blofgren wrote:
mtofell1 wrote:
Good advice so far about shopping around and going only with a factory backed service contract. As everyone says, the warranty companies and dealers are in business to make money. Keep in mind A LOT of that money is from people overpaying so you can do a lot of damage control just by purchasing right. They also make a lot of money by people selling the vehicle before the coverage runs out.
I bought one on my 2014 Ram and it's paid off big time. I've had exhaust manifold bolts (2K?) and a tranny rebuild (4-5K?) done. Mine is a a lifetime which means it's good until the repair exceeds the value of the truck. I paid $2200 for it. Mainy, for me, if I didn't have the warranty there's no way I'd still have the truck. It's a company vehicle and I have to be able to manage my costs. I can't have a sudden 5K expense. When I look at how much it costs to do a trade-in and buy a new truck it's a no-brainer. Having the warranty/service contract has allowed me to save a lot by not having to buy/sell. Nonetheless, there will always be the bashers telling me I'm crazy and am throwing money away which is fine. To each their own.
I had forgotten about that lifetime warranty until I read your post. I'm interested in more details on your Ram including engine, transmission, mileage, etc. and what the repairs were.
Lifetime warranty was offered up until about 1-2 years ago. Diesels were excluded but you could still get 125K/7years or something close - that's also the max now after they stopped the Lifetime. There are different tiers but most have what's called the "Maxcare" which is generally an extension of the bumper to bumper factory warranty - Although it's a "service contract" so there are some differences. I've had no trouble getting things covered but have done absolutely zero mods of any kind.
I had heard of the annual check-up that Fish mentions and I think that was probably a thing at one time but is not anymore. I've asked a few times and service advisers don't know what I'm talking about. I also don't find any mention in my contract.
I have all service and repairs done at the dealership so it keeps things super simple. I'm totally in the minority in that I've kept my truck for 6+ years and have done no mods to void the warranty (service contract).
As for problems, my tranny failed at 37K miles and was covered under original powertrain warranty. I knew it wasn't right after the repair and argued a bit with the dealer but couldn't get anywhere. Knowing I had the extended warranty I just ran with it and sure enough, it went out again at 93K. Got it back and it was okay for about 2 weeks and 500 miles and blew again. Repaired.... again, and has been fine for about 6 months. I suppose it feels good but it's hard to say. Honestly, there is no way in hell I'd own this truck without being covered by a warranty of some type.
The other repair I mention is the exhaust manifold bolts. I was in for an oil change and complained of a noise and they said the bolts on both manifolds needed to be done. Honestly, if I'd been paying out of pocket I'd never have let them do the repair because I barely heard anything.... AND the noise I heard is still there after their repair.
I know it's easy for everyone to brand bash but from reading these forums for years you'll find horror stories with every brand. I really can't imagine owning any truck these days without a warranty of some type. Everyone on these forums is far too hung up on anecdotal evidence. Basically, they let their experience or that of a single family member/friend dictate an opinion of the brand as a whole.
Just to answer all your questions after all my ramblings.... truck is a 2014 Ram 6.4 Hemi 4X4 currently at 96K. Hoping to keep it for a while longer. She's paid off and still moves the RV reasonably well. Although, the new trucks sure do look nice!
