Archive for April 24th, 2008
Reader question Should I buy an extended auto warranty contract from the dealership or from the Internet…or where ever?
Donna,
Houston, TX
Dealerships act as the middleman between the consumer and the insurance company that backs the extended warranty, purchasing a policy from a warranty company and then turning around and selling the policy at a tremendous markup.
On average, dealerships markup the retail cost of warranties 25 – 80 percent. Dealers falsely refer to these Named Component car warranties as “bumper to bumper”, then name components covered. These auto warranties are ok, but leave out parts.
April 24th, 2008
Reader Question I am assuming an extended auto warranty contract is like having road side assistance? When my car breaks down they come and tow me to the repair shop and repair the problem…under warranty?
Glenn,
Denver CO
Roadside assistance often covers the cost of a tow truck and sometimes even the cost of a rental car to use while your vehicle is repaired. And anyone who has dealt with a breakdown while traveling can tell you that this is a very valuable service indeed! Roadside assistance is fairly common with all these warranty programs. Mechanical Breakdown warranties are what most auto dealers sell, but you want a “wear and tear” auto warranty that will cover much more.
April 24th, 2008
Reader Question Should I buy an extended auto warranty from the manufacturer, like GMAC or should I get one off the Internet…or from the dealership…or horrors!
Dan,
Atlanta, GA
Manufactures like Ford, GM, VW and many others are more established and they’re not going anywhere. However, extended manufacture warranties are more expensive, as much as 60% or higher, and the warranty plans are not that comprehensive.
Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, after market warranties are often cheaper. Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, aftermarket warranties are often cheaper.
April 24th, 2008