Extended Warranty

[Doug53]

As the warranty on our Fiat Ducato Motorhome ends this year, any thoughts on trying to extend or to buy a new warranty. Has anyone done this. Good or bad idea any information appreciated. Thanks

 

[the1andonly]

You had 2 weeks to extend the original Fiat warrenty to 5 years. (most dealers dont try to sell it as not financialy worthwhile.) so looking at aftermarket deals, probably not worth it given the tie ins required, maybe its worth it if you have problems that are covered, or not if you have problems beyond their limmits. at least it is a bump.

 

[VXman]

Most extended warranties are not really worth it. They will only cover major mechanical failures which are fairly rare and they will have all kinds of provisos. I had a few with used cars bought from garages over the years and when you read the small print the chances of ever claiming anything are small.

 

[The Wino]

Do you have extended warranties on all your other vehicles and white goods and drain and plumbing cover and all risks on valuable items etc etc. If so cancel the lot and unless you're really unlucky in 10 years you'll be quids in!. Insurance companies have to collect a fair bit more in premiums than they pay out as they generally pay commission to sellers of the policies payout on claims when they can't find small print to wriggle out pay all their staff offices shareholders dividends etc. All insurance is really gambling they're gambling that you won't claim you're gambling that the premium is worth it.

 

[HugoBNB]

Have a look at Motoreasy.co.uk. We have just extended ours for three years. The blurb says it is like for like to the original Fiat warranty. Contribution for parts diminishes by a percentage year on year but the labour is 100% covered for the period. Cost, just over £900 (two years premium and third year free).

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[Coolcats]

Most extended warranties are not really worth it. They will only cover major mechanical failures which are fairly rare and they will have all kinds of provisos. I had a few with used cars bought from garages over the years and when you read the small print the chances of ever claiming anything are small.

Erm interesting comment, I am in my 4th year and just making a warranty claim (non mechanical but electrical ) the cost of changing the items will cover what I paid for the extended warranty. For most they may never make a claim but for those that do they could save a few £k

 

[The Wino]

Erm interesting comment, I am in my 4th year and just making a warranty claim (non mechanical but electrical ) the cost of changing the items will cover what I paid for the extended warranty. For most they may never make a claim but for those that do they could save a few £k

As I said before it's really gambling. Just because some win at the horses doesn't mean it's on average going to mean you will. The fact companies are still in business proves that on average they pay out less than they take in . It's then a matter of whether you want to carry the risk yourself or pay for someone else to in the knowledge that's the premium is bound to be higher than cost of repairs on average.

 

[mofurt]

I'd agree that they are rarely worth it - but I tend to only insure those things I cannot cover myself; so no mobile phone insurance for example - if I was to drop or lose it I'd just buy another.

Taking the £900 for three years example above - in the last three years, off the top of my head, I've replaced the clutch slave cylinder on the Ducato (probably covered by warranty) - £60 in parts and 15 minutes to do. Guess that would have been £150 at a garage. Clutch plates and timing belt - not a warranty item. Upper front suspension mount bearings on the T5 because they were getting noisy steering at low speed - £250. But that's unlikely to be a warranty job, that's wear and tear. Big one for costs is my Range Rover. The alternator failed, which cost me £250 for the alternator (plus I replaced all the belts up front, but that wouldn't have been covered by warranty as they are wear an tear), and a problem with a valve between the turbos that I had the AA big yellow taxi take me to a local RR specialist for diagonsis/repair. Garage would have charged me £550 for the alternator, did charge me £400 for the turbo issue. The other car has had nothing but routine maintenance. So for four vehicles, we'd have paid £3600 (assuming they're all the same warranty price - I just tried to get a quote from motoreasy for the RR and they declined to offer me a price...). I would have paid out about £1100 in garage work if I'd not done some myself, I actually spent £710. I've saved about £1000/year on warranty vs repair costs for those four vehicles.

Sure, a single big failure could cost thousands, but that's the gamble. In white/electrical goods, mobile phone, car extended warranty etc. I'm way ahead by not paying the insurance companies. Even if I was to suffer terminal engine failure in a vehicle, I could replace it with the money I've saved over the years. If you've not got cash to hand (or credit available), then the warranty may be of more value - but then, like most things, it ends up that you spend more overall because you can't afford to fund it yourself.

 

[Coolcats]

As I said before it's really gambling. Just because some win at the horses doesn't mean it's on average going to mean you will. The fact companies are still in business proves that on average they pay out less than they take in . It's then a matter of whether you want to carry the risk yourself or pay for someone else to in the knowledge that's the premium is bound to be higher than cost of repairs on average.

Of course but here is the thing a MoHo generally does less milage than most people cars. Having had quite a lot of new vehicles a rough guesstimate is that 60% have had something claimed under warranty within 36,000 miles so it seems reasonable to pay for extended warranty which in my case seems to have paid off The MoHo has done around 12,000 miles and in its 4th year. So is it worth it on a capital investment I would say yes.

