To extend or not extend the warranty - that is the question

[chrisgreen]

Afternoon all

 

As some of you know, my Spaceback turns three on January 2nd (being one of the first ones in the UK). I received an email from VWFS yesterday flogging extended warranty options. Was quite impressed. 

 

Complete coverage (as opposed to named parts only) for a year based on my current mileage and an expectation of no more than 15,000 miles driven a year, they are offering warranty for £250 for a one-off payment, or £290 spread over 12 months.

 

I can get a policy through the CSMA via Car Care Club for £171 a year, but I do like the idea of a VW underwritten policy that ties into the main dealer and approved workshop network.

 

Just need to decide whether to go for it or not. Any thoughts from the group?

 

I've already renewed Skoda Assist for another two years, for a total cost of £145, which I thought was a good deal considering the level of cover and that it's basically the AA white-labelled.

 

Oh yes, and MOT is being done on Monday and third service on Friday.

 

Chris

[camelspyyder]

Just had the turbo replaced at 25k and 32 months old. Think I'll extend the warranty too.

[theandywaite]

In theory it sounds great, but my experience with warranties is that they'll do anything to dodge paying out.  I also have very little trust in the dealer network around here.

 

Ours is 3 in March, I think I'll just put the £300 in the bank and use it towards any potential repair with a local specialist.

[chrisgreen]

Just had the turbo replaced at 25k and 32 months old. Think I'll extend the warranty too.

Flipping heck - that's rediculously early/low mileage for a turbo to fail.

[camelspyyder]

Car has been parked up for about 14 of last 22 months. I think lack of use was the issue.

[camelspyyder]

Although 30 years ago I had a garret fail at 22k on the MG turbo. I had totally thrashed that one though.

[eyegr]

Car has been parked up for about 14 of last 22 months. I think lack of use was the issue.

Did your mechanic care to elaborate on what caused the turbo fail? Was it a foreign object, inadequate lubrication, or just metal fatigue?

[camelspyyder]

No details unfortunately. I was out of the country as usual.

Swmbo had it repeatedly go into limp home mode with a code for charge pressure actuator fail. Changed that but fault remained. Change turbo is next on the list. Seems to have cleared fault.

[chrisgreen]

Car has been parked up for about 14 of last 22 months. I think lack of use was the issue.

Although 30 years ago I had a garret fail at 22k on the MG turbo. I had totally thrashed that one though.

I thought your missus was using it now and again while you were away hunting aliens in the desert to keep it turned over? If not, yes, that amount of standing time in all weathers won't be good for turbo at all, increased chance of seizing from insufficient lubrication.

Ragging the Garrett on the MG in 22k is fair enough, at least that was from use and abuse. Hopefully you had fun doing it.

Edited 5 December, 2016 by chrisgreen

[The Plumber]

Had the extended warranty on a number of previous Skoda's but in all cases they didn't get used to the value of there cost; or sold the car before they expired.

 

Also noticed dealers are getting more reluctant to look at cars under warranty, as manufactures/warranty providers are finding more 'small print' reasons to get out of a claim.

 

Would as others suggested put the money aside in the unlikely case something goes wrong, plus if it does you can have a go at SUK for a goodwill gesture, particularly if the car has a full Skoda dealer service history carried out as per the service schedule.

 

 

As a side note I'd feel a petrol would be more reliable than a modern deisel, with its duel mass flywheel, EGR, DPF etc.

 

 

TP

[RickTT]

I would say go for the warranty..

 

That annual premium is around 3/4 hours labour rate and "could" save you a fortune...

 

However, the BMW extended warranty now covers Wear and Tear on insurable parts and maybe only costs £200 a year more on a car which holds a greater RRP...  

[chrisgreen]

Decided to take out the warranty. For the next year at least it might make sense as I have no plans to change cars.

Also, car passed its first MOT this morning, which was nice.

[chrisgreen]

Another FYI - renewed my insurance today.

I started hitting the comparison sites late last week and was astonished to be getting quotes in the £400-700 range (my 2016 premium was only £230).

Thankfully, my existing insurance broker (Chris Knott Insurance) didn't let me down (or take the mickey) with a renewal quote that was only fractionally up on last year. Suffice to say I didn't hesitate in calling them to pay the renewal premium.

So, the car should now be all set for another year of motoring. Although, I probably should clean it at some point as it is covered in a thick layer of dirt after a weekend away in the rainy Oxfordshire countryside.

[pinkpanther]

Decided to take out the warranty. For the next year at least it might make sense as I have no plans to change cars.

