. So, they should be really stepping up the quality and reliability at the same time they offer this Warranty, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Thing is Chrysler was the first to increase their powertrain warranty to 7 yr/70k in the 90's to instill confidence in the consumer after all their transmission failures (please let's not argue about this). You'd think they would have learned from this and have increase the quality and reliability already.
Whenever it rains the tranny is acting up. She took it in. They diagnosed frayed wiring harness leading to the tranny from the computer. The kicker is: The tranny is covered, but the harness is not. She is out the diagnostic fee and a new harness.
What good is the powertrain warranty if the components that the powertrain relys on for operation are not covered?
I remember this TV ad once that really made me laugh. They were showing this car splashing through puddles, climbing hills, blah blah and in the background this chorus of lovely female voices were singing about freedom and safety and the assurance of the warranty....and right at the VERY END of the ad, one of the singers chirps up: "excluding manual clutch!"
So name that tune...if you just READ the TV screen you'd have seen that longgggg drivetrain warranty....but if you weren't paying attention to the jingle...well, tough luck...
This is a desperate act from a desperate company. A marketing ploy no doubt put together by some marketing people. The "warranty freaks" as we call them will fall for this. If the program proves to be a disaster as it easily could be, it'll be quietly dropped or modified.
I would like to read the fine print on this one!
It just sounds like an ill conceived ball of snakes to me and the fact I happen to be in the business has nothing to do with my feelings.
VERY EASILY DONE Just go to any Chrysler dealer and pick up a copy. :shades:
Just like people who buy marginal quality hand tools because of a "lifetime" warranty.
There are good and bad examples for every brand and a person has to be living in a cave if they don't know someone who has had an ugly experience with any brand.
Poor management and bad decisions led to their demise...too bad.
I think a "Lifetime" warranty is another example of this.
The values of used Chryslers vs. Hondas certainly bears that out!
Good move by Chrysler. It won't hurt them, and almost certainly will help. To what extent? (TO BE CONTINUED)
I am more concerned with the quality of the Chrysler product than this new Warranty. I don't see a Chrysler product I want so this is a non-issue for me, but, for those considering the Chrysler product this Warranty will help Chrysler more than hurt them. They've got to improve build and reliability though or this is a moot exercise.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
People have bought Kias for the same reason, the warranty.
When I was in a former business there were customers whose ONLY concern was the length of the warranty. We called these people "warranty freaks".. That wasn't a slam on them just a term we used.
These people will ONLY focus on the length of the warranty and they won't stp to think about how they never keep a car more than four years etc.
For others, it's COLOR. That is ALL they care about. I've seen people buy a certain model of car simply because a certain color wasn't offered in the model they really wanted in the first place.
Some things, I will never understand...
That's why I say Chrysler must go to work building great rigs and then convincing people that their cars will hold up and be solid, dependable vehicles that don't cost an arm and a hammer to buy and operate. I'm not convinced this is currently the case.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I'm not sold on the newer Kias either but I'm sure they have improved.
Nah I can see why color can do that. I would hate to drive around in a car with a color I disliked. With a car I would have to like the total package both the model and the color. If a color I like is not available then I might look at other models I like cause I ain’t spending thousands on something I dislike. Now if the car is overpriced or just can’t do what I want it to do that is one thing. Or if the car has poor reliability I might choose something else but what ever I drive should both look good and be reliable.
I think there are always going to be people that go for warranty but without something else (like price, reputation, desirable product) it won't pull in that many people.
It would be nice if this spurs product improvement along the lines of the Hyundai precedent.
#1. Chrysler NEVER made a product with the bad reputation of the original Hyundai's.
#2. Chrysler vehicles have BETTER quality than Hyundai.
Chrysler can NOT improve along the lines of the Hyundai precedent because they have never had as far to improve. :shades:
Volare
Omni/Horizon
Certain versions of the K-car
Neon
It handled great in the snow with its front wheel drive.
However, I remember the first day my father brought it home. He closed the hatchback and the "horizon" nameplate fell off.
Within the first three years, the floorpans and carpet wore through, the crank handles on the windows broke, the handle opening the drivers side broke off ....
It was enough to convince my father, a MOPAR fanatic, to switch to Fords.
Yes of course ! And I bet they drop it like a hot potato when the Dodge Hornet starts coming over from China, or at least exclude it from the "Lifetime" program.
What I am saying is simply do the math and their exposure to loss is not that great: subtract rentals,fleet, subtract those who don't keep their cars longer than five years, subtract those that don't follow maintenance requirements to keep the warranty in effect, etc. It's almost advertising "puffery" which is resulting in press coverage and getting Chrysler's name in the news in a good way.I don't think the Sebring has grabbed the public's attention the way this warranty offering has.
Pretty shrewd. And all marketing.May sell a few cars.
Reminds me of that old cartoon about the K Car: Iacocca is standing next to the Plymouth Reliant under the caption:"And when we sell this one, we'll build another one." Maybe they'll sell a few on this. And none of them will have the same buyer 5 years from now. Clever!!!!
Maybe it will move those lots filled with 06s and 07s where Chrysler parked them and posted them as "sold" to shore up it's books.
300s are going for $7000 off sticker here in the LA area.Can't blame them for trying.
It also attempts to tell the public that Chrysler is still in the game, that it can stand alone without Daimler.
According to Automotive News [where I read the quote I cannot remember; perhaps in this very thread], Chrysler's warranty costs were 3 times higher than GMs.
They need to do something to inspire confidence in the consumer with all the baggage Chrysler is carrying.
I'm patient... the car's out there and they aren't going up in price either!
At least among the local competition out here, the reaction seems to be a big yawn.
RE: Chrysler's reputation. All I can say about that is when Chrysler broke most engineering ties with Mitsubishi, the Mitsu dealers fell to their knees in gratitude.
