To extend warranty? Or invest the $ and self insure
10-19-2008, 12:04 AM
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
To extend warranty? Or invest the $ and self insure
My '07 S 600 has 36 mos. left on the fact. warr. Many of you guys like WSH flip your cars like burgers, but after I've flipped so many cars, this one's a keeper.
Hence the S 600 has all the toys and won't leave one wanting...
So is it worth paying 6-7 grand for a 2 or 3 yr extended warranty? Of course a V12 could be a pricy repair. At the same time, investing the $$ may the wiser in the end since these cars are generally quite bulletproof, mechanically speaking...
Hence the S 600 has all the toys and won't leave one wanting...
So is it worth paying 6-7 grand for a 2 or 3 yr extended warranty? Of course a V12 could be a pricy repair. At the same time, investing the $$ may the wiser in the end since these cars are generally quite bulletproof, mechanically speaking...
10-19-2008, 02:28 AM
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Buy the extended warranty from MB, it will make your experience with the car that much better knowing that there is nothing to worry about.
The mechanical parts of the car are usually great, but AC, seat ventilators, or any one of the many systems may fail in the next few years.
The mechanical parts of the car are usually great, but AC, seat ventilators, or any one of the many systems may fail in the next few years.
10-19-2008, 02:53 AM
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2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
My '07 S 600 has 36 mos. left on the fact. warr. Many of you guys like WSH flip your cars like burgers, but after I've flipped so many cars, this one's a keeper.
Hence the S 600 has all the toys and won't leave one wanting...
So is it worth paying 6-7 grand for a 2 or 3 yr extended warranty? Of course a V12 could be a pricy repair. At the same time, investing the $$ may the wiser in the end since these cars are generally quite bulletproof, mechanically speaking...
Hence the S 600 has all the toys and won't leave one wanting...
So is it worth paying 6-7 grand for a 2 or 3 yr extended warranty? Of course a V12 could be a pricy repair. At the same time, investing the $$ may the wiser in the end since these cars are generally quite bulletproof, mechanically speaking...
I am certainly not into flipping cars every 6-12 months! That is financial lunacy unless you have $$$ to burn. With the S600 there is no where else to go in its category... you have the best car in its class conceivable - the only one better will be the next S600... say 6-7 years out!
Chris
10-19-2008, 08:26 AM
#5
I too will be facing this issue. Chase Bank (who I financed mine through) , offered me the extended warranty for $4600. I'm going to have to do this for the same reasons you mention. There just isn't any other car on the market compared to the W221 S600.
10-19-2008, 11:03 AM
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
thanks Chris, Trumpet and Unterturkheim.
Good advice. I suppose once you do drop the $ then you forget about it and the peace of mind is definitely worth something, and as you say, it could be the little things that add up...
Good advice. I suppose once you do drop the $ then you forget about it and the peace of mind is definitely worth something, and as you say, it could be the little things that add up...
10-19-2008, 01:33 PM
#7
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Yeah, getting new MBs every 6mos is lunacy
...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictive
Seriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant
)
Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictiveSeriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant
)Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
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10-19-2008, 02:58 PM
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'09 S63 AMG
Yeah, getting new MBs every 6mos is lunacy...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictive
Seriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant)
Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictiveSeriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant
)Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
Warren Buffet (you know, that richest guy on the planet) drives a Cadillac that he's supposedly owned for 10-some years.... So it's not like if you have all the money in the world you can change cars every 2-3 years. IMO - changing cars that frequently (and having unending car payments) is plain dumb.
Either that or one must have million$ to throw (literally) ....... and even in that event, most people who can throw $110k on a car every 2-3 years would probably do something better with their $$$.
These cars are timeless - they hold their value over time. Even a 10 yr. old S looks classy and cool in 2008.
10-19-2008, 03:36 PM
#9
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Yeah, getting new MBs every 6mos is lunacy...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictive
Seriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant)
Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
...but having done it for some 10yrs, must say it's damn enjoyable and addictiveSeriously, biggest reason I wouldn't advise anyone to keep any car beyond 2-3yrs is decay of various safety systems, like airbag systems/sensors, etc...
