Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Extended Mopar warranty, worth it ?

90K views 105 replies 58 participants last post by  rockred 
#1 ·
Hi everyone

I'm picking up my new Red Rock Saturday and the finance lady has been asking if I want to get a 7 year Mopar extended bumper to bumper warranty

I guess it's really just a 4 year warranty tacked onto the original 3 year bumper to bumper warranty but they never word it like that.

Anyway originally they wanted $1950 for it and after some back and forth she dropped it $1,750 and were still going back and forth and I think she will drop it some more.

Do people buy this warranty?

Is it worth it ?

And what is everyone else paying for it ?

Trying to come to a decision soon and I could use some advice ?

Thanks

HR

.
 
See less See more
#42 ·
I never buy extended warranties. As others have said, the odds are not in your favor. But I did this time. First, Jeeps aren't known as terribly reliable long term....second, as this is essentially a toy, and a 3rd vehicle, we plan to keep around for ranch work and topl as driving for many years, this is the one time it made sense, in my mind. With a lifetime warranty, no reason my kid won't leave my funeral 30 or 40 years from now driving what will then be an old Jeep, probably with a newish motor and transmission replaced a time or two under warranty!
 
#43 ·
There are plenty of topics posted by unhappy wrangler owners who have had their warranties canceled due to things as small as a mopar cold air intake installed by a dealership. I'm actually finishing up a law suit with FCA over a warranty issue that has taken 12 months to resolve.

I would strongly recommend just putting the 1700, 1900, 3000 or whatever they want to charge you in a separate account and just not touch it. I know you think you're buying peace of mind, but fighting with FCA and a dealership is far from peaceful, its stressful and costly.

Listen to that voice of reason in your head that tells you that this is like playing the lottery with your time, money and mental health and the cards are stacked strongly against you.
 
#47 ·
Tom Winkels
Hayes Jeep
Kalamazoo, Mi 49001
269-488-2080
tomwinkels@hayescars.com

Same here, sold me a $100 Max Care lifetime service contract on my 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk and sold my buddy the same for his used 2014 Wrangler that was past 32,000 miles. Compared to our dealer he was almost $1,000 less. The dealer refused to play ball.... Tom went straight to the bottom. The only advantage of buying at retail from FCA would be if you could not pay up front to Tom with cash or credit card. If you can not pay up front, you can do the 18 months/0% interest from FCA... but at a much higher total cost to you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: atxatxatx
#98 ·
Tom Winkels
Hayes Jeep
Kalamazoo, Mi 49001
269-488-2080
tomwinkels@hayescars.com
Thanks to all for the referral! I just bought an 8-year / 85K mi / $100 deductible MaxCare plan for my 2021 Wrangler from Tom for nearly half of what FCA and my dealer were charging. The warranty showed up in my Mopar online account right after payment.

Tom was extremely responsive and helpful, so I bought from him even though his quote was about the same as the one I received online from Zeigler.
 
#48 ·
I just got a favorable protection plan quote from Tom Winkels as many people here advise. But before I get the vehicle protection plan I've got 2 questions:

1. If I buy from Tom in Michigan, does FCA or my dealer care that I'm going to have my car serviced in California? Or is someone going to give me any flak?

2. To keep your protection plan coverage plan valid, how tight are they on scheduled maintenance. The scheduled services at 20K, 30K, 40K seem pretty minimal, but it's the "oil change requirement" that I have a concern about. I usually get my oil changed as required and it costs me about $45 every few months/4000 miles. But they have a bunch of inspection requirements listed with every oil change. I'm concerned that if I have to do this at the Jeep dealership to keep the protection plan in force when I need it, Jeep might charge me $150 - $200 every few months at oil change time.

Any comments what Jeep expects from folks who actually went in for a major repair under their vehicle protection plans. Thanks.
 
