You know, if I was somebody else on this thread, I would ask if you subjected your truck to "severe" service. Just playin' Rex, couldn't resist.

SL

 

I had 1900 miles on my 2001 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat 4x4 when I took it to the dealer to replace a defective plastic bezel on the radio. I just happened to casually mention that a light "ticking" noise could be heard when the engine was at idle. You couldn't hear it from the cab, only when you were outside of the truck. I returned the next day and was told, "you need a new engine". No kidding!! They gave me a loaner Explorer and four weeks later I picked up my truck. Well, you can imagine I was one upset cowboy and waiting four weeks go get my truck back was pure torture. I was on the phone almost daily with the service manager and sales manager demanding either a brand new truck or a no cost extended warrenty. To make a long story short, the district manager FINALLY offered a two year extended ESP warranty at no cost. I was so angry after that experience that I vowed to never buy another Ford product. Understand that I've owned Ford trucks for the past 25+ years. Well, that was nearly four years ago and I've calmed down since the truck has been trouble free until now. Now it has 37,800 miles and a severe alignment problem, tire cupping on the right side, front brake problems, clunky transmission, power steering hiss and non functional heated seat. Of course, this all started shortly after 36,000 miles! Tomorrow it goes to the dealership with my ESP warranty. I don't expect help with the brakes or alignment problems even though this truck is totally pampered... but we'll see what happens with the power steering and transmission issues.

I love this truck and everything it offers in functionality so I am willing to buy another SuperCrew someday despite these headaches... but I think tomorrow's visit to the dealer will be a real testimony to how useful their ESP warranty really is.

 

When I bought my 1999 Dak, I got the extended warranty. I am glad I did.

When I buy a new F150 soon, I will also get the ESP. In my opinion, it is a good investment.

 

And remember ther is your cost, Ford employee cost and dealer cost. I talked him into dealer cost. Also the deductible will affect the overall cost of the extended warranty, too.

 

I look at an extended warranty like having insurance. We all have insurance on our cars, home, and even our health. It's protection IF we need it. I've NEVER had a homeowners claim, but I've ALWAYS had homeowner's insurance. Did I need it? No, I don't think so. But the mortgage company makes me carry it. Do you NEED an extended warranty? Who knows? But, like insurance, it will be there if you do!

 

Today was my first experience with the ESP coverage. My truck has 38,000 miles and I went to a new dealer with two outsanding issues (clunking transmission/drivetrain and power steering hissing noise). I had brought these to the attention of another dealer on two occassions while it was still under the 3/36 warranty. On previous visits I was told nothing was wrong, those were normal noises. They gave me the same explanation this time-- no problems. Now, with the ESP coverage and a $50 deductible, they wanted to charge me a $98 "diagnostic fee" to inspect the reported problems. Not $98 for everything but $98 for each reported problem. Ok, I suppose if two dealers tell me these are normal noises, I'm obligated to pay a diagnostic fee if there's nothing to fix once the 3/36 warranty expired. Since the dealership never told me about the diagnosic fee, the service manager did agree to waive the fees for this visit. But BEWARE, if you have ESP and take it in for warranty work, you may be subjected to an inspection fee if nothing is wrong.