Has anyone here had a good/bad experience with an aftermarket warranty? Just bought a 98 ML320 with 73K for $12,500 and Hans over at Mercedes suggested I might consider purchasing one. They won't cover a car this old, so it's no skin off his apple. I only put about 3500 miles a year on a car, so it's not subject to abuse. Thanks for your help.

use the search engine on this subject

many aftermarket warranty companies not backed by a manufacturer go under

the written contracts can be a loophole semantic nightmare

I bought a AAA extended warranty for my SAAB about four years ago. I have one year left. It has more than paid for itself. So far, there is nothing that it didn't cover. I got my headgasket replaced, my trip computer ($500 part). They replaced the radiator and one worn caliper that had seized.

It also covers the air conditioning. I just hope the latter breaks before the warranty runs out!

This warranty does not cover tires, brake pads, shocks, paint or rust. But it does cover all electrical parts and accessories.

I don't know about any other warranties. This was the first one I bought. My cost for the SAAB was $1500 for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever came first.

-Charlie

I just purchased an extensive warranty for my 1998 Chevy Suburban 4x4 with a Turbo Diesel, they seemed to be well financed and have a good rating. I also check with AWA (American Automotive Warranty Service),who had a bumper to bumper available but for almost twice the price for mine with its Turbo Diesel.on mine.

__________________
Mercedes Fleet:
2004 CL600 Designo Espresso SPORT
2004 S600 Designo Espresso SPORT/Lorinser Pkg.
1999 S320
1988 300TE
1972 280SEL 4.5
Diesel Fleet:
2014 GL350 Blutec
1987 300SDL Blk/Blk 4 place seating #18 head
1987 300SDL Smk Slv/Burgangy #17 head
1986 300SDL Blk Pearl/Palomino #14 head w/ 280K
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Fact BMW Turbo Diesel

With mileage that low you'd be betting against the odds - paying the same premium as someone who drove 12,000 miles a year. A used car salesman recently explained to me that there are two types of aftermarket warranty providers - 1) those who pay claims and, 2) those who don't. You'd want to make sure you got the former.

I've been in contact with a couple of companies and they seem to offer about the same coverage - $2500 for 4 years with fairly extensive coverage. I was trying to make up my mind when a rep from one company called me and, when I wouldn't agree to send a deposit, became angry and told me that he was "declining me" and the reason I wasn't agreeing to purchase a warranty was because I was broke. It's funny because I had narrowed my choice down to that company and one other. Now the choice is pretty easy. Incredible.

So you want to pay $2500 for 27,000 miles that comes to $0.09 per mile + $100-$250 deductable per incident ( remember not per visit). Not a good ROI.

Don't be taken by the F&I artists. I can bet you a beer that come the 100k milestone, you will still have most of your money at which time I am entittled to a 50-50 share.

Be a DIYer and take the car in for cases where you cann't handle.
Good luck and pray!!!!!