Does anyone have pros and cons of companies who provide extended warranties? Problems like: Ford refuses to fix the problem, payment from the warranty company, coverage, etc.

My warranty runs out next March and I am starting to look into a 3 year/36,000 miles warranty. I have looked at Warrantech, 1 Source Auto Warranty, Platinum Warranty and Warranty Direct and they all offer similar coverage for around $850 with a $50 deductable. Platinum Warranty offers a 100% refund if you do not use their warranty at all for the 3 years. I plan on keeping my vehicle for at least 2-3 years more. My next vehicle will be a 2003 or 2004 SuperCrew!

I know there have been debates over whether or not to get an extended warranty and i am going to get one so that is not in question. I got burned on my wife's '96 Ford Contour SE a year and a half ago and I do not want to go through that again. The car was 6 months out of warranty with only 30,000 miles on it and the timing belt "slipped" resulting in a whole new engine and $3700 out of my pocket. This was the wonderful V-6 that did not need a tune-up for 100,000 miles. Ford agreed to pay $1000 after many letters to Ford and the President of the dealership. I have a lot more confidence in my truck but I would rather pay $800-$900 now than $3000-$4000 later.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

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'98 F-150 XLT SuperCab Flareside, Auto, 4.6L, 4X2, 3.55 LS, 6-CD changer, Moonlight Blue with tan interior, Captains Chairs

Mods[*]Window tint[*]Extang Classic Platinum Tonno[*]Lund Interceptor bug deflector[*]Wizard Superwhite Bulbs[*]Pendaliner bedliner[*]Expedition center console

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I am firmly sold on Ford's ESP plan. Price range is close to what the other's are quoting. No worries about paying out of pocket and having to wait for repayment. Also on the other plans, make sure their $50 deduct is per trip to the shop, not per item. Makes a big difference. You can save up those minor items until there are several, or until you have a big repair and you pay just a one time $50 with Ford's plan. It's a bit cheaper if you get it before your original runs out.

 

Kenster,

Thanks for the info. I checked out Ford's ESP plan and it was about $25 cheaper with a $0 deductable! I just need to look at what they all cover but the Ford option looks the best so far. Not having to contact the company before taking it in for work, etc. would be nice, too.

Steve

 

You didn't say what the Ford ESP costs, and I'm not asking, but remember the price they ask is more than what they will take. These prices, in my experience, are negotiable.

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1992 F150 Supercab SB 4x4 Manual Hubs 302 AOD Ford 8.8 Dana 44 3.55 31x10.5 Ford 15x8 Steel 8 Slot Ralleys Custom Box Liner

 

Blue Flareside says:I just need to look at what they all cover but the Ford option looks the best so far. Not having to contact the company before taking it in for work, etc. would be nice, too.

Steve
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Steve, the only thing it does not cover:
" damaged caused by aftermarket installation of turbo/supercharger, repairs due to negligence cuased by sludge build up, or contamination of oils, fluids, or fuel;
failure to perform routine maintenance, etc
The only components NOT covered:
Mechanical: service adjustments, cleaning, battery cables, belts, hoses, brakes (front hub, drums, shoes, lining, disc rotors and pads) coolant, exhaust system (including catalytic converter) lights (bulbs and lenses) filters, fluids, lubricants; manual clutch disc, shocks, spark plugs/wires, squeaks and rattles, tires, tune ups wheel balancing/alignment, wiper blades.
Exterior: service adjustments(glass and body parts) bright metal, bumper, door handles, glass, moldings, ornaments, paint, rust, sheet metal, sideview mirrors, water leaks, wind noise
Interior: buttons, carpet, dash pad, door and window handles, *****, rearview mirror, trim and upholtery.
It does include, rental car reimbursement, Ford Motor club roadside assistance, towing up to $50, and it is transferable if you sell the truck ($50 fee).
The best thing is that it is a Ford item, not some aftermarket. They have given me great service. I have three cars with ESPs.
My brides car is new with the original warranty. She never drives one long enough to worry about extended warranties.
Ken

 

Good advice in the previous post......haggle on the price....I saved 250$ on my Ford ESP.

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2000 Navigator, everything but the navigation system.....

 

Thanks for the info. on price negotiating!

The Ford ESP Premium Care was around $830 for 3 year / 48,000 miles with $0 deductable and this is their best program. You can even pay it in monthly installments.

http://www.ford.com/default.asp?pageid=129