Transpower Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Has anyone here conducted a serious, thorough, comparative study of extended warranty plans for the Mercury Mariner Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid? I'm not talking here about individual dealer plans; I'm talking about plans available nationwide. If you have an extended warranty, what has your experience been like? I currently have 34500 miles on my 2008 MMH. I really don't know whether to get an extended warranty at 36000 miles or not. I have never purchased one for my previous vehicles, and have lucked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I do not have a hybrid; however, I am one of those folks that actually purchase the extended service plans. Mainly, I get the premium (top level) plan since most of my vehicles are equipped with a bunch of electronics. Granted, I may not use the plan; however, I just like the peace of mind. It started a long time ago when I used it to have the transmission repaired. Since then, I normally get the coverage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 (edited) Has anyone here conducted a serious, thorough, comparative study of extended warranty plans for the Mercury Mariner Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid? I'm not talking here about individual dealer plans; I'm talking about plans available nationwide. If you have an extended warranty, what has your experience been like? I currently have 34500 miles on my 2008 MMH. I really don't know whether to get an extended warranty at 36000 miles or not. I have never purchased one for my previous vehicles, and have lucked out. It's really simple. If your goal is to save money over the long run and you can afford to pay for a big repair once in a while then don't get the extended warranty. You insure yourself. You pay yourself the premiums and you pay the repairs. That's how the warranty companies make money and if it didn't work they wouldn't be in business. If you just like having the warranty and don't mind spending $1000 - $1500 cash to avoid a bigger bill later and you understand that in the long run you will probably spend more than you get back (on average) - buy the warranty. The only time it makes financial sense to buy an extended warranty (IMO) is if you simply can't afford a big repair at all (fixed or very low income, etc.). Then I recommend financing it with the car so you're only paying a few bucks a month rather than a few thousand for a big repair or a few hundred for a small one. Let's say you've been lucky so far and you've had 3 vehicles where you didn't buy the warranty and had no repairs. You're now up $4500, give or take. Even if you had to replace an engine tomorrow for $3K - you're still up $1500. EDIT - just realized you're talking about a hybrid. There is obviously more risk with a new powertrain but it's still a gamble whether you'd get your money back or not. However, given the stories of NYC FEH taxicabs going 300K I wouldn't be too concerned. Edited October 21, 2009 by akirby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YT90SC Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Has anyone here conducted a serious, thorough, comparative study of extended warranty plans for the Mercury Mariner Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid? I'm not talking here about individual dealer plans; I'm talking about plans available nationwide. If you have an extended warranty, what has your experience been like? I currently have 34500 miles on my 2008 MMH. I really don't know whether to get an extended warranty at 36000 miles or not. I have never purchased one for my previous vehicles, and have lucked out. As far as ease of use, there is nothing better than a Ford ESP. HAve a problem, go to the dealership, just like under the standard warranty. Isn't the powertrain warranty 5 years/ 60k anyway, with battery and hybrid componentry longer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 As far as ease of use, there is nothing better than a Ford ESP. HAve a problem, go to the dealership, just like under the standard warranty. Isn't the powertrain warranty 5 years/ 60k anyway, with battery and hybrid componentry longer? Yes. Batteries are covered 8/100 or 10/150 depending on the state. So a 7/100 ESP is really just a 4/64k bumper to bumper and 2/40k powertrain warranty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlucarelli Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 (edited) GET THE WARRANTY. If Ford offers one, get a 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty. I had a 60,000 mile, 60 month extended warranty. I experienced a 'Catastrophic engine failure' on my 2006 FEH at 65,000 miles / month 37. Ford was not interested in any type of assistance whatsoever. They were not interested in talking with me. They were not interested in learning why a connecting rod bearing failed and ruined the engine. The repair bill to install a remanufactured engine was $6500. The irony in my nightmare experience with Ford and Ford products: 1. The remanufactured engine has a better warranty than the original. Go figure. 2. The hybrid components (battery, electric motor, etc.) have a 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty. So... although the new technology has a reasonable warranty, the "rock solid" "proven technology" Duratec block engine does not. (Yes, I took care of the vehicle. Better than almost all. If you want details, go to the GreenHybrid forum and search for "Catastrophic engine failure") Edited October 23, 2009 by dlucarelli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Here we go again............. Here's a question that you haven't answered - if it was a defect of some kind in the bearing, why would it take 65,000 miles to show up? Why haven't we seen more of these types of failues? A factory lubrication problem would have shown up very early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transpower Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 Here we go again............. Here's a question that you haven't answered - if it was a defect of some kind in the bearing, why would it take 65,000 miles to show up? Why haven't we seen more of these types of failues? A factory lubrication problem would have shown up very early. Could we please get back to my question? Aside from the Ford/Mercury ESP, what about all the others advertised? Specifically, what about Fidelus? I'm tempted to take my chances, once again, and not get an ESP, but I would really like to hear about the experiences of others before deciding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 (edited) Could we please get back to my question? Aside from the Ford/Mercury ESP, what about all the others advertised? Specifically, what about Fidelus? I'm tempted to take my chances, once again, and not get an ESP, but I would really like to hear about the experiences of others before deciding. The only concern I have about these new companies like Fidelis is just that...they're new. How long would they be around before they disappear with your money? Again, personally speaking, I would stick with ESP if you do plan to get it. It may be worthwhile for you to risk it again since you haven't had any issues before. Good luck! Edited October 23, 2009 by exrub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Could we please get back to my question? Aside from the Ford/Mercury ESP, what about all the others advertised? Specifically, what about Fidelus? I'm tempted to take my chances, once again, and not get an ESP, but I would really like to hear about the experiences of others before deciding. You do not want anything except a Ford ESP plan. They're just not worth the hassle, especially with a hybrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wptski Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 The only concern I have about these new companies like Fidelis is just that...they're new. How long would they be around before they disappear with your money? Again, personally speaking, I would stick with ESP if you do plan to get it. It may be worthwhile for you to risk it again since you haven't had any issues before. Good luck! Fidelis's CO or President is a ex-con! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arniect Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Two issues here: buy one or not buy one? who to buy it from? lots of good advice on both above. Last two vehicles i have not bought one and so far so good. One lesson I learned the hard way over 20 yers ago is: ONLY BUY the FORD ESP. I would say that is more true now than ever with Fidelis and many others out there. Stay away from them period. I think the vehicle you buy should determine the buy or not buy part of deal. new technology is more likley to have an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transpower Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 Thanks for the information. So if I do decide to do this I'll go with the Mercury ESP, and not some third party. I checked the prices: 1. PremiumCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $2145 (ouch) 2. BaseCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $1350 I'd have to say that, once again, I'm going to take my chances...but I really am more uncertain about the wisdom of this choice than I've ever been before... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlawson4 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Thanks for the information. So if I do decide to do this I'll go with the Mercury ESP, and not some third party. I checked the prices: 1. PremiumCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $2145 (ouch) 2. BaseCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $1350 I'd have to say that, once again, I'm going to take my chances...but I really am more uncertain about the wisdom of this choice than I've ever been before... I certainly cannot argue about self-insurance. I have had ESP and not had ESP. However, make sure you decide based on real prices for ESP. If you google ESP you will get actual Ford dealers selling ESP. I was able to get ESP 100/7 years premium care (real ESP) for under $1300. $50 deductible no less. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b.guggenmos Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Thanks for the information. So if I do decide to do this I'll go with the Mercury ESP, and not some third party. I checked the prices: 1. PremiumCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $2145 (ouch) 2. BaseCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $1350 I'd have to say that, once again, I'm going to take my chances...but I really am more uncertain about the wisdom of this choice than I've ever been before... The dealers have a lot of "wiggle" room on the price you actually pay for the extended warranty. It is negotiable just like the price of the vehicle. Funny thing most times if you say no on the warranty they will come right back with a lower price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Lantern Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Thanks for the information. So if I do decide to do this I'll go with the Mercury ESP, and not some third party. I checked the prices: 1. PremiumCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $2145 (ouch) 2. BaseCare Extended Warranty for 7 years/100k miles, $200 deductible: $1350 I'd have to say that, once again, I'm going to take my chances...but I really am more uncertain about the wisdom of this choice than I've ever been before... Definitely shop online for ESP pricing and you will find better deals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Lantern Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 GET THE WARRANTY. If Ford offers one, get a 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty. I had a 60,000 mile, 60 month extended warranty. I experienced a 'Catastrophic engine failure' on my 2006 FEH at 65,000 miles / month 37. Ford was not interested in any type of assistance whatsoever. They were not interested in talking with me. They were not interested in learning why a connecting rod bearing failed and ruined the engine. The repair bill to install a remanufactured engine was $6500. The irony in my nightmare experience with Ford and Ford products: 1. The remanufactured engine has a better warranty than the original. Go figure. 2. The hybrid components (battery, electric motor, etc.) have a 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty. So... although the new technology has a reasonable warranty, the "rock solid" "proven technology" Duratec block engine does not. (Yes, I took care of the vehicle. Better than almost all. If you want details, go to the GreenHybrid forum and search for "Catastrophic engine failure") You are a complete tool. You have yet to drum up the sympathy that you feel you deserve, have stated that you loved your Ford until this happened and that you will never buy Ford again. Now all you appear to do is sit around on Ford forums and cry over your spilled milk. You were beyond your warranty period. As I have said before, that is bad luck and I feel sorry for you having to go through it but what is the point of a warranty period if a company is expected to cover problems outside of that period? They might as well just sell it (and price it) as warranty for life. If you really think you have a legitimate claim then go to a consumer advocacy group, hire a lawyer, do something other than sit around and act like a little kid over this. If you have a legitimate claim you will win, plain and simple. Then you can proudly thump your chest and tell all of us that don't agree with you that you were right and we were wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 You do not want anything except a Ford ESP plan. They're just not worth the hassle, especially with a hybrid. I agree completely. Hybrid or not, if you want a ESP, get a Ford ESP. The aftermarket warranty companies can be a pain, and they look for any reason not to pay. Some of them actually won't pay for fluids and sealers. Only the broken part. Also, sometimes you may have to pay out of pocket and get rembursed. Ford ESP is a piece of cake. If its covered, you pay your deductible and thats it. Like all of them, if the cost is over a set amount, they may send a inspector. In my experiences the aftermarket warrantys are crooked. They can and sometimes will use junk yard parts, like transmissions, ac compressors etc.... Ford ESP does not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transpower Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 I agree completely. Hybrid or not, if you want a ESP, get a Ford ESP. The aftermarket warranty companies can be a pain, and they look for any reason not to pay. Some of them actually won't pay for fluids and sealers. Only the broken part. Also, sometimes you may have to pay out of pocket and get rembursed. Ford ESP is a piece of cake. If its covered, you pay your deductible and thats it. Like all of them, if the cost is over a set amount, they may send a inspector. In my experiences the aftermarket warrantys are crooked. They can and sometimes will use junk yard parts, like transmissions, ac compressors etc.... Ford ESP does not. Very accurate. I just got the December 2009 issue of Car and Driver. On p. 34 of this issue is a very negative review of various extended warranty companies, including US Fidelis. The St. Louis BBB has received 1146 complaints about US Fidelis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 That's the other benefit of not buying ext. warranties. I can get my car fixed any time I want by anyone I want and I don't have to argue with anyone except myself, and I usually win those arguments one way or the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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