Way OT: Chevy truck extended warranty

[Bob Hancock]

Since we talk about everything else, I thought I'd enlist the wisdom of this forum reference a GM extended warranty offer for my 2009 Avalanche. They want $1640.00 for 5 years and 100,000 miles, bumper to bumper. Since the truck comes with 3 years/36,000 miles, I'm actually paying for just an additional 2 years and 64,000 miles. They offer options though and based on my annual usage, I think the best for me is 5 years and 75,000 miles for about $1100.

That said....I wonder if these insurance plans are worth anything given the quality and reliability of these trucks. I've only bought one other such warranty and that for my K-bike.....never got one for a truck.

Comments?

Thanks.

[roger albert]

Is the powertrain (the expensive stuff) already 100,000 now? If so, then all that cash is just covering the accessories. They're pretty reliable, so I'd invest the difference in a CD and cash it in if you need a significant repair.

[Bob Hancock]

Yes.....GM Power Train is 5 years and 100k already. The only historical soft spot in these trucks is the transmission, but this one has a new 6 speed tranny. Don't know if it will have the same weak knees as earlier ones. I pull a 3500 lb trailer about 5% of the time.

[roger albert]

That's not a big trailer and not often. I'd just up the frequency of trans fluid changes and roll.

[Steve Carlton]

The transmission is covered by the 5/100K powertrain warranty already. How many years do you plan on owning the truck and how many miles per year are you going to put on it (is there a 6 or 7 year option)? $1,100 sounds reasonable for a 5/75 bumper-to-bumper. One claim and you can recover much of the cost or be ahead. There's also the peace of mind and enhanced saleability if you sell the truck before 5/75. You can also cancel the warranty for a pro-rated refund at a later date.

[Bob Hancock]

All good points, Steve. The longest I have ever owned a truck is 6 years and I have never put over 100,000 miles on one, so I was thinking the 5/75k option would be the one for me.

But.... I really like this truck....it's got lots of whistles and bells and just might be a keeper which is the only reason I didn't just throw the GM mailer away like I usually do. Average yearly mileage is around 14k or so. I put more on bikes than the truck.

So far we have a no, and a yes with caveat. I do appreciate the discussion....I always like to talk these things out.

[cageyar]

An extended warranty issued by the vehicle manufacturer is always the best bet.
However, they can be made or broken by the dealer who administers them.
I would ask point blank to your servicing dealer what their interpretation of the coverages are-GM is cutting back across the board on expenses.
The mixed message is what the fancy brochure says is covered vs. what GM is telling the dealers is acceptable warranty submission vs. unacceptable.
Things like brake rotors for example-that's a good one to ask your dealer about-will they be covered by the policy-you need to hear what the dealer says, not what the brochure says, otherwise every use of the policy will be a battle.
It's unfortunate but that is the current state of affairs with manufacturer extended warranties. The shame of it is they are damaging the reputation of what has always been considered to the best extended warranty choice: the vehicle manufacturer's policy.

[Steve Carlton]

Looks like there's a 6/90 option worth checking out as well, according to this:
General Motors Protection Plan - Coverage Choices

Higher likelihood of making a claim towards the end/greater value in selling a truck still under warranty. Get prices with all the different deductibles- might be interesting. I'm not necessarily saying to do it- it's like buying insurance. I don't know the repair rates, but even if they're low, $1,100 sounds tempting. What's the hourly rate out there, near $100/hr? Other nice perks included, such as roadside assistance and rental car.

I have a theory- no matter what you do, it'll be the wrong choice. Buy it and you'll never use it. Don't buy it and you'll wish you had...

[blkduc1]

I agree with Roger.

I would invest the money rather than buying the extended warranty, knowing how good those trucks are and how they hold up.

dp

[ckcarr]

Main components have been replaced in my 1995 GMC Sierra truck.

Engine: $3,750 (a deal, the other bid was $4,500)
Transfer Case: $1,500
Transmission (I have not done yet, just a bid) $2,500

That's probably the downside...
Plus yours is newer and more expensive...

[Droptarotter]

I never buy extended warranties.........Take the money and put it into an investment.....then it's there if you need it.........and if not..........you are farther ahead........not the dealership.
I always ask if when offer an extended warranty.......Don't you have faith in your product? Salespeople seem to hate that question.
Cheers

[Steve Carlton]

What do you think the chances are of going 75-90K without any repairs? At roughly $100/hr for labor, $1,100 (for example) doesn't buy very many hours or parts.

[bradzdotcom]

and check the fine print's fine print!
i had an extended on a truck, only to find out that the drivetrain from tranny back was excluded (by zip code), since i was located in a "high density area" (long beach, for crying out loud).

and, what the dealer "says" and what he'll do....not so much always the same thing.