For years, have leased a new S-Class every 2yrs for my mother (60yo; no interest in cars; drives <5K mis/yr; would prefer a Camry every 5-10yrs, as she views MBs as too extravagant
)Wouldn't allow anyone I care about to drive anything less than a new S-Class....would rather spend a few extra bucks and err on side of maximal safety I can afford to provide....
10-19-2008, 11:45 PM
#10
Back to the original topic and post...
Since it is on topic, let me paraphrase what I have said before on the subject at hand. I purchased the MB Extended Warranty last December (nearly one year ago) for the 2007 CL600 I own. It was negotiated at the same time I purchased the car from a US MB dealer (it had 8,000 miles, used by dealer's CEO & never titled, so sold as 'new' at great discount from MSRP). The MB Extended Warranty I chose was for three additional years and up to 100K miles in total. So, in my case, the car is covered up to July, 2014 and it's fully transferable to a new private party owner (doesn't apply if I sell it to a MB dealer). Retail List price on the MB Extended Warranty back then was $4,800 (it recently went up in price) but I got it at dealer's cost as the result, or as part of, my negotiations for the purchase of the car. At the time I thought the extended warranty, even at full retail, was very well priced considering we are dealing here with a V12 and a car loaded with advanced technical gadgets and options that will be very expensive to repair. I do believe that since I bought the car outright (not leased it) this Mercedes extended warranty will be an important 'asset' to have when I decide to resell the CL600 down the road. It might distinguish my car from others on the block and it might sell for more money and/or more quickly given that it has the extended Mercedes Benz factory warranty. It also gives me the option to keep the car longer than I would normally would (past the standard 4 year new car warranty that comes with every US MB sold), should I wish to do so. Frankly, I think most owners would want to avoid the anxiety of having an expired factory warranty on such a highly complex technological vehicle, regardless how good or reliable these new Mercedes S and CL are (apparently) turning out to be. Carsnob, I throw my 2 cents into the mix of responses you are getting re: your question. For all the reasons stated, I would seriously consider the Extended Warranty, especially one written by Mercedes Benz itself. Saludos, Z356.
Last edited by Z356; 10-20-2008 at 12:21 AM.
10-20-2008, 12:39 AM
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10-20-2008, 12:40 AM
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Since it is on topic, let me paraphrase what I have said before on the subject at hand. I purchased the MB Extended Warranty last December (nearly one year ago) for the 2007 CL600 I own. It was negotiated at the same time I purchased the car from a US MB dealer (it had 8,000 miles, used by dealer's CEO & never titled, so sold as 'new' at great discount from MSRP). The MB Extended Warranty I chose was for three additional years and up to 100K miles in total. So, in my case, the car is covered up to July, 2014 and it's fully transferable to a new private party owner (doesn't apply if I sell it to a MB dealer). Retail List price on the MB Extended Warranty back then was $4,800 (it recently went up in price) but I got it at dealer's cost as the result, or as part of, my negotiations for the purchase of the car. At the time I thought the extended warranty, even at full retail, was very well priced considering we are dealing here with a V12 and a car loaded with advanced technical gadgets and options that will be very expensive to repair. I do believe that since I bought the car outright (not leased it) this Mercedes extended warranty will be an important 'asset' to have when I decide to resell the CL600 down the road. It might distinguish my car from others on the block and it might sell for more money and/or more quickly given that it has the extended Mercedes Benz factory warranty. It also gives me the option to keep the car longer than I would normally would (past the standard 4 year new car warranty that comes with every US MB sold), should I wish to do so. Frankly, I think most owners would want to avoid the anxiety of having an expired factory warranty on such a highly complex technological vehicle, regardless how good or reliable these new Mercedes S and CL are (apparently) turning out to be. Carsnob, I throw my 2 cents into the mix of responses you are getting re: your question. For all the reasons stated, I would seriously consider the Extended Warranty, especially one written by Mercedes Benz itself. Saludos, Z356.
That S600 "deal of a lifetime" would be a great buy with the extended warranty, 7 years, 100k miles of coverage on an S600 for about 100 even.
