WACTD

My 2006 3500 just turned over 30K miles and its 36 month warranty will expire on December 31st. Online sources quote a genuine Chrysler "Maximum Care" (most coverage) warranty for about $1500 that will extend things out to 7/70. With the cost to repair things getting so ridiculous these days, I'm seriously considering it.

However, extended warranties generally have a terrible reputation. Plenty of stories out there about declined coverage, fine print that excludes whatever happens to be wrong, etc.

I had one dealer email me the warranty policy. I read it front-to-back and it looks reasonable except for two things:

1) It covers components that fail due to "defect in materials or workmanship". Strictly interpreted, a part that simply wears out within 7/70 could be denied. What if that gear in the rear differential didn't have a "defect" but simply wore out within 7/70? What happens then?

2) It denies coverage when there have been "modifications not approved or recommended by the manufacturer". I replaced the factory radio and speakers. I installed a spray-in bed liner. I replaced the broken rear window with an aftermarket unit. Strictly speaking, I've "modified" the truck with parts not approved nor recommended by Chrysler. You and I know they have nothing to do with the failure of a $4000 transmission, but could this be used to deny coverage?

Interesting note: Every time I have the dealer change the oil - EVERY TIME - the technician writes on the paperwork that I've installed an aftermarket radio. It's nothing special, no big woofers or extra wiring, it plugs directly into the existing wiring harness, but it's odd that they mention it in writing every single time they touch the vehicle... almost like they're laying a paper trail to cover themselves down the road.

With all that: Anyone here ever buy a Chrysler Extended Warranty? How has it worked out for you?

Thanks!

bighornram

In my opinion the 3yr 36,000 is a joke and anything more than that is a useless waste of money unless YOU happen to be the DC dealer. But thats just my opinion and im certain that MANY will disagree. Oh well. I am my own warranty repair center... not just for my truck either. I've found warranties on most things are a scam to take more of your money at the time of the sale then screw you later when you have a problem.

WACTD

Generally I am too, but I don't have the equipment to work on an engine/drivetrain of this size. Boats, jetskis, ATV's, no problem but a big truck engine is beyond my equipment and experience.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of. However, I've read a few online posts by others who have been glad to have their EW when a big repair bill showed up. It would only take one big bill to exceed the $1500 cost - but I don't want to spend the $1500 AND have them tell me the warranty doesn't apply. That's why I want to hear the experiences of others.

Thanks!

patoka pirate

My 2005 has a 7/70 powertrain after the 3/36 bumper to bumper, and a 100,000 mile ( I dont know the year limit.) from cummins. Does your truck have a cummins waranty? If so probably not worth it.

rfeiller

i purchased an extended warrantee on my '03 3500 dully CTD made payments on it for 4 years, the module that controls the auto trans went out. the company (not chryler's extended warrantee) would not honor it because a 3500 by it's nature is considered commercial.

the dealer gave me all of my insurance payments back with the interest paid.
they had sold many of these particular extended warrantees. after mine was rejected the service dept said "the mopar warrantee is better", but the dealer had started getting a lot of denials on the 3500 extended warrantee claims.

WACTD

I have Chrysler's 3/36 on the vehicle and Cummins' 100K on the engine. I'm not worried about the engine - it's the rest of the vehicle I'm concerned about. The Cummins warranty stops at the clutch - everything rearward (plus all engine accessories such as AC) will be my problem in three months. One good failure will easily chew through $1500, but I don't want to buy a useless warranty either. That's why I'm hoping to hear from people who have bought and used a Chrysler Extended Warranty.

Maybe I'm not hearing from them because no one buys them....?

toptech72

I havent had to use my EW yet. But one of the guys that plow with me had to use his on his 03 3500 last winter. The transmission (auto) went out while plowing snow. The dealer replaced it and never said anything about the fact it was used for plowing. All he had to pay was the $100. deductible. So in his case i will say it was well worth getting the EW.

Totallyrad

I bought the extended when I bought my 04.5. I'm quite happy with it and I think I've about broke even. All you have to do is have one engine, trans or rear end problem and you'll be glad you spent the coin. I went with the bumper to bumper -0- deductible. I really liked handing them the keys and saying "fix it".

rfeiller

i see i did not complete my thought. if your truck is used for commercial use; you may not be covered by mopar. according to the dodge service dept if vehicle used for commercial use mopar can get out of it. but, he said they usually just take care of the problem.

if you will use the truck for commercial, make sure the extended warranty covers commercial use.

my wife has the mopar extended warrantee on the her 300C they are good about honoring the warranty.

WACTD

They ever hassle you for any "modifications" you did? I replaced my radio, for example, and they write that on every receipt - even LOF's. Worries me a bit that they're so sensitive to it.

torquefan

I think the EW is a crapshoot. It just depends on the luck of the draw as to whether you'll ever need it. Are you the type who likes to take chances, or do you like to have as much insurance as you can?

As far as the two points you raised about the EW's policy, those things are technically common rules for any warranty, including your Dodge's basic warranty. It all boils down to your dealer's attitude, also just like your basic warranty does. If they find a way to weasel out of basic warranty claims, they'll do the same with the extended warranty.

RideOn

I get hassled everytime I go to the dealer for my leveling kit and my tires. They always make a point to note that in the computer. They told me all of my front suspension and steering components are void of warranty now.

I am worried about what they will say when they see my exhaust. Has anyone ever had their warranty voided because of aftermarket exhaust?

Danderson

The ideal situation is with a Dodge tech who posts here. He bought the Chrysler ew at a discount,and it pays him to fix his truck! What a deal! I'll seriously consider one when my 3/36 gets close to expiring.

HOV

The only reason extended warranties are offered is because they make money for the warrantor.

It's same reason casinos stay in business. That's all there is to it.

GMScott

I got the EW on my 04.5 too. BUT it also came with 28 FREE oil & oil filter changes!! The 07.5 didn't come with the same offer so I didn't get an EW on the 07.5. With the 04.5, the rear burned up and Dodge completely rebuilt it for the $100.00 deductible. The EW paid for itself with just the free oil changes but the rear repair sealed the deal. My dealer could've turned down the rebuild for warranty work but they like having my business. They also know that I use my 3500 commercially. So I guess it always depends on the dealer's AND your attitudes/relationship.