#53 ·
I would also consider what sort of build you're going to do. If you want to do anything other or more than the Mopar 2" the MaxCare coverage is void. Other lifts can also give dealers the excuse to try to deny warranty claims. A 3.5" lift with 37's gives dealers all sorts of excuses.
 
#56 ·
To be more clear, only the Mopar 2" is acceptable with the Max Care, and at that it's only acceptable if installed by a certified technician at the dealership. It's written in very clearly, no home installed and no other brand of 2" lift is acceptable. That is verbatim of the contract, non negotiable.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: RubiGobi
#57 ·
Copied directly from the contract:

Repairs due to any alterations or modifications to the Vehicle not approved or recommended by the manufacturer,

including but not limited to: (a) failure of any custom or add-on / aftermarket part (unless listed as a specific covered

part); (b) emissions and/or exhaust systems modifications; engine modifications, transmission modifications, and/or

drive axle modifications, which includes any performance modifications; (c) oversized/undersized tires; (d) all frame or

suspension modifications; • Repairs to covered components that are the direct result of the failure of alterations or modifications not recommended

by the manufacturer;
Lift kits that exceed two (2) inches; repairs to covered components that are the direct result of the failure of a lift kit

that exceeds two (2) inches

MOPAR ACCESSORIES: All electrical and mechanical Mopar accessories are covered provided they were installed by an authorized

Dealer; Audio Systems (including Compact Disc Players); Sirius Satellite Radio; Speed Control; EVS (Security Systems); Clocks;

Remote Trunk Release; Transmission Oil Cooler; Remote Control Outside Mirrors; Power Sliding Rear Window Assembly (Trucks);

Rear Seat Video Entertainment Systems (including DVD Players); Remote Start System (excluding transmitters); MoparConnect. NOTE: MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS ARE NOT COVERED AT ANY TIME

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: RubiGobi
#59 ·
If anything breaks and you have oversized/undersized tires, greater than 2" lift, lift not recommended by the dealer, or any changes that can be attributed to adding stress to any other item.

Heavier tires, offset wheels, changed driveline angles are all totally fair and acceptable catalysts to legally void the service contract. It's not a warranty protected under the same laws as a new car warranty. It instead is a service contract that has terms that you agree to as you bind into the contract.

I know that many Jeep owners try to use creative reading interpretation to try to argue that the Max Care contract does not actually say what it does, but the really of the document is there in black and white.

What lift doesn't change as designed angles on a vehicle?
What tire and/or wheel upgrade to a larger/wider tire doesn't add weight to the rotating mass of the driveline?
The Max Care isn't designed for us to win, and it shows Mopar a lot of room to get out of you modify. You can only hide behind a mod friendly dealer so long before you hit a time that you need $3001 in repairs and a Mopar rep has to travel to the dealer to inspect, and then the full intent of the contract will be put to work.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
#61 ·
Creative reading comprehension? You are actually inserting words of your own, such as "certified tech" and "dealership" and stating that it is verbatim. Seems pretty clear to me. Max Care won't cover repairs due to the DIRECT failure of aftermarket parts. Which is the same as the factory warranty. If they are Mopar parts installed by an authorized dealer, those parts will be covered.
 
#60 ·
I've had the Max Life and a 7 year policy I got through the dealer. I'm still on the Max Life but I traded in the 7 year after only 3 years and they refund my cost, pro rated so it only ended up costing me $400. You are buying a CHRYSLER with electronics courtesy of FIAT! These are the two most unreliable vehicles since the Yugo. They are going to be in the shop and often for extended periods. I want to know that I'm only paying $100 for a repair and I'm getting a new loaner while it's in the shop. I've taken a couple of long driving vacations on loaners and Jeep never complains. Jeeps leak. I often, in a rain storm, even with the freedom top, watch the rain run down the windshield and through the dash/radio/expensive electronics.
 
