Benz-O-Rama

Almost 50K on the clock and it's time to think about an extended warranty. I know there has been umpteen threads on this subject but I'm too lazy to try ot read through them all. I was hoping you guys would just post the company you went with, terms, and price paid. The 3 year 100K mile makes the most sense for me with the miles I drive and how long I plan on keeping the car. I drive approx 20K a year so really I'm looking at a 2 1/2 year 50K warranty.


I just got a quote from warranty direct:




Seems high to me.

559EVO

I have 45k on mine and have though about it also, $3,000+ is pretty high. I mean if you dont get it but drive it to 100k, what will break that will cost more than what the warranty will cost? Motor and transmission but it should last longer.

Barry45RPM

Instrument cluster replacement $1400 and A/C Compressor/System?

konigstiger

I would suggest you use not only cost but also coverage of MBUSA extended warranty http://www.mbusa.com/care/warranty/extended-limited.do as a benchmark. For what it’s worth discussions here concluded that Warranty Direct is reputable not to mention the premium is pro-rated refundable if you should sell the vehicle before the term expires.

WEBSRFR

Has anyone actually used Warranty Direct and files and claims? How were the claims handled? I'm too will be looking for an extended warranty soon so it would be good to know where to go. I'm looking for a true bumper to bumper warranty that covers EVERYTHING (audio, nav, seats, etc.,) like the original warranty.

It seems like the Warranty Direct warranty costs as much as the Mercedes Warranty! If the MB warranty is purchased after the first 12 months or 13,000 miles there is a 10 % surcharge. I was offered the MB warranty for $4120 if purchased less than 12 months/less than 13,000 miles since the car was purchased. Even with the 10% surcharge, you are looking at about $4,500 for the MB warranty.

Does the MB warranty cover EVERYTHING? Why would someone buy the Warranty Direct warranty when the MB warranty costs the same? I'd pay $3,500-$4,500 for the warranty but I need to be certain that everything is covered.

WEBSRFR

Would be nice if there was some place on the MB site that lists what the MB warranty DOES NOT cover. Fineprint is everything...

jmorgis

I just purchased (yesterday) a 4yr/75K "MajorCare" plan through WarrantyDirect for only $1292 (with $100 deductible). My '03 comes off MB warranty in October!

Why is the other quote so high?

John

Benz-O-Rama

The Major Care for my car was 1790.00 w/100 deductible. 2004's are gonna be a bit more pricey due to NAV and other features not available on your 2003.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with only the Major Care coverage. It's their cheapest, least comprehensive policy.

Benz-O-Rama

Thanks, as always, Konigs...

Looks like the price of this is close to the Warranty Direct quote for comparable coverage. If I stroll my country *** into the my local MB dealer and try to purchase this warranty, do you know how flexible on price they are? Or are the prices set?

WEBSRFR

There's room for negotiation. I'm guessing they make $500-$1000 on the warranty based on for how much they sell it. I shopped around and was quoted different prices by various MB dealers. Depends on the relationship you have with them.

jmorgis

My '03 has NAV, but its not covered by warranty direct.

John

konigstiger

Unfortunately, it only applies to vehicles from 05 on. This is why I mentioned to use it as a benchmark. Any dealership will offer reputable alternatives though – as always, all is negotiable.

“Option to purchase coverage after 12 months from the new vehicle delivery date available for Model Year 2005 and newer vehicles. A surcharge will be added to the Suggested Retail Price if purchased after 12 months from the new vehicle delivery date as follows. 13 - 24 months: 10 percent surcharge. 25 - 36 months: 15 percent surcharge. 37 - 48 months: 20 percent surcharge.”

whitewagon

My '04 wagon was under $3,000 with a 48 mo, 48K added warranty, when I purchased it at 49.6K miles...if is their premium coverage and I think it does not include NAV, but it does cover the radio, CD, etc., so it will essentially cover the COMAND, but not the NAV function...

I thought it worthwhile, since MB wanted over $4k for just two years.

My Indie mechanic uses Warranty Direct and has never had trouble with it...He uses genuine MB parts, has Star and all the upgrades, and his shop is better equipped and cleaner then the stealership. Plus he is truly a "mechanic" and not a "plug in the computer" service tech that can not figure out a problem without a computer and a list of codes or TSB's.

Since your car is going out of warranty anyway, find a good indie mechanic and see what he recommends...after all, he is the guy that has to work with these Warranty companies

Toog4me

Warranty Direct is backed by National Insurance Contract. NIC has an AM's Best rating of NR-4 which is the lowest rating possible. It's NIC's Re-insurer that has the A rating. In addition, Warranty Direct is the "internet sales division" of Interstate. Prior to using NIC, Warranty Direct used Warranty Gold's insurer-- look how well that went

Nonetheles, I've posted this so many times and I'm not sure when people will understand. Your warranty is only as good as it's fine print. Coverage and price have little to do with what you're getting. WD's contract is filled with little exclusions that allow them to wiggle out of paying your claim-- "reasonable cost" being one of them.

Don't be fooled by their marketing strategy. It's all bogus and I guarantee that you'll end up spending a lot of money out of your pocket when your MB breaks down.

If you want a solid warranty that will cover everything and treat your car the way Mercedes originally intended, try Fidelity, CNA, Great American, GE, or Old Republic.