Warranties: Starmark vs. Aftermarket

[jcyuhn]

I've been kicking tires on some late model 210 wagons. Haven't decided for certain to trade cars, but it's under consideration. For me, a warranty is a requirement when purchasing a circa $30K used car.

The dealer cars I'm looking at are Starmarked. They have ~1 year of the original warranty remaining, plus 1 year of Starmark. An additional 3 years of Starmark component coverage (the more comprehensive version) costs $1750. Starmark is, of course, good only at MB dealers.

In the aftermarket I can purchase a five year/100K "exclusionary" warranty for about $2.2K. An exclusionary warranty is one that covers everything except items specifically listed as not covered. The not covered list is short, and consists of items like brake pads & rotors, fan belts, oil filters. Basically consumable and maintenance items. The aftermarket warranty will pay for repairs performed at any reasonable facility - dealer, indie, probably even Firestone (shudder...)!

The reason I ask for the comparison is that I've heard both good and bad things about Starmark. On the plus side, folks rave the dealer was great about inspecting the car and replacing/repairing anything that needed the least bit of attention. On the minus side, there are a number of items which are not covered by Starmark - the sunroof, for example. I'm wondering what other exclusions exist - I've not been able to get a complete listing.

So the aftermarket warranty lasts a year longer than Starmark, costs more, and can be used at my favorite indie. Starmark is less expensive, is backed by MB, and has a solid reputation. Which would you choose?

- JimY

[Will_w202]

I took my Starmark 97 in for suspension squeak, which in all likelihood was due to ball joints, and they replaced every front suspension component except shocks. That includes a new sway bar with bushings. I'd say that's pretty good.

On the downside, my dealer is being cheap fixing my trans. It needs a new one, but they want to replace small parts.

[Ferdman]

I'd opt for the Starmark Component Warranty ... it even covers gasket replacement. I doubt that the aftermarket warranties cover gaskets, bit I could be wrong.

[Peter Guenther]

I would suggest "Starmark", the warranties offered by others are good to horrible. I have had good luck with factory supported warranties, and have had bad luck with independent warranties sold by the dealer. The case in point is that I purchased a "GM Extended" on a used car and got my moneys worth. The next "caddy" dealer sold me an "Extended" non GM policy on a brand new car and told me it was as good if not cheaper, the company was out of business when my warranty ran out. There was no help from the dealer on that one, they took their commission up front. I have heard of stories where the dealer has to call for approoval and sometimes the tell them to "band aid it" or want to negotiate it!
Like a rear end making noise, will not be repaired untill it fails!

[blackmercedes]

Not too long after I bought the C230, I bought the three year extended Signature (Starmark for Canadians) warranty from Mercedes-Benz Canada. I was very happy that I did at that time, as the price went up enormously later on. (from $1300 to $2000)

The warranty is GREAT. (was great, I'm out of it now...) Why?

1. The dealers get paid full labour and retail parts for warranty work. That means they don't hesitate to perform warranty work.

2. My dealer provided a no-charge loaner car everytime I brought the car in. Nice perk.

3. No deductibles.

4. Easy to find MB dealers in major centres, meaning that the warranty is good most places. Heck, the MB Canada warranty extended into the US as well. Nice for those of us that travel.

5. Warranty included extensive roadside assistance, and the towing contract was to the nearest dealer. Nice to know that the car would be taken to an authorized dealer only.

6. MB Canada was not going to go out of business anytime soon. Rock solid, risk-less purchase.

7. MB dealers don't use cheap off-brand parts. ONLY MB parts! Worth it right there.

I looked into aftermarket warranties, and none could touch the Signature Warranty.

[Ethan]

for the 30K dollars of a used 210 wagon you could try to make a killer deal on a 2004 203 wagon

manufacturers warranties are almost always better than after market

and a helpful hint when purchasing these WARRANTIES they are really SERVICE CONTRACTS - I think business has perfected a way to disarm the consumer slightly with the word warranty and if you think about it as a service contract - which I think by law is what they fall under - you become a bit more cautious.

no facts just an opinion

[jcyuhn]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences all. Looks like the better way to go is quite obvious.

A 203 wagon is too small to carry my bicycles and gear, I've looked at them already.

- JimY