#65 · (Edited)
Tom is the best

Although I have 25K miles , with no issues , and runs like a watch , I need my JK for the long haul . So , I dropped 2560 for a Lifetime Max , which is a saving of 1300 , off the regular price of 3860 . If I never need it , fine . Discounted price was 10% of my JK purchase price , and if I do ever need it , I'll have it . Tom is the best if you are shopping for one .

( On the other hand , my military insurance company offered me a max warranty of 6 years , 75K , concurrent with my manufacturer's warranty , starting from purchase date , for almost the same price . It would give me only 1 additional year , and only 15K additional miles . No comparison with the Lifetime Max if you need your JK for the long haul .)

If I have my JK for 20 years , chances are something big will happen on the Dalton Hwy in Alaska ; and even if I can no longer drive , wifey is also a co-beneficiary of the Lifetime Max . What if she is in Yukon Territory and something happens ?

Highly recommend Tom and the Lifetime Max for peace of mind .:bop:
 
#66 ·
Although I have 25K miles , with no issues , and runs like a watch , I need my JK for the long haul . So , I dropped 2560 for a Lifetime Max , which is a saving of 1300 , off the regular price of 3860 . If I never need it , fine . It was 10% of my purchase price , and if I do ever need it , I'll have it . Tom is the best if you are shopping for one .

( On the other hand , my military insurance company offered me a max warranty of 6 years , 75K , concurrent with my manufacturer's warranty , starting from purchase date , for almost the same price . It would give me only 1 additional year , and only 15K additional miles . No comparison with the Lifetime Max if you need your JK for the long haul .)

Highly recommend Tom and the Lifetime Max for peace of mind .:bop:
I've also bought 2 of the Max Care service contacts from Tom Winkles at Hayes Jeep. I have my wife's Cherokee TrailHawk and my Ram Rebel covered.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
#68 ·
If you sell or trade your Jeep before the term is up, you will get a refund of the unearned amount of the policy. (It is after all an insurance policy, not a true warranty).

I purchased the 7 year warranty on my 2015 Sahara shortly after I purchased it. When I traded it in, the finance person at my dealer told me I would get a refund of the amount remaining. Within three weeks I received a check for $839.

In accounting terms, they have to set that policy up as unearned income, for they don't earn that money when you pay them, it is earned over time. So each month an entry is made recognizing the income from that policy. The accounting term is amortization. Of course the full amount of what is paid is not set up in the unearned account as Chrysler has to pay a commission to those who sell the policy. Again, just like an insurance policy.

We buy insurance hoping never to use it. If an extended warranty is a bad idea, is car insurance and home insurance also a bad idea?

I did go ahead and buy the lifetime policy on my Chief. I don't think I'll be trading it off anytime soon. If it weren't for the Chief, I would still be driving the Sahara, but planning on replacing it either next year or with a 2020.
 
#69 ·
If you sell or trade your Jeep before the term is up, you will get a refund of the unearned amount of the policy. (It is after all an insurance policy, not a true warranty).

This is so true. For my last countless number of Chrysler products I have bought an extended warranty like any good mindless drone who says they want it for piece of mind. Every time I have a good intention and I tell myself I am keeping this vehicle so buying the warranty is what I should do. I have not kept a vehicle for longer than 3 years. You know they don't tell you that you can get the remaining balance of your warranty back. It is easier to go to back to the stealership where you bought the warranty to request the remaining warranty back. In about 4 weeks you get the check. What do I do but apply it to the newer vehicle warranty.

I do have a little story about the last trip i made to get my rear diff looked at. I was getting a regear done the following week but i had developed a slow leak in my rear diff. So I went to the stealership and asked them to check it out for me. They stated that it was a little low but they couldn't re-seal it because they noticed scratches and scraps along the bottom of the differential. So it wasn't covered under my warranty. He could have just said that changing my diff fluid was going to be X amount of dollars which I would have been okay with because I know that this isn't covered under any warranty extended or otherwise. But it made me cringe to know that correlated the leak to been a direct result of me taking my Jeep off road. He did top it off for me because it was low at no charge. Does this seem right to anyone? Has anyone been questioned about possible off road damage and warranty work?
 
