[taxplanner]

Just became a new owner (sort of it my daughters car) of a used beetle convertible 2.5L/Auto with 149k miles, paid $4.5k. Was thinking of buying an aftermarket car warranty from Carchex, 4yr/60k for about $2k.

Is it worth it? The car looks very clean looks like it was babied, no service records at VW otherthan a couple oil change recently (144k & 138k) and few light bulb changes.

Why someone would take the car to the dealer for a light bulb change, and pay $140 an hour is unknown, but maybe I'll find out later.

My biggest concern, besides the transmission, is my daughter is taking the car 1k miles away for college next fall and I can't do any work on the car.

 

[gnulovebug]

What year is it? Back in 2010, I bought a 2003 1.8L Turbo with 81,000 miles on it. I was offered a 4 year, 48,000 mile warranty for around $2200. Even though money was tight, I bought it. Sooo glad I did.

In addition to a $4,300 transmission replacement at 114,000 miles, I probably got another $2,000 to $3,000 worth of work done under that warranty, with a $100 deductible. Best $2,200 I ever spent.

So I would say yes, absolutely buy the warranty, especially since your daughter will be on her own at college.

I still have the car, by the way, running great, 133,000 miles, going to Roswell in June!
Good luck!

 

[taxplanner]

Thanks for the reply, BTW it's a 2006.

 

[billymade]

As the above has experienced; the major failure parts would be the engine and transmission. The early 2.5L's; had issues with failing timing chain/tensioner assemblies and the auto trans, seem to be failure prone. I would definitely; have the timing chain ass'y checked out; failures on these, have take whole engines out. If the engine or transmission failed; that warranty, would be less, than either repairs would cost! The extended warranty; would certainly give you peace of mind and if anything catastrophic did happen, you would be covered! When it comes to warranties; I know, some are better then others, you might ask your local VW dealers service dept.; who they have had good service with. Some will install new/rebuilt parts and some want to put "used" parts in, for things like engines and transmissions.

Here is a interesting article: (keep in mind; this is geared towards a new car extended warranty, not a used one)

http://humblemechanic.com/2012/06/1...warranty-for-your-car-an-auto-mechanics-view/

http://humblemechanic.com/2013/08/29/here-we-go-with-the-add-ons/

He is saying; that "CNA" is a good company to work with, as a VW tech:

https://www.cnanational.com/cportal/web/guest/home

 

[taxplanner]

Thanks for the advice, never thought of calling VW service.

 

[petethepug]

Ironically, we called VW CS to verify if the warranty (service contract) that was offered on our 07 NB convertible was actually allowed to have the VW logo on it prior to purchasing the car from a VW Dealer.

It was listed as the Volkswagen Drive Easy Program. Mechanical Failure Service Contract. The Administrator is Fidelity Warranty Services Inc. About $2K on a 97K mi vehicle.

All was legit and VW CS verified they work closely with them and allowed them to print their Name and logo on the contract. They are allowed to push back at the dealer on certain repair issues to conserve (avoid paying on) the contract.

Fidelity sent a TPA (Independent 3rd party administrator)to inspect the 6SP Auto Trans that crapped out and is a covered warranty item on the contract. The TPA would not inspect the trans until we had corrected a check engine light caused by a bad PCV (smog valve) integrated into the plastic valve cover of the 2.5L engine. The dealer wanted over $500 to replace the $150 valve cover.

Thankfully in just the past year Dorman made a $20 after market plastic rubber bellow/spring/cap (Dorman 917-064 PCV Valve) repair kit so the entire valve cover would not have to be purchased. The process is still in the works but I'm sure all will work out well. Be prepared to double up on maintenance documentation or the TPA has the power to refuse covered items on your contract.

The fact that they're covering a $4-$6K 6SP auto trans/labor and parts is testament on why you need the service contract on a high mileage vehicle. We've been down this road before back on '95 with a 6yr 100K mile service contract on another vehicle. We had a mechanic at a local garage who actually made some receipts for wheel rotation every 5K miles and tire pressure checks. Without them, the service contract would of denied a claim on a full motor rebuild from a rod knock at 92K miles. In the end, the service contracts DO PAY OFF to prevent Murphy's Law from winning. The contract on the Corrado g60 paid out more than the value of the car ($24K) when it was new. It was a dealer demo w/ 1.7K miles when purchase as new off the dealer's showroom floor. We paid $17.5 for in '90. The $850 contract was worth over $30K in covered repairs by the time '00 rolled around.

 

[billymade]

WOW! I had a opportunity to purchase a used Corrado back in the day; it was fun to drive and had the G60 supercharger. However, I have heard; they were nightmares, to keep running on the road! I would love to hear more about your Corrado! The New Beetle Convertible; seems like a VERY good candidate for a extended warranty!

AGAIN, as I stated before, if you have a early 2.5L; the timing chain and guides are a common failure point, I would have them check out asap. If you had a extended warranty; I guess, you could rest easy but would just have to wait until it was repaired!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5139503-2-5-Intake-Timing-Chain-Issues

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5721530-FYI-2005.5-2007-Timing-Chain-Issues

 

[05yellowbeetle]

Did the former owner give you any maintenance records? Some extended warranties require records in the event of a failure.

 

[petethepug]

I had my service contract company request maintenance records on the first claim I did on the Corrado back in '92. I simply wrote out the mileage and work preformed according to the service manual. I had kept all the receipts for oil and filters purchased.

I told them I kept the filters and oil on hand and their purchase date had nothing to do with the date and mileage that my written mileage/maint log reflected. They were fine with that. Back then I was going to Kinko's (Now FedEx) every six months to fax those logs that had up to 14 pages of receipts and logs.

They played games and stated that I never had the proof of the wheels balanced and rotated and only a shop could do that. Told them "phew, glad I kept those". I ended up driving down the street and the gas station gave me three black service order sheets to fill out for rotate tires and balance.

 

[billymade]

Do you still have the Corrado? How is it running and do you still drive it? Would love to see some pictures of it!


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[petethepug]

Wow, it's been a while Billy, Still have the g60 tucked away under a blankie in the garage. I'll roll it out and post some pics when I get a chance.