 

[The Wino]

Of course but here is the thing a MoHo generally does less milage than most people cars. Having had quite a lot of new vehicles a rough guesstimate is that 60% have had something claimed under warranty within 36,000 miles so it seems reasonable to pay for extended warranty which in my case seems to have paid off The MoHo has done around 12,000 miles and in its 4th year. So is it worth it on a capital investment I would say yes.

But if on average people are better off why are the warranty companies still in business? I don't see my MH as a capital investment its spending! A politician would call it investment because it sounds better! I would say you are maybe unlucky in needing that many repairs. We normally keep our cars (we run two) 6 or 7 years having bought typically 6 months old. The last major repair was 12 years ago I can't recall any before that.

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[Pausim]

Have a look at Motoreasy.co.uk. We have just extended ours for three years. The blurb says it is like for like to the original Fiat warranty. Contribution for parts diminishes by a percentage year on year but the labour is 100% covered for the period. Cost, just over £900 (two years premium and third year free).

£900 is more than the Fiat 3 year extension which includes recovery.

 

[Coolcats]

But if on average people are better off why are the warranty companies still in business? I don't see my MH as a capital investment its spending! A politician would call it investment because it sounds better! I would say you are maybe unlucky in needing that many repairs. We normally keep our cars (we run two) 6 or 7 years having bought typically 6 months old. The last major repair was 12 years ago I can't recall any before that.

Its a capital investment and supports health and wellbeing, the spend... cost will come along when the MoHo is sold Oh I have got through a lot of vehicles at one point I was ordering a new one every 9 months....Glad to say that has slowed down but is why I view extended warranty a reasonable risk

 

[VXman]

Erm interesting comment, I am in my 4th year and just making a warranty claim (non mechanical but electrical ) the cost of changing the items will cover what I paid for the extended warranty. For most they may never make a claim but for those that do they could save a few £k

Yep....bit like doing the lottery. (And insurance generally) It occasional works out for people but not for most - otherwise all these companies would be going bust!!

 

[HugoBNB]

£900 is more than the Fiat 3 year extension which includes recovery.

From what I was told, we had the two-year Fiat warranty plus one-year dealer extension and that Fiat only offer a one, or two year warranty thereafter for a fee. This one is a three-year extension and is to the original Fiat standards. Our MH is just coming up to three-years old and the power steering rack failed on our last journey.
Like all things in life, you make your choice and pay your money. The warranty does include breakdown for failure of warranty parts UK and Europe.

 

[the1andonly]

From what I was told, we had the two-year Fiat warranty plus one-year dealer extension and that Fiat only offer a one, or two year warranty thereafter for a fee. This one is a three-year extension and is to the original Fiat standards. Our MH is just coming up to three-years old and the power steering rack failed on our last journey.
Like all things in life, you make your choice and pay your money. The warranty does include breakdown for failure of warranty parts UK and Europe.

The problem lies in "what you were told" and what is reality.
My purchase was 4 yrs ago so info might now be different.
Fiat warranty 2yrs, 3 year extension available for 2 weeks from purchase. at the time only additional fiat offering ( original dealer not always forthcoming with this info) a 3rd year warenty is added to uk conversions. This does not apply to European converters eg Rapido.

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[Pausim]

From what I was told, we had the two-year Fiat warranty plus one-year dealer extension and that Fiat only offer a one, or two year warranty thereafter for a fee. This one is a three-year extension and is to the original Fiat standards. Our MH is just coming up to three-years old and the power steering rack failed on our last journey.
Like all things in life, you make your choice and pay your money. The warranty does include breakdown for failure of warranty parts UK and Europe.

I had the 2 year warranty (no 1 year dealer extension) and bought the extra 3 years for £867. With recovery included, which I estimate would have cost me £300+, I thought the £500+ cost worthwhile. I don’t normally bother with extended warranties.

I recently had a breakdown in Norfolk in year 3 of the warranty. Recovered efficiently by Fiat/RAC to Adams Morey in Portsmouth. Repaired quickly but cost of repairs not seen as Fiat responsibility because wiring loom damage was caused by a Carthago mistake during their construction process. Raised matter with the dealer, Chelston Motorhomes, suggesting that I had expected the cost to be covered by the 5 year Fiat warranty they had sold me. They raised the matter with Carthago who refunded my repair costs. Recovery and repair sorted out within a few days and cost of repai recovered within a few weeks. Without the Fiat warranty I doubt I would have been given the same priority for a quick repair and I also doubt that the dealer or Carthago would have been as sympathetic about paying for the repairs. I am glad that I bought it. I was also very impressed with how well the recovery, repairs and refund were handled with good and reassuring communications throughout.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

May not suit if you prefer to home service/mechanic your vehicle, lifting the bonnet lid for some is almost grounds for refusing a claim,and the rest are wrigglier than a can a can of worms.
Mike.

