Aftermarket warranties
Discussion
I got a Warranty Direct policy for my Merc having read generally positive comments on the Merc forums. Made one claim which they paid.
However I've certainly seem comments that, of all things, gearbox claims can be a significant issue as they can ask for the box to be stripped at the owners expense so their engineer can determine the cause and sometimes stripping the box can cost as much as simply replacing it.
However I've certainly seem comments that, of all things, gearbox claims can be a significant issue as they can ask for the box to be stripped at the owners expense so their engineer can determine the cause and sometimes stripping the box can cost as much as simply replacing it.
itcaptainslow said:
You're better off sticking the money away for a rainy day. Aftermarket warranties are notorious for their ability to find ways of not paying out for things-I speak from experience as an ex service manager of a Citroen main dealership.
This ^^. I was thinking about an aftermarket warranty for mine as the bork costs are pretty high. Did a fair bit of research on various forums and came to the conclusion that a slush fund is a more cost effective option. I just read too many horror stories of them squirming out of paying up on all sorts of claims. And Quintin Wilson endorsing one company in its ad put me right off 
itcaptainslow said:
You're better off sticking the money away for a rainy day.
Depends on your circumstances - OK, even a small bills can be annoying but most can pay those.However there are people who can't lay out a few grand at the drop of a hat and for them it's perilous not to have a safety net especially if they depend on the car.
Sheepshanks said:
However I've certainly seem comments that, of all things, gearbox claims can be a significant issue as they can ask for the box to be stripped at the owners expense so their engineer can determine the cause and sometimes stripping the box can cost as much as simply replacing it.
This-those exploratory dismantling charges can soon mount up.Have you got a particular area of concern about your car OP? As I may be able to offer a few pointers, if you get my drift.
jvr said:
That's what I thought
Buying a £200 warranty isn't some kind of "get out of jail free card" when it comes to running a car. What are you concerned is going to break? What bills do you think you can't afford? What will you do after the warranty expires? No warranty will cover normal wear and tear and that can hit you with big bills at any time. You'll be stuck with words along the lines of "sudden catastrophic failure". You'll also be stuck with having to stick religiously to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in order to even get to the starting line for claim eligibility.IMO if you want a car with a warranty, buy the car from a main dealer and accept that it will cost you a bit more money for that peace of mind. Even then, the warranty will one day expire which brings you back to where you started.
It's normal Citroen maladies which I'm concerned about like the auto box engine and such.ive had Citroen before and we've a c5 now as we'll but with modern vehicles nothing is cheap when it goes wrong unlike cars of years ago.as I'm using it as a business vehicle and 20000 miles a year it's keeping costs in check as much as possible also one repair and the warranty could pay for its self.
It's normal Citroen maladies which I'm concerned about like the auto box engine and such.ive had Citroen before and we've a c5 now as we'll but with modern vehicles nothing is cheap when it goes wrong unlike cars of years ago.as I'm using it as a business vehicle and 20000 miles a year it's keeping costs in check as much as possible also one repair and the warranty could pay for its self.
Claudia Skies said:
Why not just buy a car you can afford to run?
Knob. OP: I'd stick a certain amount each month into an account and draw on that when the car needs work. Warranties aren't worth anything.
I bought a used car, condition of sale was a full service. Garage didn't change spark plugs (because they cost £100 for 4) and didn't screw one down properly meaning the car ran lean (I think that's the right one?) and caused one of the spark plug electrodes to snap off into the head itself. Made a warranty claim, and because was part of service, not their problem basically. Crap service, disgusting attitude.
That was World Of Warranty.
Why give yourself the hassle and worry as to whether they're going to pay out or not? Stick 100 a month into a repair fund and if it fails, take it out of your own pocket.
Another thing to bear in mind is that AA do a "Breakdown Repair Cover" that for any non-consumable problem they AA will contribute £500 (less a £35 excess) meaning you'll get a cheque back too.
Used them a couple of times, 2 snapped springs and a failed top mount. All paid with no troubles whatsoever. I pay £10 a month for that.
Another mention for AA breakdown repair cover. I paid around £250 ( less £100 cashback through quidco ) for a years joint personal breakdown cover which included parts and labour up to £500. It also included roadside , at home and a tow anywhere.
The alternator failed on my 1.9 multijet so I called them out , they suggested towing me to a nearby Halfords autocentre who could do the job the next day. All I had to pay was a £25 or £35 excess. ( I would not usually use Halfords autocentre , but since I wasn't paying .............. + they did all the paperwork for me)
The only thing to remember with that is that the AA must attend your car for it to be useable, so it must break, not gradually fail. So it would be no good if your car fails on emissions on an MOT etc , but if your gearbox collapses whilst your driving I think you should be covered.
The alternator failed on my 1.9 multijet so I called them out , they suggested towing me to a nearby Halfords autocentre who could do the job the next day. All I had to pay was a £25 or £35 excess. ( I would not usually use Halfords autocentre , but since I wasn't paying .............. + they did all the paperwork for me)
The only thing to remember with that is that the AA must attend your car for it to be useable, so it must break, not gradually fail. So it would be no good if your car fails on emissions on an MOT etc , but if your gearbox collapses whilst your driving I think you should be covered.
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