7/200K... Warranty - cost survey.

[Mike Schallmann]

So far Ive put well over 100K on my truck with the original 100K warranty. At 102K my EGR went south and it cost 500 buck to replace it on the road--I got the old one back so I'll clean it and get new gaskets -so if it goes south again I'll fix it my self. An aftermarket warranty to me is stupid--I doubt if I'll ever spend enough to offset the cost of additional coverage --BTW Ive NEVER bought an Additional warranty on ANY vechile Ive owned--the cost has never been worth it --by my calculations I could by a NEW 4WD Diesel for cash and still be ahead--

[knhooper]

We might not ever need our collision insurance either. We might not ever need our homeowners insurance!!! What's the difference???????

[Superduty123]

Hi

I just purchased an 07 F350 4x4 Crew. It only has 19000 and will be used as a third vechile for fishing/camping, so I won't be putting heavy mileage on it

I have a quote of $1615 for the 7/60K Premiun care warranty. How does this stack up to what I see quoted below for $1850 for the 21 point warranty?

What is the difference?

[knhooper]

I thought I explained the difference to you when we talked on the phone the other day but if everything was not clear give me a call back. The 12 point Diesel Engine Care only cover the engine and nothing else. The Premium Care covers pretty much the whole truck except for normal maintainence items such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake shoes and pads, windshield wiper refills and such. It also covers rental car if your truck is in the shop for a covered repair and provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. It has a $100 deductable per occurance. If you need to ask anything else give me a call.

[4x4Given]

I just bought a used (completely stock, except for the B&W turn over goose neck, bed mat and toolbox) '07 F350 SC 4x4 DRW (auto) with 148K / 3,100hrs on it. Out of curiosity, I priced out a 100K / 5yr plan for $2,200. For an additional $350, it will cover the A/C. BUT, for the warranty to be in effect, I must have ALL maintenance done, as stated in the manual, at a commercial repair center.

So, in addition to spending about $2,600 to cover the truck until it hits 250k miles (not a lot for a diesel in good condition), I would spend thousands more in maintenance.

Hmmm...

Seems to me that customer purchased warranty policies are like gambling. In this case, the warranty sellers (companies) are betting they will win. If they are in business to make a profit, it's reasonable to expect that they are winning. Personally, I don't bet on something where the odds are against me winning, historically speaking. Sure these are expensive trucks to repair. But they are a lot less if you learn (or already know how) to do it yourself *AND* you perform regular / preventative maintenance.

Also, there's the unkown (read that "a potential for increased risk") variable of WHO is working on your vehicle? Some guy, fresh out of tech school? Some old timer who hates anything that's computerized? A guy who's primary concern is a beer and a joint when he gets off work? Hopefully, you'll be fortunate enough to get a guy that is experienced, conscientious and is able to correctly diagnose the problem and fix it the FIRST time, without throwing extra (and uneeded) parts on at your (or the warranty company's) cost. Hopefully the problem falls within the restrictions the warranty company requires before they will approve (pay for) the repair. Again, they are betting that they will pay less than you paid them.

Don't misunderstand me, I know it sounds like I'm bashing mechanics, but I am a former 4 time ASE Master, 2 time Olds Master Tech Elite, Olds Top Gun and 2 times Pontiac Master Craftsman and in the 20 years I twisted wrenches, I can count the number of GOOD mechanics I knew / worked with on one hand and still have a finger left.

So, I now own an '07 F350 SC 4x4 DRW (auto) with 148K / 3,100hrs on it. The truck is clean, straight and VERY solid. It appears to have had normal maintenance done. It runs smooth a strong. BUT... It is exhibiting a couple of minor issues. I'll be able to fix them for much less than a dealership would charge and I'll have absolute confidence in the work I've done. I'll perform ALL the maintenance and have absolute confidence that I'm using quality parts, not "flat rating" the repair and that the job is done right. And, I would suggest that the "odds" will be far in my favor of "winning".

They are machines, not magic.

(disclaimer - I'm not trying to start anything here, just expressing my view on extended warranties and the risk of having multiple, unknown people working on your truck. One you paid hard earned money for.)

