Car extended warranty help, please!

[Mom2Ben02]

We are - unfortunately - in the market for a new car. Our 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan has 150,000+, and has had NO problems running. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of saying that out loud. Three days later, we need a new engine. I have gotten various quotes - from $2400 - $4500. NOT interested in putting that much $$$ into a car that has power locks that don't work, a window that will not go down, etc etc.

SO, we are off to buy a used car this week. I have not done this in a LONG time - 8.5 years - and have not had a car payment for almost 7. SIGH...

My question - is there somewhere OTHER than the dealership (most likely CarMax) to buy an extended warranty??

 

[mrsklamc]

Our credit union offers one for cars financed through them. No idea whether that's common though.

 

[quentina]

I drive ALOT. I have an 09 town and country with 85,000 on it. I bought the lifetime warranty for $2500 from the dealer. I have already used it twice for some expensive repairs. I am going to keep this van for so long, they are going to pay me to get a new one LOL.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Caution............the used car market is quite hot right now and even finance guru Clark Howard says that if you plan to keep the next vehicle for a long time (let's say 5-8 years and put another 120K on it etc) that a new car is actually a good choice. I mention this because if you get a manufacturer warranty on it , you will most likely have about 6 or seven years of peace of mind. Some cover the vehicle as far as 120,000 miles.

Be sure to do your homework on the values of both new and used. Good luck and sorry about "old faithful" breaking down.