[HealthyGIRL]

To buy or not to buy...that is the question

What is your advice and/or experience with extended warranties for your Wranglers?

In July of this year, I bought a 2003 Sahara with 72K from a reputable dealership. It checked out ok with the mechanic and so far I haven't had major problems with it (had to replace the rad)...but that's "so far". I worry about future problems down the road. I also worry about shelling out thousands of dollars for an aftermarket extended warranty. Do the benefits outweigh the costs? and if so, which one offers the least amount of hassle if I need to use it?

Thanks!

 

[Atthehop]

IMO, I never buy the extended warranty for anything. All they want is your money and when you try to make a claim they do everything to deny it.

 

[InfernoGirl]

Didn't buy one for my '01, but we did for the '07 Rubicon, and when the actuator went out in the front, the replacement cost was $2800.00, cost of warranty was $1900, so it has paid for itself in the first 33 days of buying it.... Mercury insurance, platinum coverage, covers everything but wear parts.... unused portion is refunded when you sell the vehicle.

 

[JackdUp]

When I purchased my 2007, I was told the standard warranty was no longer valid so for peace of mind, I opt for the 3 yr / 36,000 Comprehensive warranty for $1700. To me, that may be wasted money if after 3/36 and I never apply or require it. But, for those 3/36, I have mininul worries if something goes wrong as well. Unless the warranty claim is denied like mentioned above.

It's sort of like car insurance. Every month I pay $85 full coverage for two vehicles. Add that up over 15 years of accident free miles and that equals $15,300. Was it worth it? Not at all. But had I got into an accident, I would be wishing I had been covered.

Only you can decide if the terms, price, and length of coverage is worth it for you. Obviously, budget is a factor so weigh out all your pros and cons. I have two other vehicles that never had an issue in over 5 years. So, it's really a roll of the dice when it comes to extended warranties.

 

[KeeblerKO]

If you can, do some research on the warranty company. Google, BBB, etc. A lot of warranties will not cover damages due to off-roading, "abuse," aftermarket parts, and so forth.

If the warranty company is PRco, just say no.

 

[jgano23]

Imo, extended warranty coverage is not worth it. They really don't cover anything and is a waste is money. The same company that does the warranty for cars is the same one that does it for equipment (like lawn mowers and such). I refuse to well those to one of my customers because I have read the fine print, and it is a scam.

 

[JD Adams]

Put the money you would have spent on an extended warranty into a savings account and draw on it for repairs instead.

 

[NHrubicon]

I had extended warranty on my 2000 Sahara, bought it through the dealership. Then the auto transmission went, and Chrysler refused to cover it. Then tried to use the extended warranty...and guess what-they said their warranty ONLY covered AFTER the manufacturer warranty was up...and during that time, if the manufacturer (chrysler) refused warranty work, the extended warranty WOULD NOT COVER IT ALSO. Period!
Then I read the fine print...and the extended warranty wasn't 'really' an extended warranty-it covered the SAME TIME PERIOD as the original warranty-just want an extra year or two...so I was paying for DUPLICATE coverage!
I canceled the extended on the spot and had to fight but I got most of my money back on it. Sued Chrysler, and after 2 1/2 or so years and 2 courts I won-and got my money for the transmission.
My opinion-and the dealer agreed with me when I bought my 03 rubicon-the extended warranties are a joke-put the money each year in the bank. Use the 'manufacture' warranty and don't let a dealer say it isn't covered!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Extended warranty providers will go to any length needed to avoid paying for any significant repairs. They will claim your Jeep was abused, used offroad, modified, wasn't taken care of as required, or use any of a thousand other reasons to avoid paying for anything but the most minor of repairs.

The ONLY reliable and trustworthy source of an extended warranty that I am aware of that can be trusted to pay when they should is the Automobile Club.

I can say in 15 years of owning two different Wranglers that if I had paid $1300-1700 for an extended warranty, it would have been a complete waste of $$$ since I have not had any significant engine, transmission, or other drivetrain related issues that I did not cause.

 

[jeepjones]

It's a trap, just like the Trail Rated badge on jeeps, it is meant as a marketing ploy for the salesmen. Anything to boost the bottom line and sales. Be smart and think for yourself.

