I bought my one and only extened warranty several years ago just as my suburban was going out of the factory warranty. They can be a good thing...and they can be a sham. Cars are only getting more technically complicated, so they are great for computers/electronics, A/C, climate control.

But, if you read the fine print, you'll learn several things. Theres a very broad interpretation by the policy maker in the use of terms like normal wear-n-tear, defects, abuse and so on. They are also big on 'friction' related things, normal wear-n-tear items (brakes, rotors, clutches) are not covered. All that is well and good....but isn't an engine one big friction producing machine? Also, the burdon of proof falls on the policy holder if a claim is needed. Example, you have an mechanic tear into an engine for a ticking sound. He finds the source, and the warranty people decide if it's covered. If it's not you are SOL, your car is in pieces and you owe the mechanic for the tear down.

My policy stated it covered ALL internally lubricated parts. But when the shop found 3 bad main bearings (with only 50K), all of a sudden those were defective parts from the manufacture....sorry not covered. We went round and round on that one. I won.

In short, I got my monies worth, but I'll never buy another one again. When I needed it most I had to fight to get satisfaction. But I got it in the end!Basically, they word their policies in such a way that there is a loop-hole for them to pretty much deny any claim..should they desire.

Read it 3x cover to cover and ask questions before plunking down any money. I did all that and still had issues.

How long do you plan keeping the car? Will you exceed mileage limits before time limits? Penalty/reward for taking to a particular shop? $$ of deductible?

I can't recall what company mine was with, but I had 2 shops tell me it was one of the better companies out there. I'll look tonight and let you know.

Good luck,
Cliff