Car Warranties .

You'll find that a big part of the cost is usually in the cost of servicing. They require you to have them service it which is usually =A3300-500. A local garage could probably do the same job (just as well) for less than half the price.

You need to read the fine print very carefully with any extended warranty. For a start they most likely will not cover any wear and tear parts (that includes a cambelt BTW). They will almost certainly stipulate full servicing too, some may exceed the manufacturers serving and insist on increased servicing.

You will also be required to prove that you've had the servicing done by a competent person - reciepts, service stamps etc. Normally they will require a stamp from a VAT registered mechanic.

However, back to the cambelt, I have hardly ever seen a cambelt break of its own accord, they nearly always fail because another component has worn or failed first - water pumps and tensioner pulleys are usual culprits.

Personally, I wouldn't trust aftermarket warranties. There are bound to be arguments over what is covered on a car that's out of manufacturer's warranty. The warranty issuer does not intend to loose money, so it's a poor bet. IMO the money is better spent on planned maintenance and the occasional repair. I good garage will even give 12 months warranty for repairs.

Probably not worth the paper its written on, just service the car properly and change the cambelt 10K or 6 months before the recommended interval. The only warranty really worth having these days is a new car manufacturers warranty but as you're paying for it in the price of the car, it should be good !

I agree not worth the money. I tried to claim for 4 wishbone bushes on my omega front suspension. Not a kin chance mate they are not covered i was told. I pointed out that the wishbones were covered in the documentation. Aha but it does not say bushes does it they said. I asked how on earth they expected a wishbone to fail mechanically if not in the bush and balljoint areas. Whats a ball joint they asked. I told them where to jam there wish bones and hung up. 3 moths later i get the call "your warranty is about to expire do you wish to renew it at special price". This was one cold call that got a heated answer. Seriously though the very fact that your on this newsgroup will give you acess to much more information and experience to sort your own car out than any warranty.