Extended warranty worth it for a Landy?

[troy]

I've just recently purchased ab '03 Discovery HSE. What is the general consensus for extended warranties for these things? I was quoted $2,480 for a 3 yr unlimited mile exlclusionary policy. It has a 30 day 1,000 mile waiting period with no inspection needed. I've never bought a warranty of this kind, and usually do all my own maintenance/repair. It clearly stated that engine block, oil pump, oil pump cover were included.

It is in good working condition now with 88K on it. I've done almost all the the major tune-up items posted on landroverforums.com. I'm really on the fence whether it is better to just bank $2,500 and repair as needed, or go for the policy and see if I get some use out of it.

let me know your thoughts, I'm just a scared first time Land Rover owner. :sombrero:

 

[dcwhybrew]

who did you buy it from? Do a websearch on the company? Some companies are good, some are bad. What are the limitations of coverage (mileage, $ or both?), or is it unlimited?

My general experience (having owned 7 Rovers), yes service contracts are beneficial for Land Rovers, especially those built before 2005. I have had 3 Rovers under contract and all three contracts have paid for themselves multiple times per car.

 

[troy]

I actually have not bought the contract yet. I have the vehicle, but I'm wondering if the contract is the smart choice.

Do you mind me asking what companies you used for your warranties?

Thanks,
Troy

 

[dcwhybrew]

I actually have not bought the contract yet. I have the vehicle, but I'm wondering if the contract is the smart choice.

Do you mind me asking what companies you used for your warranties?

Thanks,
Troy

I dont remember the name of the first company, but I believe it was a Toyota based product. The second warranty was Warranty for Wheels and i dont recommend them, though they did more than pay for themselves. I have a CARS warranty for my LR3.

Ford used to have a very good extended warranty program, but that has been scaled back now, I believe.

 

[overlander]

In my opinion, always buy the extended warranty! it always pays for itself. the key to getting it to pay for itself though, is to never put off work. At least with Land Rover, they have a policy to never fix; they replace with new. Often, with new parts that superceded what you have.

And the convenience of being able to have someone do the work when you are busy yourself is worthwhile as well.

 

[chrisvonc]

I've bought extended warranties on 3 of the Rovers I bought through dealerships. The warranty on my D1 paid for itself after 2 transmissions replacements and a complete engine replacement AFTER it fell out of original warranty. Thank god I had one for my freelander when the engine went on that right after that fell out of original warranty. I didnt have my D2 long enough to see if it would pay for itself. Needless to say, I'm a fan of any kind of extended warranty.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

I purchased a DII last year and bought a 2 year warranty from Assurant (through USAA) for the truck. Within 4 weeks of taking delivery of the truck, the 4.6 dropped a sleeve. The result- a $8900 new crated 4.6 installed and me out the deductible. Well worth the $3200 I paid for the warranty!
Sometimes a gamble pays off!
Lt.Fuzz has the truck now, and the warranty transferred to him for a mere $40 !!!

D

 

[LR Max]

My old man had an extended warranty on his 95 D1. I think it paid for itself multiple times.

Do research and get a good company. Then drive the crap outta that truck!

 

[brushogger]

Since it's an "03 check the VIN to see if it is in the range of the ones for oil pump failures. If it is, buying the warranty is a no brainer.

 

[troy]

I'd like to think it was a no-brainer, but that seems like a lot of money for a "what-if". The VIN does fall within the range of the oil pump problems. I also read many bad reviews about the Wanrranty4Wheels place I was quoted 3yr unlimited for $2.500.

I called the local land rover dealer to see what they could do, and they use an outside company and I could get the 2yr/24K for $3,880. Powertrain only. They also require an upfront inspection and require all items to be brought to spec before they insure.

I've read a lot of reviews online, and none are confidence inspiring. Not sure what to do. $3-4000 is nearly half the purchase price. I've heard you can drop in a 4.0 in its place and it will run. They are cheap and plentiful. Maybe that is an option. I'm still learning what can be done and where to source parts.

 

[Explorer 1]

Buy it or look back with regret!

Many private extended warrantee companies won't write most Rovers, which tells you they can't make money on them because there are too many mechanical claims.

Part and labor tend to be very expensive on Rovers so all it will take is what might be considered a minor issue and you'll be ahead financially with the warrantee.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Rocket Ship]

I didn't buy one with my truck, and probably a good thing. Not a darn thing went wrong for the first 2 years. After 3 years, now everything is falling apart.

