Experiences with Extended Warranties / Vehicle Service Contracts?

[Scoobey]

I'm thinking about buying a 2000 Tahoe with 109,000 miles on it. I've been offered a limited vehicle services contract -- basically covers internally lubricated parts of the engine and tranny, with one huge exclusion: if an internal part fails due to failure of a non-covered part, it's not covered. In other words, if it just throws a rod, I'm covered; if a radiator hose comes off and the engine overheats before I notice, I'm not covered.

So it's not comprehensive, but there are a lot of potential problems that could be covered (for instance, if the tranny just goes out) -- and it's only $599.

Any thoughts? Anyone have experiences, good or bad, with these companies? There's a lot of bad reports on the Internets, but of course no one bothers writing about the good experiences they have! (And I'm a recovering litigator -- clean for 6 years now, but I can still raise more of a stink if they jerk me around than most people could.)

 

[Black Dog]

Never heard of that particular type of warranty, but it sounds like with a high mileage vehicle you would probably still have an edge for that reasonable price. I'm guessing that there is probably a payout limit and deductible though? I know that on "normal" extended warranties you want one that covers both breakage AND failure due to normal wear and tear, as some only cover breakage... anyway I'd do it, you can almost count on needing a new 4L60E transmission one of these days.

 

[73shark]

What's the time/mileage of that warranty?

 

[emann_01]

the way i see is that is not much a warranty because very rarely will the whole part break ....it is almost always a component that breaks and then the whole thing breaks...just a thought

 

[Scoobey]

Time/Mileage

What's the time/mileage of that warranty?

5 yr, 100k miles (ie until 209,900 mi.).

 

[73shark]

Not bad if it also covers the differentials and transfer case.

 

[07SuburbanLTZ]

Let's just go back to "if it just throws a rod, I'm covered"

you may not be covered...

why did you throw a rod?

was it because you over revved the motor when it was cold?

was it lack of oil, overheating?

these are things to take into consideration when buying a warranty that doesn't cover breakage along with failure due to normal wear and tear.

the insurance company is going to come up with every excuse in the book not to pay a $3,000+ claim out...

if there were an oil leak they will tell you that the lack of oil created the rod to break and void the warranty. same go's for low oil or over heating.

I bought a used car years back and bought an extended warranty with it for $900. The head gasket went.

They covered the head, gasket and labor for them two only. I had to pay what was damaged by the gaskets out of my own pocket. That was to include,,, spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires, and the fluids i.e.: antifreeze, motor oil and filter because these parts were not covered under the plan.

you say that only the covered parts are covered... what if the rod cracks the motor open, I'M sure the warranty company will pay for the rod and labor to replace it,(if deemed not your fault) but will they foot the bill to replace the motors housing? things to take into consideration...

 

[mary900]

Fine print may be too fine. Save your money.