Are extended warrenties worth while? I have a 99 F150 4x4 Supercab, and was wondering if (with all complexity of a 4x4) it is worth getting an extended warrenty. I found a place that will cover it for an additional 4 years/48K miles for $836. I am not sure what
to do. Anyone have some input on this?

How about where to get the warrenty from? Anyone have good experience with a company in the past? Anyone have a bad experience? Let me know.

Thanks.

-John

 

Don't worry too much about the 4x4 system since they're fairly rugged and have very few problems.

On the other hand, engines, transmissions, electrical systems, etc. in modern vehicles are particularly difficult to diagnose and can be very expensive to repair.

It's up to you. There's always a chance that you'll never use that extended warranty and will feel like you threw away over $800. Of course, a single transmission repair could make having the warranty a worthwhile investment. Sometimes, peace of mind for a period of time is worthwhile.

4 additional years is great, but the mileage doesn't sound so hot to me. They're only allowing you to drive 12k miles a year. Do you drive less than that? If so, it sounds like a good deal to me.

Read the fine print about what you have to do to keep the warranty in force. One member of this board had some problems with his warranty when he couldn't prove that he had his engine oil and filter changed regularly.

 

Dennis said:
4 additional years is great, but the mileage doesn't sound so hot to me. They're only allowing you to drive 12k miles a year. Do you drive less than that? If so, it sounds like a good deal to me
_________________________________________
Dennis, ALL warranties are set up to average 12k miles a year. The original is 3/36k.
All the ESPs I priced went up 12k miles for each additional year. I think that is pretty standard.

To Engineer: I think Ford's Premium ESP is worth the cost. (Remember it is negotiable, and it's cheaper to buy it before you get close to the end of your original 3/36 or they might stick you with a high mileage surcharge) Also, buy it from the dealer you bought the truck from. Like Dennis said, if you don't use it you may think it's a waste, but the first time you have major tranny problems, or an A/C compressor goes out, etc, you will be glad you have it. Of course it only makes sense if you keep your vehicle longer than the original 3/36 warranty.
I think of it like any other insurance. You bet you'll need it but hope you don't. I pay several hundred dollars a year for life insurance. I really don't feel too bad that I have never needed it! <G>

 

Are you a gambling man ENGINEER?
That's what extended warranties are for. Think about it. The reason FORD is willing to sell them is that they believe you won't have to use it and they walk with the most pure of profit. On the other hand, paying for the extended warranty means you think you WILL be using it. It's just like car insurance, they will insure you on the basis that statistically, you won't have a claim. You get it because you think you WILL.(or your state requires it like mine).


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2001 F150 SC SPORT 4X4 FLARESIDE
* Black
* 4.6
* "MAN"ual shift 4x4
* 3.55 Limited slip
* Captains chairs
* Factory tube steps
(liked the look vs. aftermarket)
* Slider

 

Kenster,

Ooops, you're right, of course. What I wrote was my awkward attempt to point out that you could easily run out of an expensive warranty in short time. Some people here can drive 48k miles in a couple of years!



[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited 10-11-2000).]

 

I do not drive more than 12K a year (for one car) usually. I have two cars, so that is not a problem.

I was wondering if you guys got the extended warrenty or not. I realize it is like insurance or gambling, but I want to know what guys who wrangled with these thoughts before me did, especially with this kind of vehicle.

I opted not to get the extended warrenty with my Camry, but it is a very simple vehicle compared to this truck. Also, I have never bought an extended warrenty before. I am a little nervous that if I do, if and when the time comes to use it, they will say, "Oh, sorry, there is some technicallity that will not cover that..."

Just wondering what everyones experience was with them.

 

I'm on my 4th Ford 4x4 since 1990. I've put over 80K on every one of them. 30K per year. I've never needed a major repair that would have been covered under an ESP. THe way I see it I'm 4K ahead by not getting the ESP.

Since I can not get a 3 year 100K warrenty they are all up in 3 years for me. A huge cost/gamble the way I see it.

jeff b.

fwiw the 2000 turned one 2 weeks ago....31K showing, and never been back to the dealer.



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2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.

 

I too am wrestling with the ESP idea but I have an additional question - can I get 1 with a used truck I bought form a non Ford dealer? It was a "generic" used car lot & they sell Traveller's Insourance plans instead.
The truck is a '97 F150 & has 55,200+ miles on it now. I certainly can't afford big repairs so I need to "think proactively" (sorry - that's my boss' FAVORITE word!) & want some extra protection.
For instance - I have the door cracks in both doors. I realize that's more of a recall issue but if I have no warranty will they deny me for that reason? As second owner of this truck am I eligible at all for a repair? I am so new to all this so please forgive my lack of knowlegde here. I am learing fast though so be patient & pretty soon I may be GIVING the advice instead of asking for it!
Thanks again! Bye!

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If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!

'97 F150 XLT ORP 4X4
4.6L/auto/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!
I'll fill in the rest as I get to know the truck better BUT it's big, it's pretty & best of all - IT'S A FORD! He's SO cute!

 

I received a brochure in the mail from a warranty company. I read the details and at first it sounded like a very good plan. You could pick your miles on the coverage, with no time limits. If you wanted covered to 100,000 miles, that's fine even if it takes 12 years. But the "whats covered" section wasn't complete in my opinion, so I e-mailed the company with a couple of questions. As it turns out there was NO COVERAGE on vital gaskets. (i.e. Headgaskets, intake gaskets, etc.) Now I love my 5.4L, but the heads are aluminum, and that means possible head gasket failure. I know, my wife's car is a 3.8L Sable. So be carefull on these, while an engine repair looks expensive, if it was caused by a coolant failure, it might not be covered.

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2001 Screw XLT
Oxford White, 5.4L,
Towing, Posi, Slider
Power seat, keyless
bedliner

 

A couple of thought:
I think you can get the extended warrenty at any time before the original ends, so maybe wait and see if you may have a "lemon".
I have an aftermarket ext. warranty with AAA on my Lincoln Mark VIII that I have not had to use.

Try checking 1SourceAutoWarranty.com
It looks like they DO cover gaskets.

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2001 F150 SC SPORT 4X4 FLARESIDE
* Black
* 4.6 240 H.P.
* awesome factory 10 spoke wheels
* "MAN"ual shift 4x4
* 3.55 Limited slip
* Captains chairs W/console
* Factory tube steps
* Slider

 

The extended warranty on my 94 Aerostar just ran out. I bought it from the dealer at the time of purchase. It was virtually identical to the bumper to bumper factory warranty. I paid about $1500 CDN for an additional 6 years or 45K miles. I ended up having about $1600 worth of warranty work done under it, the biggest was the AC compressor, about $1000 alone. More or less broke even because there is a $50 deductable for each claim. Basically I bought peace of mind. My advice is read the fine print closely to see what exactly is covered. I also have an after market warranty on my 92 F150. I negotiated it as part of the purchase agreement from the used car dealer when I bought the truck. It doesn't cover much but the main drivetrain components and only up to $1000. One more thing I have since found out. The prices of these extended new car warranties being sold by the dealers is very negotiable.

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1992 F150 Supercab SB 4x4 Manual Hubs 302 AOD Ford 8.8 Dana 44 3.55 31x10.5 Ford 15x8 Steel 8 Slot Ralleys Custom Box Liner