[knhooper]

In response to 4x4 Given's post, this warranty he speaks about "IS NOT" a Ford backed warranty. Also, he is obviously able to work on the truck he jus't bought, all of us are not that lucky. These trucks are so complicated and so advanced electronically that the average person cannot even diagnose a problem with them. The diesel technicians in our shop have literally thousands of dollars invested in their test equipment and tools. There is no way the average person driving one of our trucks can possibly repair anything that goes wrong with them. So don't be misled by his post, if you own one of these trucks and don't have the knowledge and equipment to work on them then a warranty is nothing more than good cheap insurance. AAA says the average american spends about $60.00 per month for collision insurance on their cars. $60.00 per month x 12 months = $720.00 per year x 5 years = $3600.00 jus't to cover the fenders in case they get bent. Which is the better deal??? Advice like his really "GRINDS MY GEARS"

[4x4Given]

Please read my "disclaimer". It's my view, NOT advice. I'm not suggesting people don't buy extended warranty, Ford or otherwise.

I could just as easily say that your comment, earlier that was "We see service tickets here everyday on diesel trucks exceeding $2000.00." Scares me into thinking these trucks are not reliable and I can expect to have to pay large sums of money unless I get an extended warranty. BUT... I imagine that the trucks you see in the service department are there because they're broke and the comment does not provide ANY reference point for how many AREN'T broke, or are able to be fixed by people who take a little time to learn how to service what they own.

Now here is some advice I do have.

What I would advise any and everyone to do, is buy a factory service manual. The majority of symptoms can be diagnosed using relatively basic tools available from your favorite tool source (Sears, Harbor Freight, Northern Tool etc).

Mechanics aren't born with knowledge. The learn it. If you can spend over a thousand on extended warranty on a vehicle you spend many thousands on, then several hundred in a few basic tools (factory service manual, DVOM, scanner, hand tools etc) and invest a little time in learning how to use them will almost certainly be a prove to be beneficial, both financially and from a knowledge standpoint.

Again, I'm not trying to start something. But surely you're not going to suggest that companies (including Ford) aren't selling extended warranties because they wind up paying out more than they take in. Furthermore, using the comparison of "average Americans" buying collision insurance (required by nearly EVERY lender) and comparing that to an OPTIONALLY purchased extended warranty is not very reasonable.

How many of these "average Americans" have a car that is financed?
How many of those are required to carry collision insurance?
How many would drop it if they could?
How long do these "average Americans" keep the vehicle before trading it in?

Or how about this: Do some UNBIASED financial research and you will probably notice the extended warranties are generally considered to not be worth it. That's not me giving anyone advice, that's trained, experienced financial advisers who have done all manner of studies on the subject.

How about this report from an unbiased source:
From Consumer Reoports:
Extended warranties
"Extended warranties: A high-priced gamble
Our survey of 8,000 new-car buyers shows they are usually a poor deal"


Push in the clutch and take a deep breath. It'll help keep from grinding your gears.

[Superduty123]

Kevin

You did explain it well, this was posted before I called you

Thanks again for the info. I am still deciding what to do

[rdam]

Can a 2004 6.0 with 62K miles be covered by one of the "extended" warranties if it's already off the factory warranty? In other words, can I purchase the "extended" even if it's currently not covered?

[knhooper]

Yes, your truck qualifies for the 13 point coverage under the warranty.

[Going_Going_Gone]

I got one of the "good '03's" but, just to be safe, I bought the 13-point warranty just before the five-year aniversary. Since then, the only few things that needed fixing on the engine were not covered by the warranty and cost me less money than the warranty did. Oh well, live and learn.

[4x4Given]

My FICM was going bad on my (used) '07 F350. I just picked it up this evening. My cost for new FICM installed and programed, out the door was $300. The used truck dealer agreed to split the cost and he gets a discount.

I had quotes for extended warranty that were in the $2,200 - $2,500 range and would have required me to spend about $350 for an initial service / checkout and then $100 deductible.

Needless to say, I passed. Good luck to those who do buy. Maybe they'll come out saving money. I'm pretty certain I will.

[smlducks]

man, i am confused on what to do..seems like there are so many views. I just bought an 07 f-250 with 23,500 miles on it. if i am correct it has a factory powertrain warranty of 5 yr/100K. So, in 2 years it will expire and I will need one of these extended plans? Seems to be a good bet, but I am going to keep reading and checking around.

[knhooper]

It jus't depends on your particular situation. If you are like most of us it would really strain your monthly budget to come out of pocked for an expensive repair such as a set of injectors, turbo or maybe even a whole engine. It's jus't like any other type of insurance product, "It ain't worth a damn" till you need it. We see customers in our shop every week worrying about how they will pay for an expensive repair. If they had a warranty it would be simple. Let me know if I can help.

[Dewser]

Can you get the Ford Extended on a 2006 F350 that has 101000 on it? Thinking about purchasing this truck and am just curious .. Seems like it could be a good idea.. Thanks for any info