We are nearing the end of the line with our MB factory warranty. I have priced the MB extended warranty, but would like to know if any of you have any recommendations for other warranty companies. I am worried that I will have a problem getting stuff paid for.

A few things you should look for when purchasing a Vehicle Extended Service Care policy (VSC):

1. Who backs the coverage? One's that are backed by either the manufacturer or an A-rated or above insurance company ONLY!!!

2. Look for "Exclusionary Coverage". These policies will have a list of items that they DO NOT cover. With a vehicle like the MB, a "Named Component Coverage" won't do you a lot of good as a majority of the "high tech" components will not be listed.

3. When does the policy become effective? Does it back-date to the original Vehicle in service date or from today forward?

4. The most important thing...Does YOUR MB mechanic accept the warranty? Before purchasing a VSC for your vehicle, be sure your mechanic will accept it. Also, you need to check to see how the VSC company pays the bill, ie, Do they pay with a check or with a credit card or do you have to pay for the repairs and get reimbursed?

These are a few of the more important issues to be aware of. Now to answer your question, I would either go with the Mercedes Plan or with AON Warranty Group. AON is one of the oldest companies in the VSC industry and they pay their bills. Not sure how the prices compare, but with either of those you would be fine.

I've heard good reviews about this one. and the dealers will accept most of the warranties as long as the service adviser you're dealing with is nice enough.
You see, the only role the warranty plays is to pay the dealer rather than you paying out of pocket. But for that the service adviser has to call the warranty company, give your warranty info and get an authorization before performing the work. As long as that's done by the service dept. you'll be good to go. next step would be for the warranty to accept the work that is being done as being "covered" under their policy.
Mostly I've seen independent mechanics giving problems with extended warranty because the warranty only pays them by the book. meaning the mech's can't rip you off with extra labor or costly parts. But the dealerships usually are OK with the extended warranty companies.
Do an online search and see which ones give you most coverage. As I said, people I've spoken to gave good reviews for this one :
http://www.auto-warranty.net/
but then again it all depends upon the car that is being covered and the nature of the work that had to be done on their cars.
Good luck !

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Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

APCO is owned by Ford & they pay their claims!

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I choose www.1sourceautowarranty.com. I bought the policy when my 2000 S430 had under 9,000 miles and 10 months old. They gave a better price if you buy before the car is one year old.

So far they have been great. Two warranty claims. (I have exceeded the milage limit on the factory warranty) 1)passenger side window motor failed. 2) Moon roof motor failed. Service writer told me that they got a quick response from 1source and the claim was handled promptly. There was a $2.50/hour difference between the dealer labor rate and what they would pay. It was not worth quibling over.

I think they are comparable to starmark warranty and being a second owner buying from a private individual I wasn't eligible for a starmark warranty.


Glenn