Is warranty worth it? '05 sti

Vish · 10-10-2007, 01:14 AM

I just bought an used '05 wrx sti with only 15k miles. excellent condition.
bumper to bumper warranty is 36k miles/3years
powertrain is 60k miles/5years

But.. I went ahead and got the extended warranty for it, +4 years (until 2011) or up to 90k miles. Is it worth it? (it was almost $2k !!) I still have 30 days to cancel the extended warranty contract with no fees and get a full refund.. should I cancel?

The dealer talked me into getting it because there was only about 6 months left on the bumper to bumper warranty, but the power train warranty was still available for another 2 years.

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Hondaslayer · 10-10-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vish

I just bought an used '05 wrx sti with only 15k miles. excellent condition.
bumper to bumper warranty is 36k miles/3years
powertrain is 60k miles/5years

But.. I went ahead and got the extended warranty for it, +4 years (until 2011) or up to 90k miles. Is it worth it? (it was almost $2k !!) I still have 30 days to cancel the extended warranty contract with no fees and get a full refund.. should I cancel?

The dealer talked me into getting it because there was only about 6 months left on the bumper to bumper warranty, but the power train warranty was still available for another 2 years.

You bought a Subaru Added Security contract and not a fly by night aftermarket one, right? If so it certainly can't hurt to have.

If it is a fly by night operation run far away!

You did get the Gold plan, correct? If not upgrade, the difference in price is completely worth it.

Big-E · 10-10-2007, 10:11 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the warranty you bought is NOT a Subaru warranty? Yes?

None-the-less, do some research on this warranty company before you decide to cancel it, to make sure that they are reputable.

My experience is as follows:

1986 Fiero -- bought an aftermarket extended warranty (in 1988 when I bought the car) for $800. Excercised said warranty to replace the a/c compressor and/or any related parts, including freon (R-12). Warranty paid for itself.

2001 Focus -- bought an extended warranty through Ford for about $1,000. A/C stopped working -- dealer misdiagnosed and replaced a/c compressor and related parts. Ended up being a broken wire. None-the-less an a/c compressor is expensive, especially if it is due to the repair shops misdiagnosis and error -- how would I know that they didn't screw up? Shifter cable broke 2x -- had replaced both times. Had the RR window regulator/motor assembly replaced. The extended warranty paid more than I paid for it based on retail repair prices.

2006 WRX -- bought an extended warranty through Subaru for basically the drivetrain (engine, turbo, transmission, drive components, rear end) because I've never owned a Subaru. I will keep it (or have no choice at this point but to keep it).

Just make sure that you fully understand what this aftermarket extended warrranty does and does not cover. If you have to pay out-of-pocket first, then submit a claim for reimbursement and possibly less a deductible, can you afford to do so? Will they cover all [valid] claims?

Since the warranty cost you almost $2k, you have to look at what it covers. If it covers expensive items (e.g. engine; turbo; etc.) that fail due to non-abuse and/or modification, then yes, it's worth it.

If it sort-of covers items, meaning that there are a lot of exceptions, etc., then it may not be worth it.

Also, are you willing to assume some level of risk? Can you afford to pay out $2k later down the road if something breaks? If you can, then cancel this warranty.

Good luck and do some [more] research.

woody06967 · 10-10-2007, 11:14 AM

I never thought they were worthwhile until I had my entire longblock replaced under warranty this summer. $1200 <<< $6500

Barry · 10-10-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vish

I just bought an used '05 wrx sti with only 15k miles. excellent condition.
bumper to bumper warranty is 36k miles/3years
powertrain is 60k miles/5years

But.. I went ahead and got the extended warranty for it, +4 years (until 2011) or up to 90k miles. Is it worth it? (it was almost $2k !!) I still have 30 days to cancel the extended warranty contract with no fees and get a full refund.. should I cancel?

The dealer talked me into getting it because there was only about 6 months left on the bumper to bumper warranty, but the power train warranty was still available for another 2 years.

Many dealers will discount the Gold factory warranty.........I suggest you ask your dealer if he can do better on the $$$$$. BTW, if you do not use the warranty you will get a pro-rated refund.

shemoves · 10-10-2007, 12:33 PM

That is a tough call. If you are planning on doing any mods or taking the car to the track at all then I would definitely not keep it. If you are very good about keeping up with regular maintanance, as detailed in the owner's manual (not just oil changes), then it might be worth it. However, what all does it actually cover that the powertrain warranty does not? You might only be adding one year to something you already have...which IMO, would be a complete waste.

Personally, I would spend the money on getting a complete leak-down test on the motor and solid regular maintanance.

If you do decide to keep it, make sure you get in writing that previously existing conditions or mods (before you bought the car) will have no bearing on future warranty claims.

Hondaslayer · 10-10-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shemoves

If you do decide to keep it, make sure you get in writing that previously existing conditions or mods (before you bought the car) will have no bearing on future warranty claims.

Does not matter, the contract clearly states that it covers the vehicle in factory original condition and that maintenance / abuse do have bearing on claims.

