Service contracts?
June 27, 2006
Just this morning I received an email from Dodge.com pitching their “Extended Warranty”. The emails read…
Give your Dodge Ram Pickup extended mechanical protection for the long road ahead.
Your Dodge is one of the toughest vehicles on the road. And it’s backed by a tough 3-year/36,000-mile “Basic” Warranty,* and in many cases, a 7-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. But if you’re planning on keeping your vehicle longer, or you want the peace of mind that comes with broader protection, then it’s time to consider a DaimlerChrysler Service Contract.
As you probably know, I’ve owned four Dodge trucks. As a testament to Dodge’s reliability, I have never had a serious problem with any of my trucks. In fact, other than an air conditioning switch problem, I have never had one issue that required a warranty claim. That by itself is a pretty strong testimonial for their products.
So, although this is my blog and I’m supposed to be creating the chatter, I’m asking for feedback from other Dodge owners regarding any experience with the extended warranty. What’s your opinion? If one plans on keeping a truck for 7-10 years or longer, is the extra warranty coverage worth the price? If anyone has an opinion, I’d love to know your thoughts. Thanks in advance. Tom
June 28, 2006 at 4:51 pm
I wouldn’t buy it. Like you said, the trucks are a good product and I never had any serious trouble with my 2003 RAM. The arguement is if you have ONE major repair it pays for itself. I gamble with the company, we both are betting that you won’t have trouble that requires the warranty.
June 28, 2006 at 4:56 pm
I agree with Kenny, I think the extended warranties are a scam. Never bought one except on a computer, and I didn’t need that.
June 29, 2006 at 2:58 pm
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. I got the extra warranty on my ‘01 and never needed anything done until one day last summer my truck wouldn’t start. I had it towed to the dealer and it took them a while to figure out what was wrong. Seems that something happened to a bearing and the engine was frozen. They had to completely rebuild my engine. The dealer told me that without the warranty I was looking at more than $3000-$4000 in repairs. Will I buy a warranty with my next truck? You betcha!!!
June 29, 2006 at 11:28 pm
Hey man, it works like any other insurance policy. Some make a killing by getting a new engine or something, but the majority spend money for nothing cause they never need it.