Very smooth Ford Man.

 

I have never bought an ESP on anything but I might change my mind if my 98 Honda van keeps acting up.
Monday I took it in for the 31,000 mile service (free from dealer) a check engine light problem, wheel noises and suspension noises.
Today I still haven't got my van back, waiting on a $1500 computer.
I am considering the ESP if I keep the van.

 

Fordman is right! Dishbinder Fishfinder or whatever his name was is probably a fake. Anyway, it is like the casios in Vegas. Why do people keep gambling? Who do they think pays for those quarter billion dollar hotels? I have 5 cousins who work at dealerships. They all say in no uncertain terms, they make their money on warranties, credit life and suckers who pay too much interest. Ever notice how friendly the Finance and Insurance guy is until you tell him you'll pay cash or have already arranged financing elsewhere. Statistics don't lie. Warranty money is downnnnnnnnnn the drain. Anecdotal stories about ole uncle Harvey's transmission don't justify buying something so expensive with little or no return.

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'97 F150 XLT XCab, 4.6L, 4x4, Red as Rita's Rooster, Towing Pkg, 17 inch wheels, Tonneau Cover, Captain chairs, CD Changer. Two high performance, freeflow booster seats in back for mother's little truckers.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA.....Roll Tide!

 

Well they sure aren't making much selling trucks below invoice like many ppl here said they did.

 

I've been "self Insuring" for quite some time. I, too, read Consumer Reports and agree that the ESP is (probably) a waste of money.
I only let the Dealer's shop touch my truck when they are doing warranty (or recall!) work. For other things, I take my truck to a mechanic I trust. (Took some looking, but I'm happy)
When I bought my truck, I had to tell the finance idiot THREE TIMES that I didn't want an ESP. (What part of NO don't you understand?)
If I were to purchase an ESP, it would be just before my 3/36 was about to expire. I let "experience" during the first 36k warn me about impending outlays.
Why but insurance if you don't need it? The 3/36 covers the same things as the 5/75, so during the 3/36 period you don't need it!

 

54reg, I'll take that slap and move on.

 

No "slap" intended.
I was just stateing that since so many ppl buy thier trucks near or at invoice the dealers can't be making enough to pay thier bills like that.
Therefore they sell highly profitable warranties, credit insurance, above market interest rates and other "extras" to make up the difference.

[This message has been edited by 54regcab (edited 01-12-2000).]

 

Hi folks just thought I would add some fuel to the fire! A paet girlfriend had many family members in the car biz. The big $ is in ESP's! The profit ratio in many cases is close to 90% of the purchase price + the interest they earn on YOUR $ while under the normal warrenty period. Some of the "Family" made very healthy livings on the commissions of ESP's alone.
Having said that... I now have many family members (inlaws) that swear by ESP's (they all drive Chrysler products). In there cases they really use them! Neon, Concord and 3/4 ton 4X4 that can't seem to continue running for more than 2 consecutive weeks without some dealer attention!
I have a 97 F-150 Lariat SC 4X4 Shortbox with 138K klms (80K miles) and I'm happy to report NO problem out of the usual. The ESP would have been a big waste of cash for me. Also the upsell crap the dealer offers such as Scotchgard etc. is way overpriced! Go to the store and buy the $5 bottle and put the $95 into something nice for your wife!
...those are my thoughts, not yours...
Bruce

 

ESP's are negotiable in price, the lowest I've seen is $700 for 6year/100K coverage.

I have also read that it is illegal for the dealer to use the ESP as leverage for a lower APR. APR is based on credit rating, which is based on credit history, not a warranty. You can apply for Ford Credit before stepping foot into the dealer to see if you are approved at ford's website. It is also a good idea to get a copy of your credit report before visiting the dealer.

I am purchasing the ESP for my 2000 F150, as a cracked head @ 70K cost me some big bucks on my '95 that now has 130K and water in the oil again.

 

If you keep cracking heads, shouldn't you look at your driving/maintenence habits (or another vehicle) rather than flushing your money down the crapper after an extended liability (I mean warranty)?

 

all4chem, was that a ford ESP plan for $700?
If so, could you give me the info on it...Thanks

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fordyfour

2000 4X2 Oxford White/Harvest Gold Flareside Lariat S/C
5.4L,3.55 Ls
Tow Package
True duals(Dynomax Turbos) K&N Filter
Super White Headlamps
10'WO JL sub (enclosed)
ALL amps and speakers Kenwood

 

FM- I'm not going to get into it with you about driving habits, maint., etc. I take good care of my vehicles and have only had a problem like this with this vehicle, hence the reason for the 2000 XLT on the way. I don't race or "push" my my trucks like ~80% of the people that post here seem to do.(and that's their business) If I wanted to go fast, I certainly wouldn't buy a ~5000# truck.


FF- The warranty was from Warrantech, same coverage as the ESP. I have a quote from GE, same coverage for $800. My local Ford Outfitter wants $1000+. Since it is their policy to provide loaners to their customers anyway, I may go with the GE. I've never heard of Warrantech before I started shopping and GE is into just about everyhting. I plan on having the truck at least five years, as that seems to be the turnover rate for me. Even $1000 over 5 years is only $200/year, less than I pay to be on the internet. That's the only way to look at purchases like that.

 

Your basic warranty is for three years, right? So you'd be paying $800 for two years of coverage? Sounds like a wise use of money.

 

Actually, I beleive three from six is still three, I could be wrong though.

You're right though, I traditionally put about 20K on per year, so it will only be an extra 2.5 years for me.
However, when do you think the milage/breakdown curve starts it's upward slope? I doubt you'd see it <36K. Besides, the ESP covers some minor things your factory warranty doesn't.

That comes to ~$25.00/month for the extra coverage, a mere $5.00 more than my internet access.
I'll take my luch to work once a week to cover it.

 

I like dirt bike dave's idea better. I'd rather have that money working for me.