Go read in some Chrysler friendly forums to learn that most Chrysler owners are delighted to be rid of the Daimler connection.
After owning a 2002 T&C LX, my more expensive Toyota Sienna LE is a BIG disappointment because I had expected it to be better after reading in Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and other publications. I have driven a 2001 Ody EX many times and have been shocked at how noisy it is compared to the less expensive T&C. The Chrysler T&C is a BETTER value than either the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.
Is it possible to overlook your Honda - Toyota bias?
Of the American makes I've bought new, 2 were Fords, 2 were GMs, and 3 were Chryslers ('95 Grand Cherokee, '96 T&C, and '01 PT Cruiser).
Although other-wise a good car, that T&C is the only new car I've ever had to just quit running one day while driving down the road.
That said, I do agree with you that the T&C is a good value.
I purchased a new Ram Hemi last November so if I want the new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty I have to pay $750/$900. No complaints, I don't feel "shafted". If I had wanted a good warranty in November, I would have bought a GM product rather than my Ram.
Typically, I trade trucks every three or four years but I put about 60,000-75,000 miles on them in this time period.
I talked to my Dodge dealer's service manager about the Lifetime powertrain Warranty; he said for that "peace of mind" purchasing it for $750/$900 would be a good idea. But he also said that since the Hemis came out he has not had "to go into" any of the Hemi engines, he has dealt with no rear end problems and he has replaced only one transmission because of a bad pump. (Maybe this is why Chrysler can offer the new warranty. The other reason being that "lifetime" ownership by most of us is not all that long.)
Should I part with the $750/$900 to buy into the new program? I know there are others who are asking the same question.
On the other hand, another acquaintance would buy nothing but a diesel powered Mercedes Benz sedan. :confuse:
I'm thinking that they'll still be offering the never-ending Warranty then.
If someone thinks it took a small leap of faith to buy a 1999 Kia Sephia with a 5 year, 60,000 mile Powertrain Warranty in May of 1999 how 'bout some particular leap of faith buying a 2009 Dodge Hornet built by Chery Motors of China and sold by Dodge? Ya know, the Lifetime Warranty only makes me want to research the Hornet even more soundly, though.
But it came out all right with the Kia Sephia. I liked it so much I traded it in in only two short years on a 2001 Kia Sportage 4X4. I would've traded that in on another new Kia had Mitsubishi Motors of Japan not designed this beautiful new sporty sedan and released it in the spring of 2007. But the leap of faith to buy a Kia actually saved me on maintenance money and upkeep money. Kia's are very economical to own and operate.
Oh, but, I know, Chinese building cars? They can't build cars, can they? Who's willing to part with cash for one right out of the gate. Chery and Dodge are going to be very busy turning the Hornet in to a car that is ready to meet emission and other standards for the U.S. Much work ahead for them. Tata Motors of India is going to begin selling cars for $2,500 to their countrymen soon. No plans to export to the U.S.
Ahhh...the wonderful world of production cars started by Henry Ford so many decades ago.
Thanks, Henry!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
At least among the local competition out here, the reaction seems to be a big yawn.
RE: Chrysler's reputation. All I can say about that is when Chrysler broke most engineering ties with Mitsubishi, the Mitsu dealers fell to their knees in gratitude."
I think we're on the same page with this, anyway. It's done exactly what they hoped it would do: created talk about Chrysler at very little expense to them. And it won't be a factor for a lot of people because of the length of time people keep their cars.
There is a lot of "fine print" in this as in all things regarding warranties, extended protection etc etc etc.
There has been plenty of hedging in other's warranties.It is the nature of the beast.
Just looking at earlier posts for the KIA/Hyundai 10/10, Sephia, etc. from about 2001-2002 here on Edmunds, people were getting rejected for warranty work for the slightest reason. If that maintenance schedule wasn't followed to the letter:warranty repair denied.People commented on the amount of effort it took to keep that 10-10 in effect. Plenty of hedging going on there.
They need to improve their 3-36 quality and the non powertrain stuff.
Iluvmysephia : as to why Chrysler wouldn't offer the warranty on the Dodge Hornet: Mattel's recent Chinese made toy recall,the poison pet food incident, another instance of bedding from China causing itching and rashes because of the use of formaldehyde to treat the fabric, the toothpaste made with anti freeze chemicals. There are probably more incidents I haven't even heard of yet.
I'd say that would be reason enough to worry about the quality of any non electronic product and especially a big ticket item like an automobile, especially when Chrysler has it's own homegrown sketchy reputation for reliablity to deal with. It won't help it any to import problems [can we say Plymouth Cricket?].
Additionally: I cannot imagine anyone buying one of Chrysler's eyesores for the purpose of driving it for a "lifetime", except perhaps the 300.So the corporations exposure to warranty costs for that warrnty coverage drops still lower
That warranty sounds good, but: not enough to give confidence in the product, nor is it enough to keep at bay the nagging question: will Chrysler even be here to do the 5 year inspection, much less a "lifetime"?
You're right, Mr Shift: there really isn't any "there" there after all. :surprise:
And Chrysler has a lot of motivation right now to improve. It will be a joy to watch, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Personally at this point in time, I am not inclined to buy a Chrysler because of this warranty. All I might get out of it is a lifetime of going back to the dealer, I don't know as I want that.
I like my Toyota warranty precisely because a) it's there and b) I never used it. So BOTH those things matter to me, not just the one.
Does that make sense or ????
Right now I'm shoppin' for a new MINI. But I'm reading every review and owner report I can get my hands on. If those reviews were bad, I wouldn't care if MINI offered me THIS lifetime and my next re-incarnation (of course, I'd be too young to drive for the first 16 years). :P