5 Year Check Up
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 4
From: Austin, Texas
Allpar posted a very informative article today about the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. As well today, I happened to have my heavily modded Jeep in the shop for my first Lifetime Warranty repair and it went very smoothly. Of course I had just gone in for the 5 year inspection about 6 months ago, so I knew that the repair should be covered.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: The Sooner State
Being a long time mechanic and shop manager I want to share my experiences with aftermarket warranty companies. Depending on the "level" of "coverage" you have depends on what is actually covered. Most of the warranty companies have about 4 stages of coverage, each stage covering more and more of the vehicle. The basic stage typically only covers engine or transmission issues, as you move up it covers interior and electrical issues. So you really need to understand what is actually "covered".
With that being said even if the warranty company says you are covered chances are you are not. I have dealt with plenty of claims that have been denied for one reason or another. My typical experience is that a warranty company will cover almost any repair that is less than $500 (keep in mind you have a $100 deductible). Once you hit that $500 mark the company will want to send an adjustor. The adjustors job is to find any and every reason to deny the claim.
With all of that being said I feel it is better to save that couple thousand dollars that the "best" aftermarket warranty will cost and put it in the bank for when you have an issue that needs to be addressed.
The factory warranty is the only way to go. Just my two cents for whatever its worth.
With that being said even if the warranty company says you are covered chances are you are not. I have dealt with plenty of claims that have been denied for one reason or another. My typical experience is that a warranty company will cover almost any repair that is less than $500 (keep in mind you have a $100 deductible). Once you hit that $500 mark the company will want to send an adjustor. The adjustors job is to find any and every reason to deny the claim.
With all of that being said I feel it is better to save that couple thousand dollars that the "best" aftermarket warranty will cost and put it in the bank for when you have an issue that needs to be addressed.
The factory warranty is the only way to go. Just my two cents for whatever its worth.
I REALLY hate dealing with the stealership. I will go there if need be during my factory warranty period. Other than that I stay clear.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 0
From: 36* N
Be cognizant that taking the Jeep in for warranty work may result in a diagnosis fee.....that was a sweet $150 I paid for the dealer to tell me they're not sure why my clutch squeaks but bring it in again if it comes back (since they can't replicate).....it came back 5 mins out of the parking lot.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: The Sooner State
[QUOTE=karls;3586180]Be cognizant that taking the Jeep in for warranty work may result in a diagnosis fee.....that was a sweet $150 I paid for the dealer to tell me they're not sure why my clutch squeaks but bring it in again if it comes back (since they can't replicate).....it came back 5 mins out of the parking lot.
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Noted. Something else to add to they stealership list
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 4
Noted. Something else to add to they stealership list
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 0
From: Newton, NJ
I hear what your saying. When I bought my Jeep a year ago, the loan officer put the contract in front of me and I noticed that he kindly added three additional warrenties/coverages. That pissed me off right there and when I asked him to take them out of the contract because I did not ask for it he looked at me with the "how dare you" look. All I wanted was GAP.
I REALLY hate dealing with the stealership. I will go there if need be during my factory warranty period. Other than that I stay clear.
I REALLY hate dealing with the stealership. I will go there if need be during my factory warranty period. Other than that I stay clear.
Wranglers tend to hold there value so GAP really isn't needed. However it is so cheap that it makes sense. Everything else is to just take you for a ride.
Sorry for being so brutally honest but that is how we operate!!
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 0
From: Newton, NJ
Be cognizant that taking the Jeep in for warranty work may result in a diagnosis fee.....that was a sweet $150 I paid for the dealer to tell me they're not sure why my clutch squeaks but bring it in again if it comes back (since they can't replicate).....it came back 5 mins out of the parking lot.
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If you tell them you refuse to pay because it is a warranty issue they have nothing to say about it. Tell them to take it up with Chrysler.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 0
From: 36* N
Typically most dealers will not charge a diag fee unless you opt not to repair the item. My clutch has been squeaking since day one (worse when driving through deep water) however it does not seem to be a major issue, just very annoying.
If you tell them you refuse to pay because it is a warranty issue they have nothing to say about it. Tell them to take it up with Chrysler.
If you tell them you refuse to pay because it is a warranty issue they have nothing to say about it. Tell them to take it up with Chrysler.
I'll have to get some free time, my receipt, and go ask them to take another look.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 0
From: Newton, NJ
Unfortunately dealing with the dealer can be very frustrating. Have them look at it multiple times and refuse to pay if they keep saying everything is fine. Once something goes wrong have all your documents at hand and have it taken care of, even if it is out of warranty. You will have the doc's showing that they "blew you off" and you will still be covered if it really get ugly.