2001 4x4 5-speed with 25,000 mi. I owe about $14,000 for 3 years. I'm considering a 6 yr. 75,000 mi. Ford ESP, but I don't know which one I want, basic, extra, or premium. There really isn't that much of a difference between the basic and extra as far as coverage. It's about the same for the premium, but it adds all the emission stuff. I'm mainly concerned with my engine and 5-speed tranny / clutch. It's really jerky and grinds a lot, but no one wants to warranty it for me. I love this truck and will probably keep it till around 75,000 mi, where I usually trade at or before 30,000 mi. I called Gene Louder and got 6 prices. From a 5 / 60 basic to a 6 / 75 premium it's between $650 and $1,000 for my truck. I plan on re-financing it at a lower rate, with the extra cash for the warranty. Should just about break even.

However, I'm not sure what all I am covered for in each warranty. I've checked the comparison charts, but it doesn't really tell me all that much. What all is covered on my tranny / engine with each warranty? Any one you recommend over the others for any particular reason? Anything special I should know about them that's not obvious in the comparison chart? I see where the exterior isn't covered, nor is the 5-speed disk. I worry because the way my tranny is acting now, and I had the head gasket leak at 10,000 mi. I also worry about the front end componets. Guess I'm just looking for advice on which warrenty and what term. Should I push it to 100,000 mi. or do most problems occur within the first 60K - 75K mi.? Thanks!!!

-AR

 

Check out www.FordESP.com
Their prices are alittle more. It also describes what's covered in each policy.

 

If you have power windows etc. I would buy the premium, but if all you want is a little extra coverage on the drivetrain buy base esp. Your mileage depends on how many miles you think you can drive in 5 years, if you don't think you will go over 75,000 then there is no point in buying 100,000 mile coverage. Personally I have 5/100,000 premium on my truck and I work for a dealer. Trust me that with has much has some parts cost even if I do the work myself an ESP contract pays for it self.

 

The other option is to take that $1000 to $1200 and put it into a Money market and have it if you need it. There is a lot of money being made by selling extended warrentees. There is a reason for this. Most are not used or are used for something that costs much less then the value of the warrentee.
Your choice...

 

Check out "Warranty Direct.com". I recently purchased their Diamond coverage 7yrs/100,000mi. for $1,000.00.

 

I just bought an extended warranty for my 1998 4wd Expedition (29,000 miles) bumper to bumper for a great price.

The lack of hidden loopholes and delivery where others tend to fail or get shady on when asked directly drove me to these guys (talked Ford and Dodge trucks on a personal level for about 20 minutes). They also have something called "an enthusiast discount" for vehicles where word of mouth sells.

I've learned so much about extended warranties-which can seem more like insurance companies than original factory warranties. Research it, and don't necessarily go by price...$300 extra over a 7 year 100K warranty looks great until the !@#$ doesn't pay or won't cover you...

If you want to hear more, email me directly.

 

I concur, I was only nieve to buy an extended warrenty 1 time when I was 18. Now 32 and 5 purchased new vehicles later I'm glad I didn't do it again.

Imagine 5 vehicles time 500 even(that is a low figure) Thats $2500 in the bank since I have never had to use one yet.

(Now if they gave out windshield warrenties I would think about it. Since I have a 2 1/2 foot crack in mine right now.)

 

My .02

Do not buy an aftermarket warranty! 95% of those companies are fly by night they change their names a lot and a lot of dealers will not honor them!

Only buy a Ford ESP. I have 5/100,000 on my truck and it didn't cost a cent. (Negotiated part of the purchase deal and yes I checked to make sure the cost wasn't hidden in the contract some where!)

All you really need is powertrain coverage.

peace-

 

I wouldn't even consider buying an aftermarket warranty, I deal with them all the time and they are really flakey and look for every reason in the world to deny warranty and every big repair they send an adjuster which delays repairing your vehicle a couple days. You guys that don't recommend a extended warranty are probally the same people that whine and want Ford to give them a break. Really 1 major a/c repair or a trans repair will pay for an extended warranty.

 

Thanks for the responce guys, I'll let you know. You've really helped me decide to go with one, but I'm still unsure which. I can do minor repairs myself taht don't require a lift or power tools unless I need to crack open the engine, and I get parts at almost cost, however the Premium covers all the emissions crap. Are these parts really even an issue though? With any of the three, my entire clutch / tranny and engine is covered except for the disk, right?

-AR

 

For those of you who do not recommend purchasing an extended warranty, would you also recommend not having medical or life insurance to cover yourself and your family?

Does your employer cover the cost of your life and medical insurance? Why not tell them to save the money because you and your family members will never get ill, hospitalized, need dental work or eyeglasses.

If you plan to trade your vehicle in prior to warranty expiration, then maybe an extended warranty is not worth the money. I for one keep my vehicles for many years. I still drive a 1980 Celica and I can tell you I spent a lot more than $1,000 over the past several years on repairs and upkeep. If you''re a great mechanic and can do your own work...great. Many of us do not have the means to do major repair work.

If you keep a vehicle long enough, it's just a matter of time before something will need repair. All you're doing is buying insurance and betting against the odds. Sooner or later the odds will win. The question then will be are you covered? I for one don't worry about this. For others this is not a priority. To each his own.