Warranty World - Lessons in Car Warranties

Our three year standard warranty on our 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is expiring soon. About 6 months ago the letters started coming alerting us to this fact and offering us special limited time offers on warranty extensions.



Notice how it is made to look like it is official - straight from Chrysler/Dealer. Dial these yahoos up however and you are talking with someone in St. Louis about your warranty.

Here is a sampling of the offers I received from these guys.

1. Warranty through 2015 or 75K miles (whichever comes first) for $3144
2. Warranty through 2014 or 60K miles (whichever comes first) for $2749

Additionally - the above offers had $100 deductibles associated with each claim.

Fortunately - we also received a real post card from Chrysler proper.

They made me two offers that were substantially better deals.

1. Warranty through forever or infinite miles for $3025 (not transferable)
2. Warranty through 2014 or 60K miles (whichever comes first) for $1250

These also included the $100 deductible. We chose the $1250 option and capitalized on the fact that Jack's Uncle Dermot works at Chrysler to reduce the cost down to ~$1000.

My lessons learned - don't deal with the dealer at all on warranties. Not at the beginning when you buy the car or anytime thereafter... if you want an extended warranty then buy it straight from the manufacturer sometime close to when you need it. You'll then know how the car has performed and have details on mileage, driving, etc.