#70 ·
I really respect everyone's choices on the "is it worth it?" question. We all have different theories with some calling it a waste of money and others calling it peace of mind. I've waffled on it but considered a few factors when trying to make a decision including:

1. The general theory that I should have insurance for things I can't afford to fix/replace, everything else I pay for out of pocket. Life insurance? Yes. Medical insurance? Yes. Home insurance? Yes. Electronics coverage from Best Buy? No. If my Jeep breaks down can I afford to fix it? If the answer is yes then I don't buy coverage, if the answer is no, then I would consider it.

2. It takes away some of my freedom. I must go to a dealership for repairs. Local repair shops are about half the cost of a dealership give or take. Sure some work requires a dealership so there's that to consider.

3. It does add stress. The dealer has to agree that the failure is covered. If I've already paid for something that someone else gets to decide will/will not be covered, that's not peace of mind to me.

4. I have 3 or 4 years to decide. Why pay for something that the factory warranty covers for that period? Yes I know it will be cheaper to buy it now.

5. There are many scenarios where the coverage is voided entirely (totaled/stolen vehicle) or I get back only a portion (trading in during a specific timeframe etc.) or I am simply denied (mods etc.)

I guess I need to balance the benefit of having coverage for a very expensive repair against the items above.
 
#72 ·
Very rational logician , here

I really respect everyone's choices on the "is it worth it?" question. We all have different theories with some calling it a waste of money and others calling it peace of mind. I've waffled on it but considered a few factors when trying to make a decision including:

1. The general theory that I should have insurance for things I can't afford to fix/replace, everything else I pay for out of pocket. Life insurance? Yes. Medical insurance? Yes. Home insurance? Yes. Electronics coverage from Best Buy? No. If my Jeep breaks down can I afford to fix it? If the answer is yes then I don't buy coverage, if the answer is no, then I would consider it.

2. It takes away some of my freedom. I must go to a dealership for repairs. Local repair shops are about half the cost of a dealership give or take. Sure some work requires a dealership so there's that to consider.

3. It does add stress. The dealer has to agree that the failure is covered. If I've already paid for something that someone else gets to decide will/will not be covered, that's not peace of mind to me.

4. I have 3 or 4 years to decide. Why pay for something that the factory warranty covers for that period? Yes I know it will be cheaper to buy it now.

5. There are many scenarios where the coverage is voided entirely (totaled/stolen vehicle) or I get back only a portion (trading in during a specific timeframe etc.) or I am simply denied (mods etc.)

I guess I need to balance the benefit of having coverage for a very expensive repair against the items above.
You are a very rational logician . Although I also prefer my independent experienced mechanic , I balanced that with my desire to keep my Jeep until I am blind ( I am already disabled and deaf ) . With the lifetime for both owners as beneficiaries , wifey also has the option to have it repaired for a nominal deductible . The only extra item to remember is to keep my receipts of my maintenance work at my independent to show mopar . But if I don't ever have a big issue , I'm fine with the expense as an insurance policy which I may not need . :beerme:
 
#75 ·
Yes but you need to request the refund before trading once you trade it you don't get it back.ie can't go in a day later and request it.
 
#74 ·
These threads are full of speculation about what will and won’t be covered, what will cause coverage denial, mod friendly vs unfriendly. Of the thousands of of these sold there are only a hand full experiences that have been shared, some good, some not so good. With the early JKs just reaching the 10+ years mark and getting to higher mileage, the next few years will be interesting to watch as more and more JKs test the coverage. Keeping in mind that usually only bad experiences are posted, we may never know the true extent of what gets covered. :popcorn:
 
