Re: Service contract - Warranty

[Bubmeister@aol.com]

>>I JUST purchased a gem of a used 1991 Audi 200S Turbo sedan, 57k miles, new

brakes & tires. The dealer said I could purchase a Service Contract (through 
Warrantech Automotive) for 3 years/36k/$100 deductible at $1603.00. I have 
not been impressed with service contracts, typical dealer service, etc. on 
one hand, but I understand an Audi is a high maintenance vehicle prone to 
expensive repair. It will be used as a family car, maybe 7-9k miles/yr, 
driven (calmly) mostly in the city, and I expect to attend to maintenance 
items (3k mile oil/filter changes, 15k tune-ups, etc). Can anyone help me 
evaluate this? recommendations/suggestions?<<

Is the deductable a one time deal?  What exactly is covered under the service
contract? A really important thing to know about this service contract is do
you have to get the service done at your dealer?  You may be able to get the
work done at your favorite, trusty independent service shop, of course they
have to get authorization for the fix from Warrentech before they start any
work.  Even the dealer needs to get authorization first.  I don't know if
this "contract" is the same as an extended warranty, but they are  also
through another company which is not related to your dealer or car
manufacturer.  Our experience has been that both our cars (86 4kcsq and 88
BMW M5 - oil/filter change at 2000 (or so)  mi, regular maintenance) needed
thousands of dollars worth of repairs at about 7-8  years of age, somewhere
around 60k mi., one car had extended warranty one didn't....thank goodness it
was  the M that had the extended warranty (you thought OWdi parts were
expensive!).  Parts wear out after a while.    Our driving is probably
different from yours (both cars see track time, but also have low mileage).
 From our experience with the extended warranty, our next car will have one.
  I can't offer any evaluation about the price of your contract since we
fanagled ours for free, no deductable...also got an incredible low price on
the new car...some days you get lucky.  If you do get a service
contract/extended warranty be very persistant with your mechanic about
problems with the car....get your money's worth. 

Also while we're talking about warranties, on any car with a factory warranty
don't forget that you can have your scheduled service done at an independent
(make sure they mark your owners' book).  This might save your sanity. When
you need warranty work done you do need to go to the dealer.