Extended Warranty From Warranty Direct?

seventythree · 06:55 AM

I have an 02 Boxster with 20K miles. I just got a quote from Warranty Direct for their basic coverage of 4 years/100KM, for ~$1750 with a $100 deductable. This is not their bumper-to-bumper plan!

- I am mainly concerned with major engine/transmission failures in the future.

- I have until year end 2006 to purchase this warranty.

- I plan on doing all my own maintenance, and I am as good a DIY mechanic as can be reasonably expected (successful engine/tranny rebuilds under my belt).

- Generally speaking, I do not believe in extended warranties.

- At this moment, money is tight but available.

- But, this is a Boxster with potential for RMS leaks and engine replacements!

Any caveats I should take into consideration prior to purchasing the extended warranty? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

AFJuvat · 11-01-2006, 04:14 AM

Transmission failures I would not worry about - haven't seen one fail yet that wasn't severely abused.

RMS issues were pretty much taken care of by then - they stil happen in the later cars, just not as common.

02 and above however are less DIY friendly when it comes to electronics. I've replaced a few 02+ instrument clusters because of CAN bus problems. at nearly $2k each for the cluster alone, this is not a pretty repair.

This, coupled with the potential for disaster with the immobilizer system (located under the drivers seat, very vulnerable to water damage) I would suggest that any warranty you consider have coverage for electronic components.

I've replaced several instrument clusters\immobilizer boxes\door latch & locking modules. I've only replaced two boxster engines, and seen 2 996 engines fail.

AFJ

seventythree · 11-04-2006, 02:06 PM

Would a company like Warranty Direct raise an issue with me doing my own routine maintenance?

7th gear · 11-05-2006, 05:12 PM

you're 'diy savvy' which is quite a blessing. i'm not so i had to look at the cost comparison of $100 vs $1000. made sense to me

AFJuvat · 11-06-2006, 04:19 AM

Most warranty companies that I have dealt with do not have a problem with DIY maintenance. In the one case where we had to replace a boxster motor; the warranty company requested oil and coolant samples prior to authorizing the repair. (The engine had a slipped sleeve, letting combustion gases into the cooling system.)

The only instance where I could foresee a warranty company balking is if DIY maintenance was the direct cause of the failure (i.e. stripping out the spark plug holes trying to install a spark plug)

One caution though, read the terms of the warranty carefully. Some sound good, but when you read the fine print, you realize that they cover little beyond total engine failure.

AFJ

seventythree · 06:11 AM

AFJ,

Thanks for your input.

To be specific, the warranty plan I am seriously considering is the MajorCare MBI from Warranty Direct. They have quoted me ~$1,300 for 4 years/75K miles. This is not a bumper-to-bumper coverage; but it covers major electrical, including power windows.

http://www.warrantydirect.com/california/major_care.asp

In the limited research I have done, Warranty Direct seems to have a good reputation for standing behind their policies.

Any thoughts?

AFJuvat · 11-07-2006, 04:19 AM

The website seems to be down - I'll try again later.

AFJ

seventythree · 11-18-2006, 08:44 AM

AFJ,
Time is running out on me. Can you check out the policy and advise?

http://www.warrantydirect.com/california/major_care_policy.asp

More specifically, what is your take on the following language?

"ENGINE (Gas or Diesel)
All internally lubricated engine parts including: pistons, piston rings, piston pins, crankshaft and main bearings, connecting rods and bearings, camshaft and bearings, timing chain or belt, timing gears, tensioners/guides, intake and exhaust valves, valve springs, valve guides, oil pump and oil pump housing, push rods, rocker arms, rocker arm shafts, hydraulic and solid lifters; intake & exhaust manifold; distributor shaft and housing; harmonic balancer; metal valve covers; timing gear cover; air filter and housing; water pump; fuel pump; vacuum pump; thermostatically controlled air intake; oil pan; engine block and heads are covered if damaged by the Failure of an internally lubricated moving part."

And:

"SEALS AND GASKETS
Seals and gaskets, if needed, are covered for the following assemblies: Engine; Turbo/Supercharger; Transmission; Transfer Unit, Drive Axle(s), Steering; Front Suspension; Brakes and Air Conditioning."

Will it extend coverage for RMS and Intermediate Shaft failures?

TIA