 

[JackdUp]

Wow! Now you folks have me second guessing my decision. Its all lustrious salesmanship about how a comprehensive warranty covers everything! (Minus normal wear and tear items.....brakes, clutch, tires, windshield wipers etc.) My luck, they will claim the engine, transmission, and differential is wear and tear items as well. I better get to re-reading the fine print because my wheels are not stock. That may be a discriminator in itself saying it strained the engine and/or drivetrain.

 

[HealthyGIRL]

Ahh, you guys have been helpful as usual ! (I love this Wrangler community addition to my life ) The issues that you guys mentioned are exactly what I'm afraid of. I spoke at length with somebody from stoprepairbills.com who uses United Car Care for the warranty this morning. He would NOT let me off the phone until I put a deposit down to "secure" the rates - I didn't do it b/c I have not done enough homework yet. Does anybody have experience with this company? They want $2800 for 4yr/48k powertrain

 

[exboomer]

Like everyone has pointed out. Don't do it. The aftermarket warranties are just not worth it my opinion. If your engine, transmission, or diff fails the warranty company will require a repair facility to do a tear down to inspect for the cause of failure, at your cost, to see if the problem is covered. Then they will tell you that your Jeep is lifted or has oversized tires or some other bs and decline the claim leaving you with the repair cost. Example, if the engine overheats and the engine sustains damage, they will cover the failed thermostat only, saying you didn't shut off the engine soon enough. Nevermind you were on an unsafe highway. The dealerships sell these just to increase their bottom line.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Ahh, you guys have been helpful as usual ! (I love this Wrangler community addition to my life ) The issues that you guys mentioned are exactly what I'm afraid of. I spoke at length with somebody from stoprepairbills.com who uses United Car Care for the warranty this morning. He would NOT let me off the phone until I put a deposit down to "secure" the rates - I didn't do it b/c I have not done enough homework yet. Does anybody have experience with this company? They want $2800 for 4yr/48k powertrain

$2800 for four years/48K miles? What a RIP-OFF!!! The Jeep's drivetrain is darned near bulletproof and is very reliable. Don't do it, really. My '97 had 191K miles on it when it was stolen earlier this year and the entire drivetrain was still purring like a kitten.

 

[rrich]

They are 99% fraud.
One lie they say - They'll tell you a repair shop will bill directly to the warranty provider, you don't pay anything. BULL !!!!!!

They use scare tactics - an engine $6000, a trans $3000, brake job $1500 etc. Not even close to reality.

I have yet to know of a shop that will bill someone other than you.

There only thing I expect from a customer is cash, not some phony scam, not a promise, and not a year's supply of M&M's.

CASH!

When I buy things and they push for an extended warranty I ask then will I need it?
If they say "Yes," then I don't want something that breaks that fast. I don't buy it!

 

[Atthehop]

Proper maintenance will keep your TJ running forever, without that it will fail and they will reject the claim for poor maintenance. And it's is always rejected for that.

 

[ajorosa]

Look at what it covers, mine was useless. Covered power windows, CD. Changer and few other items that the Jeep didn't have. And as soon as you put a lift on it the warranty is void.

 

[Kate]

I have had similar experiences as many posted above.
It's truly a waste of money and a scam.

Oh and even if you never use it, some of them will refund your money.
Some companies will refund the whole amount, like they did on my Cobra.

On my Rubi, they refunded a pro-rated amount that was about 1/4 it's value.

As advised by those above, put the money in a savings account for repairs. You'll be better off.

 

[JackdUp]

Not to hijack this thread, but to add to.....do you guys think buying a Jeep with oversized tires, different rims and a possible lift already voided the warranty I bought? Man, you guys got me nervous. This is an excellent thread. Is there any way to add a poll? Extended warranty Yes or No selection poll.

With so many negative responses, does anyone have anything positive to say?

Also, for anyone posting, please help all others following this thread who you got your warranty through and if it was good or bad (and why).

Thanks all

 

[InfernoGirl]

I answered all your ?'s in my post. Yes, I'd do it again on an expensive to repair vehicle. Mercury Insurance Platinum coverage warranty. 5 yr/100k $1980.00 Covers almost everything... This is the 3rd one we've bought and what you don't use, you get back when you sell....