#80 ·
Depends on good or bad decider

These threads are full of speculation about what will and won’t be covered, what will cause coverage denial, mod friendly vs unfriendly. Of the thousands of of these sold there are only a hand full experiences that have been shared, some good, some not so good. With the early JKs just reaching the 10+ years mark and getting to higher mileage, the next few years will be interesting to watch as more and more JKs test the coverage. Keeping in mind that usually only bad experiences are posted, we may never know the true extent of what gets covered. :popcorn:
I'm concerned it will depend on good or bad service manager . I'm thinking of talking to various service managers before bringing in my Jeep , and then bringing Jeep to the one who is most agreeable . Same as we decide which girls to date ; choose the ones most amenable .:lmao:
 
#77 ·
Another reason for purchasing our Lifetime warranty is that normally wives live longer than husbands, so I wanted to make sure she will not have any major bills for Jeep repair after I am gone. Only issue is that she likes her Ford Focus more than the Jeep and she will probably sell the Rubicon and buy another Focus.
It is difficult for her to climb into the Jeep with 75 plus year old knees now, so who knows how well she will be able to get around in a couple more years.

Hopefully she will sell the Corvette first, "to low now for her knees", then sell the F250 PSD "to tall" before she sells the Jeep.

If you were to ask her what type of car she drives, she would tell you a
GREY ONE. "wives.....":jawdrop:

Her Focus, pickup and Jeep are Grey. Corvette is black.
 
#79 ·
It is difficult for her to climb into the Jeep with 75 plus year old knees now, so who knows how well she will be able to get around in a couple more years.
If you don't do much off-roading with it, Check out a set of AMP Research PowerSteps. My wife's knees are still in their 50s but she is height challenged at a little under 5' 1". I installed a set of those steps on her JK and she loves them.
 
#81 ·
I normally am not an 'extended warranty guy', but after reading through this thread and others here on the Max Care Lifetime, I emailed Tom Winkels for a quote.

On Friday I bough a 2015 Sport S with 46500 miles on it, so it qualify's for the Max Care just under the wire. My quote was $2895 and I just got off the phone with Tom to complete the deal. I will keep this jeep at least 10 years if not longer, so I think it is a decent deal for me/us. Btw, Tom added my wife onto the policy even though she is not on the title, so that is another bonus.

I just want to thank everyone for contributing to this thread, it has been very helpful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: old8tora
#82 ·
This is the first extended warranty I've ever purchased as well. The basic warranty is only 36,000 miles, which means my 2016 has about 5,000 miles left. Since Max Care is from Chrysler and uses the same verbiage as the factory warranty, I felt comfortable purchasing it. If they were out to screw people over, I think the forums would be littered with threads. But it's been the opposite, people posting about positive experiences.

If I bought a Honda, I wouldn't have bought an extended warranty. I bought a Jeep. lol
 
#84 ·
So yesterday I got quoted a ridiculous price from the national number and decided not to get the warranty. Asked the guy do you guys do military or police discounts. He said no and the price is firm, nothing I can do to change it. Sent an email to Tom (speedy response) and the exact same warranty was $1502.23 less than the national number. Wrote the guy at the national number back and said I would be purchasing from Tom and all of a sudden there was some flexibility that wasn’t there 4 hours earlier. Needless to say even if they beat Toms price I’d still be going with Tom cause he didn’t mess with me from the start. Great guy and I highly recommend.
 
#89 ·
@larry0071

Before I took the dive into owning a Jeep again I purchased a Rebel a few years back when they first came out, found out about the MaxCare Lifetime warranty and got it, especially with all the electronics and an air suspension. So naturally when I purchased my Jeep I got one as well so I have a few vehicles now covered for a good amount of time. For your sake and others I hope they bring them back.
 
#90 ·
Dealers push this crap like crazy! Because they make a killing off of gullible scared snowflakes. Never have and never will buy this crap! My Jeep is a 2011 and has never been in any Mopar shop for anything. I think it will be alright until my new Bronco comes in. It’s a cash cow for FCA, and nothing else!:drinks:
 
Top