Also, car passed its first MOT this morning, which was nice.

 

Glad to hear it passed it's first MOT.

 

I came across an interesting article on the HonestJohn website some time ago regarding % of cars which passed their first MOT, broken down by manufacturer. I seem to recall French marques did particularly badly, with a significant number failing the first MOT

 

I had a similar debate last year regarding the warranty on my first Rapid (2013 Hatchback). I was planning to extend with Skoda, but a good replacement turned up (late 2014 Spaceback SE tech). I'd especially wanted the DAB & integrated satnav, so swopped the car. May well keep this one beyond the warranties end, so will look up likely costs ect next year.

[pinkpanther]

Glad to hear it passed it's first MOT.

 

I came across an interesting article on the HonestJohn website some time ago regarding % of cars which passed their first MOT, broken down by manufacturer. I seem to recall French marques did particularly badly, with a significant number failing the first MOT

 

I had a similar debate last year regarding the warranty on my first Rapid (2013 Hatchback). I was planning to extend with Skoda, but a good replacement turned up (late 2014 Spaceback SE tech). I'd especially wanted the DAB & integrated satnav, so swopped the car. May well keep this one beyond the warranties end, so will look up likely costs ect next year.

 

Actually just found the article and see the VAG group is well represented!

 

article here: http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/mot-data-the-mot-files/the-mot-files-the-first-mot-bottom-10-cars/

Edited 12 December, 2016 by pinkpanther

[chrisgreen]

I'm impressed that there's only one Renault in that list.

Bit worried how many 'decent' VAGs are there. Not remotely surprised by the Pugs and ****rons though.

[camelspyyder]

I'm impressed that there's only one Renault in that list.

 

 

most Renault's probably don't last to 3 years old  :rofl:

[RocketRapid]

Car celebrates it's third birthday in a few days time. Took advantage of the 2 year Skoda Assist offer (as there was no comparable deal around), but declined the extended warranty.

 

It also passed the MOT with a couple of advisories on the front tyres.

[RickTT]

Car celebrates it's third birthday in a few days time. Took advantage of the 2 year Skoda Assist offer (as there was no comparable deal around), but declined the extended warranty.

 

It also passed the MOT with a couple of advisories on the front tyres.

 

What were your reasoning to decline the extended warranty ?

[DGW]

How much was the 2 year Skoda Assist offer?

[chrisgreen]

How much was the 2 year Skoda Assist offer?

£145 for two years (made as a single payment) or £89 for one year. It's the same coverage level the car comes with for free, inc. the European cover and is still the AA.

[RocketRapid]

What were your reasoning to decline the extended warranty ?

 

From memory the quote for the warranty was slightly higher than that of chrisgreen (presumably because of the diesel engine).  With the car still being relatively young (on 25k) I remain optimistic that there won't be any major failure with the components.

 

There's obviously an element of the unknown in deciding to take this option or not. Evidently I'll be either happier or not with the decision made in 12 months time!

 

Incidentally I have taken out both a manufacturers extended warranty in the past (which also included breakdown cover) & was used twice and a well known insurance backed warranty (when you could pay one lump sum rather than a monthly amount), which was transferred unused to the new owner when the car was sold on.

 

There is no right or wrong, it's what you feel comfortable in doing, plus whether you have the potential funds for any repair that may materialise. 

[edbostan]

Never bothered in 42 years of motoring. From Morris Minor, Vauxhall Viva, BL Mini, Triumph Dolomite, Nissan Micra, Ford Orion, Fiat Multipla and finally Roomster  never had reason to extend any warranty.

Edited 14 January, 2017 by edbostan

[camelspyyder]

Never bothered in 42 years of motoring. From Morris Minor, Vauxhall Viva, BL Mini, Triumph Dolomite, Nissan Micra, Ford Orion, Fiat Multipla and finally Roomster  never had reason to extend any warranty.

 

I'm in your gang too.   You have some cars in common with my family though and the big FIAT and the BL/GM stuff probably needed the warranties but I didn't have the money at the time.

 

However, we both now have 1.2TSi motors and mine needed a new turbo at only 25k.  Does that sound like we should extend or not?

[edbostan]

To be honest a don't know how extended warranties work. What are the grey areas regarding consumables, wear and tear or defected parts? Insurance companies are always looking for 'get out' clauses so it may be a tussle to get them to pay out. 25k does not seem any mileage for a turbo

Edited 14 January, 2017 by edbostan