11-10-2008, 07:16 PM
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1969 280S, 1991 300E
Buy the warranty. It will probably pay for itself in the first year.
6 or 7 grand is a good deal for an S-Class warranty....just don't buy an aftermarket warranty.
6 or 7 grand is a good deal for an S-Class warranty....just don't buy an aftermarket warranty.
11-11-2008, 12:15 PM
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2005 Range Rover HSE, 2008 BMW M3 Cab d/c, 2010 GL550 (wifes), 1993 Porsche 928GTS 32kmi garage quee
How exactly does an air bag "decay"? If anything, it's the engine that would.
Warren Buffet (you know, that richest guy on the planet) drives a Cadillac that he's supposedly owned for 10-some years.... So it's not like if you have all the money in the world you can change cars every 2-3 years. IMO - changing cars that frequently (and having unending car payments) is plain dumb.
Either that or one must have million$ to throw (literally) ....... and even in that event, most people who can throw $110k on a car every 2-3 years would probably do something better with their $$$.
These cars are timeless - they hold their value over time. Even a 10 yr. old S looks classy and cool in 2008.
Warren Buffet (you know, that richest guy on the planet) drives a Cadillac that he's supposedly owned for 10-some years.... So it's not like if you have all the money in the world you can change cars every 2-3 years. IMO - changing cars that frequently (and having unending car payments) is plain dumb.
Either that or one must have million$ to throw (literally) ....... and even in that event, most people who can throw $110k on a car every 2-3 years would probably do something better with their $$$.
These cars are timeless - they hold their value over time. Even a 10 yr. old S looks classy and cool in 2008.
I'm considering the extended as well. Is there a disadvantage of going with a bumper to bumper warrantee from the local bank or credit union if its a few grand less than MB?
11-11-2008, 02:15 PM
#17
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Not to be funny, but the "decay" issue on MB's after being 2-3 years old is 
These cars, especially the higher end MB's will last for years and still maintain the elegance and safety. I have a E320 1998, 187K on it, and it still rides strong. I get the routine scheduled work on it, and the only problem was a left cat going bad. However, that many miles on a cat are excellent.
Trading cars on this level is insane within 2-3 years. Even most with that kind of money don't practice it, but to each his own.
Now the warranty, extended MB is the way to go. There are two other threads where I went into intricate detail as to why. 2 reasons: labor rates & some MB dealers don't take aftermarket.
Don't get stuck like some people have with a bill on a transmission or ABC where your warranty will only foot 2/3 of the bill, or just 3/4. Horror stories on that, but there are some aftermarkets that are pretty good. Bottom line, MB warranty is preferred.
On the self-insure it depends some on the model you have. On the S Class, that can get really high quick. I asked this question only to get a smart aleck stupid answer thinking I could not afford to get the car fixed. I will do you better, you are asking what is more cost effective, correct?
I posed this, if I save $5K with a 3% interest rate (ING) and use it for a warranty fund was it more cost effective? To break it down, on my CLS for instance, 1 repair on the ABC could easily cost 3K. AC unit, $3200, some of the module boards, $2300-3K a pop.
So just paying the one time MB warranty with $0 deductible for 7y/100K miles is most cost effective due to prices of parts/labor/inflation.
These cars, especially the higher end MB's will last for years and still maintain the elegance and safety. I have a E320 1998, 187K on it, and it still rides strong. I get the routine scheduled work on it, and the only problem was a left cat going bad. However, that many miles on a cat are excellent.
Trading cars on this level is insane within 2-3 years. Even most with that kind of money don't practice it, but to each his own.
Now the warranty, extended MB is the way to go. There are two other threads where I went into intricate detail as to why. 2 reasons: labor rates & some MB dealers don't take aftermarket.
Don't get stuck like some people have with a bill on a transmission or ABC where your warranty will only foot 2/3 of the bill, or just 3/4. Horror stories on that, but there are some aftermarkets that are pretty good. Bottom line, MB warranty is preferred.
