2003 Grand Caravan ES

I'm considering purchasing the extended warranty on this van but am not sure
if it's the right thing to do. Any advice would be helpful. The extended
warranty from Chrysler is for 7 years/100,000 miles, so I'm getting
additional coverage for the 4 years after the 3/36 ends. But then the
powertrain warranty is 7/70,000. So is it really worth it ? Also, is the
Chrysler extended warranty the way to go or are there other companies out
there with a better product ?

thanks,
Nick

 

Depends on what you're going to spend for it. It also depends on how
long you're going to keep the van, how its equipped, and which warranty
program you're talking about.

In general, the engine and transmission are going to easily outlast the
70K-mile warranty, even if maintenance is minimal. But people do
sometimes have mechanical failures before that mileage.

Also, is the

I had reasonable success with an aftermarket company, American Guardian
Warranty, on my Intrepid. I ended up recovering my initial outlay in the two repairs
I had during the warranty's coverage.

Frequently, the aftermarket warranties are sold by a different company
than the one that stands behind it. You need to understand who the
actual policy is with before making a purchase decision. Some have bad
reputations, some good.

One way of looking at extended warranties is that you're gambling with
the warranty company. Your bet is that your van will need an expensive
repair that costs more than the warranty. The warranty company is
betting you won't. They're the house in this gamble, and the house
usually wins!

That said, there's nothing wrong with buying an extended warranty if you
get more peace of mind for your money, and you comparison shop enough to
make sure you're not paying too much. Extended warranties, even the
ones from DaimlerChrysler, have *negotiable* price tags.

Good luck,
--Geoff

 

thanks for the detailed feedback. I understand your comments and since so
much on this vehicle is computerized or electrical (side doors, back hatch,
dvd, auto-temp control, etc.) it's got me wondering if I should spring for
the warranty. I'll do some checking.

thanks again

 

Factory extended warrenty. ALL Chrysler dealerships must honor it.
Aftermarkets - who knows. Sure everyone where you live may honor the
aftermarket warrenty but when your away from home it could be more of a
hassle. You call the 1-800-find-me-a-repair-shop-that-honors-my-warrenty
number and maybe it's two towns away?