Extended Warranty - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 01-15-2003, 02:21 PM

My 2000 SL (15000) miles will be out of warranty by the end of this year. Should I get an extended warranty, or just take my chances. I've heard a lot of people say "these cars don't break." What's the prevailing opinion???

Roger65 · #2 01-18-2003, 01:02 AM

If the car has the ads suspension, I would get the warranty. I dropped $3300 to fix the suspension on my '91. Of course your car has only 15k miles, mine has 104k, but today I test drove a 99 SL600 that had the ads fault light on. That car had 36k miles. If I could get warranty coverage on my car, I would

Just my .02
Roger

royaiii · #3 01-18-2003, 08:42 PM

What type of engine do you have. The V8 or V12. If you get a quote under 3k, I would get it. Due to you low miles, I would get the warranty becuase many problems materialize during the first 50,000 miles. The V8 engine doesnt have any problems but the v12 can run bills through the roof.

Richard1 · #4 01-19-2003, 01:13 PM

I faced the same issue on my MB station wagon, took the extended warranty, and it paid for itself in just a few weeks after the freakin A/C compressor siezed.

Stuart S · #5 05-09-2003, 05:32 PM

Can anyone recommend a source for an extended warranty on a 10-year old SL?

#6 05-09-2003, 05:58 PM

The warranty company is betting that you won't use it; you are betting that you will. Which is the safer bet?

Stuart S · #7 05-09-2003, 08:15 PM

Warranty companies wouldn't exist if they lost the bet. But lots of companies sell things that may never get used. A good example is a parachute manufacturer. But how would you feel if you didn't buy a parachute when your airplane was in a tailspin?

The bottom line is that many factors go into the decision about buying an extended warranty, including the cost, coverages, exclusions, deductible, and most importantly the reputation of the issuer. I am looking for experiences that members of this forum have had with extended warranty companies - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

SL's are complex mechanically and electrically and parts and labor can be very expensive. An extended warranty is a way to hedge your bet.

tecqboy · #8 05-09-2003, 11:34 PM

When buying a warrenty, read and re-read the fine print. Who will be doing the service; the Mercedes dealer or an indie? Does it max out at some $value? If you don't feel lucky and can live with all the exclusions, go for it. Consider a policy with a deductable. When I go to my dealer, he charges $100 just to press the button that opens the door to his service department. All of the really expensive problems with my vehicle occured after 50K miles. Transmission, air conditioner, head gasket. Tod

ILUVMILS · #9 05-11-2003, 11:01 PM

Hey KPG, bring your car to your dealer before it's out of warranty, and have them look it over for needed repairs. Make it absolutely clear that the reason is that you don't want to be surprised by a big repair bill shortly after the warranty expires. Given the year and model of your car though, I doubt they'll find much to worry about.

ESVIC · #10 05-12-2003, 01:04 AM

I have Extended Warranty on my 94 E500. I have used it a couple of times.
- I told them to check for leak in the oil pan....BAM $2400
- My drive the car ..and the car came back to me running like a 4 banger. They said it was the ignition..bla..bla..bla. Part was $2100 and labor was $100.
- The a/c switch was kinda loose...they replaced it $600
- Sun Shade replacement (Motor and Shade) $1600. My 2 sons was placing with it (Now you see me - Now you don't).

Bottom line.. It's great. BTW - there was a $50 deductable per claim.