Anyone buy their own extended warranties for auto?

[RadioFanatic]

We just bought a used dodge caravan. We are thinking of buying an extended warranty for it; however, the one the dealer offers seems pricey. has anyone had any luck buying one on their own and can recommend who to use? thanks!

 

[Schachteles]

We bought one for my Trailblazer through the dealer, it wasn't cheap, it ended up being like $2300. BUT if you don't use it you get your money back, or at least we do with mine. So I only have 4k miles till the warranty is up, so if nothing happensm than I get that money back.

 

[dumbodame]

Be very careful when purchasing an after-market warranty. Do your research is the best advice I can give you.

I work at a Ford dealership. The only extended warranties we accept up front for payment are Ford ones.

Any non-Ford after-market warranty repairs must be paid by the customer, and then the customer is responsible for getting reimbursed.

After-market warranty companies are notorious for not paying the claims, for taking months to pay a claim, and for going out of business.

It became a liability for us to accept the risk. You will find that it is not unusual for dealerships to demand up front payment if the extended warranty is not from the manufacturer.

My best suggestion would be to buy the Dodge extended warranty since that is the vehicle you purchased. When purchased from the manufacturer, you will never have to worry about that warranty not being accepted.

True....manufacturer extended warranties are more expensive...but you won't ever be faced with having to pay for your repairs up front and then hope that you will be reimbursed.

If you decide to go with an after-market company I cannot impress upon you enough to do your research about them. I have seen too many customers walk out of here with a $1500 repair bill only to have their extemded warranty company refuse the claim.

 

[dawson5]

I don't if things have changed, but last I knew if you buy this extended warranty and turn the car in before it expires, you might be eligible to get a fraction of it back. Hubby bought a used car once and the previous owner didn't do that. He got the extended warranty (what was left of it) for free.

And we're firm believers in extended warranties. We've bought them for every car we've ever owned and they seem to pay for themselves.

 

[mlraabe]

We just bought an 09 suburban and purchased the extended warranty through our credit union. It was a better deal than at the dealership.

 

[wmharley]

Be very careful when purchasing an after-market warranty. Do your research is the best advice I can give you.

I work at a Ford dealership. The only extended warranties we accept up front for payment are Ford ones.

Any non-Ford after-market warranty repairs must be paid by the customer, and then the customer is responsible for getting reimbursed.

After-market warranty companies are notorious for not paying the claims, for taking months to pay a claim, and for going out of business.

It became a liability for us to accept the risk. You will find that it is not unusual for dealerships to demand up front payment if the extended warranty is not from the manufacturer.

My best suggestion would be to buy the Dodge extended warranty since that is the vehicle you purchased. When purchased from the manufacturer, you will never have to worry about that warranty not being accepted.

True....manufacturer extended warranties are more expensive...but you won't ever be faced with having to pay for your repairs up front and then hope that you will be reimbursed.

If you decide to go with an after-market company I cannot impress upon you enough to do your research about them. I have seen too many customers walk out of here with a $1500 repair bill only to have their extemded warranty company refuse the claim.

I bought via my Credit Union. I am allowed to go to any place, but the place has to call the warranty to get authorized. The warranty pays DIRECTLY to them, not me then reimbursed. I can also see anyone I want, which I'll pick my local mechanic who's worked on other cars for me.

Only wear and tear items aren't covered (shocks, brakes, etc). I have for $1200 a 100K/7yr plan with no deductable. Its the platinum plan.

Switch to my other car with a dealer purchased plan, its a 70K/7yr plan with a $50 for $1500.

I'd contact your bank or credit union and see if they have any companies they work with. The companies will usually be on the up and upa dn you should have great service.

 

[aggielawyer]

Also, check to see what would be involved to actually use the warranty. I bought an extended warranty for my car because I knew I'd be keeping it for a long time. I had to have something done recently and they told me that they had to do an assessment of the problem which would cost me $90 BUT if the problem is covered by the warranty, then I wouldn't have to pay the $90. So I had to take a $90 gamble. I went with it, and the problem was covered, but I still didn't like that.

I personally will never buy an extended warranty again. I paid $700 to take it out to 10 years or 120K miles. I've only had one issue, which was covered, but I don't think it would have cost me that much to get it fixed. I'm close the 120k mile mark and don't anticipate any issues before I hit it, so in the end I don't think it was really worth it. I can't imagine paying $2300 for one.

Take the money that you would pay for an extended warranty and set it aside in a savings account for vehicle repairs--you're more likely to come out ahead IMO.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have GEICO. When I bought my 2008 Edge I had Mechanical Breakdown Insurance added to my policy, for $35 per six months. It will cover any out of warranty major repairs with a $250 per incident deductible. You may be able get it from your insurance company, but check with them.

 

[Handbag Lady]

We just bought an 09 suburban and purchased the extended warranty through our credit union. It was a better deal than at the dealership.

I did the same thing. It was $1200 less and covered more than the dealership's offer.

 

[Maize&Blue]

Be very careful when purchasing an after-market warranty. Do your research is the best advice I can give you.

I work at a Ford dealership. The only extended warranties we accept up front for payment are Ford ones.

Any non-Ford after-market warranty repairs must be paid by the customer, and then the customer is responsible for getting reimbursed.

After-market warranty companies are notorious for not paying the claims, for taking months to pay a claim, and for going out of business.

It became a liability for us to accept the risk. You will find that it is not unusual for dealerships to demand up front payment if the extended warranty is not from the manufacturer.

My best suggestion would be to buy the Dodge extended warranty since that is the vehicle you purchased. When purchased from the manufacturer, you will never have to worry about that warranty not being accepted.

True....manufacturer extended warranties are more expensive...but you won't ever be faced with having to pay for your repairs up front and then hope that you will be reimbursed.

If you decide to go with an after-market company I cannot impress upon you enough to do your research about them. I have seen too many customers walk out of here with a $1500 repair bill only to have their extemded warranty company refuse the claim.

this is how it is at the dealership I take our vechicles to to get repaired(dodge dealership). they only accept manufacture warranties.