Matt · 10-11-2007, 12:59 PM

I bought one for our '05 Outback and its already paid for itself. After 36k miles and the bumper to bumper warranty expired I've had two wheel bearings, overhead console, and headlights have been replaced.

As long as you don't go mod crazy, it is worth it.

Hondaslayer · 10-12-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I bought one for our '05 Outback and its already paid for itself. After 36k miles and the bumper to bumper warranty expired I've had two wheel bearings, overhead console, and headlights have been replaced.

As long as you don't go mod crazy, it is worth it.

Wheel bearings are 5/60

infox · 10-12-2007, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry

Many dealers will discount the Gold factory warranty.........I suggest you ask your dealer if he can do better on the $$$$$. BTW, if you do not use the warranty you will get a pro-rated refund.

truth, bought a 03 legacy with 55k, got the gold 100k extended warranty + free lifetime oil changes for $900 after taxes

10-10-2007, 01:14 AM	#1
Vish Scooby Newbie Member#: 149559 Join Date: May 2007	Is warranty worth it? '05 sti I just bought an used '05 wrx sti with only 15k miles. excellent condition. bumper to bumper warranty is 36k miles/3years powertrain is 60k miles/5years But.. I went ahead and got the extended warranty for it, +4 years (until 2011) or up to 90k miles. Is it worth it? (it was almost $2k !!) I still have 30 days to cancel the extended warranty contract with no fees and get a full refund.. should I cancel? The dealer talked me into getting it because there was only about 6 months left on the bumper to bumper warranty, but the power train warranty was still available for another 2 years. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-10-2007, 10:11 AM	#3
Big-E NASIOC Supporter Member#: 123843 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Greenwich, CT Vehicle: 2006 SGM WRX S2 Let LED's light your way!	Correct me if I'm wrong, but the warranty you bought is NOT a Subaru warranty? Yes? None-the-less, do some research on this warranty company before you decide to cancel it, to make sure that they are reputable. My experience is as follows: 1986 Fiero -- bought an aftermarket extended warranty (in 1988 when I bought the car) for $800. Excercised said warranty to replace the a/c compressor and/or any related parts, including freon (R-12). Warranty paid for itself. 2001 Focus -- bought an extended warranty through Ford for about $1,000. A/C stopped working -- dealer misdiagnosed and replaced a/c compressor and related parts. Ended up being a broken wire. None-the-less an a/c compressor is expensive, especially if it is due to the repair shops misdiagnosis and error -- how would I know that they didn't screw up? Shifter cable broke 2x -- had replaced both times. Had the RR window regulator/motor assembly replaced. The extended warranty paid more than I paid for it based on retail repair prices. 2006 WRX -- bought an extended warranty through Subaru for basically the drivetrain (engine, turbo, transmission, drive components, rear end) because I've never owned a Subaru. I will keep it (or have no choice at this point but to keep it). Just make sure that you fully understand what this aftermarket extended warrranty does and does not cover. If you have to pay out-of-pocket first, then submit a claim for reimbursement and possibly less a deductible, can you afford to do so? Will they cover all [valid] claims? Since the warranty cost you almost $2k, you have to look at what it covers. If it covers expensive items (e.g. engine; turbo; etc.) that fail due to non-abuse and/or modification, then yes, it's worth it. If it sort-of covers items, meaning that there are a lot of exceptions, etc., then it may not be worth it. Also, are you willing to assume some level of risk? Can you afford to pay out $2k later down the road if something breaks? If you can, then cancel this warranty. Good luck and do some [more] research.

10-10-2007, 11:14 AM	#4
woody06967 Scooby Specialist Member#: 110330 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Canandaigua, NY Vehicle: 2007 STI Limited 2012 MDX 2012 Golf TDI	I never thought they were worthwhile until I had my entire longblock replaced under warranty this summer. $1200 <<< $6500

10-10-2007, 12:33 PM	#6
shemoves Scooby Guru Member#: 80663 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Glendale, AZ Vehicle: 1997 Outback	That is a tough call. If you are planning on doing any mods or taking the car to the track at all then I would definitely not keep it. If you are very good about keeping up with regular maintanance, as detailed in the owner's manual (not just oil changes), then it might be worth it. However, what all does it actually cover that the powertrain warranty does not? You might only be adding one year to something you already have...which IMO, would be a complete waste. Personally, I would spend the money on getting a complete leak-down test on the motor and solid regular maintanance. If you do decide to keep it, make sure you get in writing that previously existing conditions or mods (before you bought the car) will have no bearing on future warranty claims.

10-11-2007, 12:59 PM	#8
Matt Allergic to turbos Moderator Member#: 181 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MAIC & Southeast Vehicle: Two Subarus and a truck	I bought one for our '05 Outback and its already paid for itself. After 36k miles and the bumper to bumper warranty expired I've had two wheel bearings, overhead console, and headlights have been replaced. As long as you don't go mod crazy, it is worth it.