Car Warranties - are they worth it?!!!!

[Drew3]

Hi Soulsource members. 

Has anyone got experience of taking out an extended warranty on their car. I've never had one other than what the second hand dealership gives you of a few months. I'm part exchanging my car tomorrow for one that is three years old and is just out of it's maker's warranty. The salesman, someone we know as a family friend but who remains a salesman nonetheless, is raving over a warranty company that his dealership uses. The warranty he is pushing is through a company called MBi Autoguard Warranties (Premium). It would either be for fifteen months or three years. For three years it is just under £400.00 which works out around £11.00 per month. I have tried review forums to try and get a feel for this being worth it or not and each has reviewers praising the company or slating them in equal measure!!! There seems to be nothing in between!!!! I have read the sales brochure and it does seem to exclude a heck of a lot that would be covered!!!! 

My question is does anybody have experience of this company and it's warrantties or even of car warranties in general? I have to make my mind up tomorrow I suppose, one way or the other!!! Any advice on the company in particular would be much appreciated?

Regards.

Drew.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Drew3

[Greedy Mick]

Hi not had any dealings with this company but have had 3 gold warranties with ford on my last 2 cars. Not the cheapest but in 1st year of having my st they replaced water pump, then my egr valve along with dpf filter with no cost to me have just renewed it as the last 2 times I've had it I have recouped the costs,  About 10 years ago ago I had same cover with my mondeo st and it more than paid for itself.  Just had to have car serviced properly.   

Edited December 8, 2024 by Greedy

[Mal C]

My view on Car Warranties, is that it depends on the car.

A three year old car just out of its maker's warranty, is likely to still be in good condition, check the log book, and general docs / invoices in the log pouch, was it a fleet car, or privately owned? the milage would give you an indication here. If it has done allot of miles for the year, then you have to take a view. Look for the signs, does it steer to the right or left when you brake progressively? is the steering aligned correctly? if it has had some bigger engine parts changed out, that could be good, or be highlighting a bigger problem.

I know that’s not a perfect answer to your question, but I've always gone with paying for items as they come up, I have a good garage near me, I ask him to check the general health of mine, we both know when things are likely to go wrong on them, so between us we manage it. If in doubt, have a local garage look at it for you.

Reviewers praising the company or/and slating them in equal measure, that’s not a sell to me. If it's a good company it should be apparent immediately, otherwise I'd steer clear.

[Drew3]

Cheers for the replies Greedy and Mal C. Much appreciated.

Regards.

Drew.

[Solidsoul]

Every time I tried to get something repaired on warranty, they said it's wear and tear, so that's not covered !

Edited December 8, 2024 by Solidsoul

[Drew3]

Yes, there is much on the booklet that isn't covered.

Thank you for your post.

Regards.

Drew.