On the self-insure it depends some on the model you have. On the S Class, that can get really high quick. I asked this question only to get a smart aleck stupid answer thinking I could not afford to get the car fixed. I will do you better, you are asking what is more cost effective, correct?
I posed this, if I save $5K with a 3% interest rate (ING) and use it for a warranty fund was it more cost effective? To break it down, on my CLS for instance, 1 repair on the ABC could easily cost 3K. AC unit, $3200, some of the module boards, $2300-3K a pop.
So just paying the one time MB warranty with $0 deductible for 7y/100K miles is most cost effective due to prices of parts/labor/inflation.
11-11-2008, 02:22 PM
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11-11-2008, 03:47 PM
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2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
Not to be funny, but the "decay" issue on MB's after being 2-3 years old is
These cars, especially the higher end MB's will last for years and still maintain the elegance and safety. I have a E320 1998, 187K on it, and it still rides strong. I get the routine scheduled work on it, and the only problem was a left cat going bad. However, that many miles on a cat are excellent.
Trading cars on this level is insane within 2-3 years. Even most with that kind of money don't practice it, but to each his own.
Now the warranty, extended MB is the way to go. There are two other threads where I went into intricate detail as to why. 2 reasons: labor rates & some MB dealers don't take aftermarket.
Don't get stuck like some people have with a bill on a transmission or ABC where your warranty will only foot 2/3 of the bill, or just 3/4. Horror stories on that, but there are some aftermarkets that are pretty good. Bottom line, MB warranty is preferred.
On the self-insure it depends some on the model you have. On the S Class, that can get really high quick. I asked this question only to get a smart aleck stupid answer thinking I could not afford to get the car fixed. I will do you better, you are asking what is more cost effective, correct?
I posed this, if I save $5K with a 3% interest rate (ING) and use it for a warranty fund was it more cost effective? To break it down, on my CLS for instance, 1 repair on the ABC could easily cost 3K. AC unit, $3200, some of the module boards, $2300-3K a pop.
So just paying the one time MB warranty with $0 deductible for 7y/100K miles is most cost effective due to prices of parts/labor/inflation.
These cars, especially the higher end MB's will last for years and still maintain the elegance and safety. I have a E320 1998, 187K on it, and it still rides strong. I get the routine scheduled work on it, and the only problem was a left cat going bad. However, that many miles on a cat are excellent.
Trading cars on this level is insane within 2-3 years. Even most with that kind of money don't practice it, but to each his own.
Now the warranty, extended MB is the way to go. There are two other threads where I went into intricate detail as to why. 2 reasons: labor rates & some MB dealers don't take aftermarket.
Don't get stuck like some people have with a bill on a transmission or ABC where your warranty will only foot 2/3 of the bill, or just 3/4. Horror stories on that, but there are some aftermarkets that are pretty good. Bottom line, MB warranty is preferred.
On the self-insure it depends some on the model you have. On the S Class, that can get really high quick. I asked this question only to get a smart aleck stupid answer thinking I could not afford to get the car fixed. I will do you better, you are asking what is more cost effective, correct?
I posed this, if I save $5K with a 3% interest rate (ING) and use it for a warranty fund was it more cost effective? To break it down, on my CLS for instance, 1 repair on the ABC could easily cost 3K. AC unit, $3200, some of the module boards, $2300-3K a pop.
So just paying the one time MB warranty with $0 deductible for 7y/100K miles is most cost effective due to prices of parts/labor/inflation.
Also you are paying for peace of mind backed up by MB... (which an after market warranty does not always give you)Knowing that I can now run my S600 for another 6 years with no unpredictable expenses (besides gas) is prudent financial planning... for the next 6 years I can put my money where it should be.... rescuing my retirement from Wall Street!
Yes of course these cars will last for a very long time indeed if properly maintained and looked after... I think the broader point WSH did not properly make (but has done so in other posts) is that contemporary cars (especially down market) are more "disposable" (due to rapid technology advances) than they might have been in the past... That if you want the latest safety and gadgets, then a 1 to 2-year buying cycle is for you... easy credit and leasing deals were increasingly making it possible for a lot of (over reaching) owners to do this cost effectively... Probably no longer....
Chris
