Extended warranty questions

In most cases it really isn't worth purchasing an extended warranty as most things that will need replacing in the near future will not be covered under an extended warranty as they are wear and tear items EG. (timing belt, possibly alternator, CV boots etc).

Here are two examples as to why not to purchase one

1) 95 Accord DX...bought it used at 36k from a Ford Dealership. Had purchased an extended warranty for about $8-900 ($50 deductible). I had an A/C leak which I took back to them a few times without being corrected. Finally I was able to convince them to send it to a Honda dealer for repair and it was fixed. The cost of the repairs totaled close to $600. That was the only problem I had.

2) 99 Accord LX..purchased new. Even though I told my mother not to buy one, she did anyway. Never used it once and it ran us $1100 for an additional 2 years no deductible.

This was before I realized that I could fix most things myself. Now I do all of the repairs, but still recommend to everyone NOT to buy an extended warranty. This is the reason you buy a Honda.

Nick

Extended warranties, regardless of who you get them from, are seldom a wise investment.

In the first place they are all rife with weasel clauses, written in legalese, allowing them to escape payment on most major claims. Read the fine print very carefully. Better yet, have your lawyer look it over. What the large print giveth, the fine print usually takes away through conditions and exclusions.

Secondly, most are very expensive (over $1000). Your chances of ever just breaking even with the policy's high up-front cost are historically slim. Yes, we've all heard the anecdotal story or two where someone has had a pleasant experience and collected big, but it's a huge gamble stacked heavily in the warranty company's favor.

Thirdly, these are not "extended warranties" at all. They are nothing more than a mechanical breakdown insurance policy and several even have a per- occurrence deductible.

I would never purchase one of these from anyone, least of all the selling dealer. However, if you're hell-bent to piss away $1000 bux or more, check with ALLSTATE insurance. They offer this type of mechanical breakdown insurance for what I've heard are very competitive rates.