 

[dcwhybrew]

I'd like to think it was a no-brainer, but that seems like a lot of money for a "what-if". The VIN does fall within the range of the oil pump problems. I also read many bad reviews about the Wanrranty4Wheels place I was quoted 3yr unlimited for $2.500.

I called the local land rover dealer to see what they could do, and they use an outside company and I could get the 2yr/24K for $3,880. Powertrain only. They also require an upfront inspection and require all items to be brought to spec before they insure.

I've read a lot of reviews online, and none are confidence inspiring. Not sure what to do. $3-4000 is nearly half the purchase price. I've heard you can drop in a 4.0 in its place and it will run. They are cheap and plentiful. Maybe that is an option. I'm still learning what can be done and where to source parts.

You're missing the point...everyone in this thread has said buy one. It isnt a "what if" that you will use it, because you will use your extended warranty. I guarantee you that if you keep your truck for 4 years, the repairs you incurr will exceed your purchase price. Therefore a service contract at 50% of your trucks value will save you money. Besides, you have selected the one option that was suggested you stay away from and another very limited option as examples to base a tentative decision. Again the point is, do a thorough search and select a good comprehensive product. That should cost you less than $3,000 for a comprehensive unlimited mileage warranty. Also note, you're going to find negative opinions on all of them because people do buy these contracts expecting everything under the stars to be covered, and they dont take the time to read the exclusions or limitations of liability. READ THE FINE PRINT.

Regarding your 4.0 drop in comment, chances are very good that your block isnt going to cost you many of your problems. The problem with Rovers, especially pre 2005 models, is the ancillaries. Just about everythng attached to the engine sucks. The engines and drive line are pretty reliable. Besides, you wouldnt want to put a 4.0 in an 03 or 04.

If worst case scenario, buy the W4W contract. They are difficult to deal with, but they at least covered repairs greater than the service contract price. Just have your ducks in a row when dealing with them.

One other option for you, go back to your LR dealership (and any independent mechanics in your area) and ask them what service contract vendors they have had good luck with (even vendors they aren't selling their product for).

 

[overlander]

You're missing the point...everyone in this thread has said buy one. It isnt a "what if" that you will use it, because you will use your extended warranty. I guarantee you that if you keep your truck for 4 years, the repairs you incurr will exceed your purchase price. Therefore a service contract at 50% of your trucks value will save you money. Besides, you have selected the one option that was suggested you stay away from and another very limited option as examples to base a tentative decision. Again the point is, do a thorough search and select a good comprehensive product. That should cost you less than $3,000 for a comprehensive unlimited mileage warranty. Also note, you're going to find negative opinions on all of them because people do buy these contracts expecting everything under the stars to be covered, and they dont take the time to read the exclusions or limitations of liability. READ THE FINE PRINT.

Regarding your 4.0 drop in comment, chances are very good that your block isnt going to cost you many of your problems. The problem with Rovers, especially pre 2005 models, is the ancillaries. Just about everythng attached to the engine sucks. The engines and drive line are pretty reliable. Besides, you wouldnt want to put a 4.0 in an 03 or 04.

If worst case scenario, buy the W4W contract. They are difficult to deal with, but they at least covered repairs greater than the service contract price. Just have your ducks in a row when dealing with them.

One other option for you, go back to your LR dealership (and any independent mechanics in your area) and ask them what service contract vendors they have had good luck with (even vendors they aren't selling their product for).

That's good advice right there. Land Rover should tell you which companies payup and which squable at claims they service.

The other alternative is to self insure, which means putting several thousand aside as a dedicated repair fund should something happen. And definitely learn how to do the work yourself. The Land Rover maintenance manuals are all excellent, freely available easy to follow.

And speaking for myself, Land Rover collectively as a brand are the easiest vehicles I have ever worked on. It's like they in most part were engineered to be field maintained. ( I have not worked on every brand however, so this is not a blanket statement comparing all brands). For the age of your vehicle, most of the trouble will likely be the annoying electronic things like intermittent power locks, power windows, signals, and sporadic check engine, service engine, and SRS lights.

Just remember, #1 reason it seams for the service engine light is loose gas cap! An OBDII reader that can clear codes purchased now will become your best friend. Only about $80ish from Atlantic British. Good luck and get reading.

 

[AxeAngel]

Buy a scangauge and the three amigos tool and the extended warranty. On my 03 i wound up having the water pump replaced a month after I bought it, needed a new block last year, and a new diff on the way to the MAR event. Wish i had purchased the extended warranty...

Let's hope my 04 doesnt have any problems.

Best,
Sam