 

[TheBig1]

Extended third party warranties are effective for the first 4 or at a push 5 years. After that, the warranty is not worth the paper it's written on. My motor dealer friends have done well selling the policies over the years, but rarely have got a pay out for a customer as most parts are deemed wear and tear

 

[Reallyretired]

I have always bought second hand from dealers and they always come with a warrantee with so many exclusions it would be very rare to be able to claim. I have never bothered and would certainly not pay to extend one.

 

[Doug53]

Thanks for all the replies, it seems like swings and roundabout. The reason I asked the question was because the Motorhome is in with Fiat at the moment with gearbox problems (Comfortmatic) as I am just about in the original Fiat warranty I should be ok, but I was concerned about any future problems if I had known when I bought it that I could have extended the Fiat warranty I probably would have, now not so sure.

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[PB2019]

I don’t have extended warranty with mine however Fiat offer breakdown cover the same as when new for £15.00 per year, I took it out when the van had its two year service.

 

[The Wino]

For the first 4 years or so that we had the MH ford gave free European breakdown cover as long as the service was on time and done at a ford dealer but they've stopped it now.

 

[The Wino]

Thanks for all the replies, it seems like swings and roundabout. The reason I asked the question was because the Motorhome is in with Fiat at the moment with gearbox problems (Comfortmatic) as I am just about in the original Fiat warranty I should be ok, but I was concerned about any future problems if I had known when I bought it that I could have extended the Fiat warranty I probably would have, now not so sure.

I think if I had problems already and wasn't convinced they were permanently fixed the odds would change and I might be interested in the cover. It would though be a bit of a gamble as to how much of any repair was covered.

 

[Coolcats]

Yep....bit like doing the lottery. (And insurance generally) It occasional works out for people but not for most - otherwise all these companies would be going bust!!

Of course just like the insurance you have in case of an accident or breakdown

 

[Millcourt]

I don’t have extended warranty with mine however Fiat offer breakdown cover the same as when new for £15.00 per year, I took it out when the van had its two year service.

I would happily buy into this……but it sounds too good to be true. Is it really only £15 a year? Is this for breakdown cover (I.e. roadside assistance/recovery) and/or replacement of vehicle components which fail, including labour costs?

The reason I ask this is because I am considering for our VW car, which is coming to the end of the 5-year extended warranty I bought when new and the offer is for a further 2 year extension at a little over £800 and this is with (dubious) restrictions for “wear and tear”. I think it unlikely that Fiat can make a comparable offer on a Ducato based MoHo for so much less.

I should mention that with the VW extended warranty I had a failed turbo replaced earlier this year, which would have cost with labour over £1,000 - so for once I had a “win” with the £700 or so cost of extending the warranty. But for this experience, I would not be considering further extending our VW warranty.

A word of warning about the current Fiat MoHo extended Warranty.….. The initial 2-year warranty cover is for part replacement/repair Europe-wide, BUT for vehicles registered in the UK the extension period cover only applies in the UK. This is not the case for Warranty extension for vehicles registered elsewhere in Europe which continue to enjoy Europe-wide cover (including the UK) during the extension term. I do not recall this was the case when we took out extended cover from new on a previous Fiat-based MoHo some years ago and the thought did cross my mind that this may be another unintended and unreasonable consequence of Br…t!

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[VXman]

Of course just like the insurance you have in case of an accident or breakdown

The difference being that car insurance is a legal requirement so no choice there. Breakdown/recovery insurance is cheap enough to be worth having for 'peace of mind'. Extended warranties tend to be expensive and very restrictive with lots of terms/conditions/exceptions. In most cases cheaper to 'self insure' i.e. put away a small sum each month in a savings account.

 

[VXman]

I don’t have extended warranty with mine however Fiat offer breakdown cover the same as when new for £15.00 per year, I took it out when the van had its two year service.

£15 ??? are you sure? Any links to that?

 

[mofurt]

Accident cover also has potential much greater liabilities - get a personal injury and a couple of written off vehicles, you are looking in many 10s of thousands. Breakdown cover in the UK - worst case a few hundred for a motorway recovery, plus it's cheap and saves you searching for a local garage
Mechanical warranty work - you'd be very unlucky to be more than low thousands.

It's different levels of risk, which deserve a different approach.

 

[Pausim]

A word of warning about the current Fiat MoHo extended Warranty.….. The initial 2-year warranty cover is for part replacement/repair Europe-wide, BUT for vehicles registered in the UK the extension period cover only applies in the UK.

Are you sure? Their website says the Maximum Care Camper Extended Warranty provides all the linked services you get with the original 2 year warranty. Perhaps the 3rd year offered by UK dealers on vehicles sourced from them is different but the full Camper Assist one appears to cover Europe.

 

[VXman]

A word of warning about the current Fiat MoHo extended Warranty.….. The initial 2-year warranty cover is for part replacement/repair Europe-wide, BUT for vehicles registered in the UK the extension period cover only applies in the UK. This is not the case for Warranty extension for vehicles registered elsewhere in Europe which continue to enjoy Europe-wide cover (including the UK) during the extension term. I do not recall this was the case when we took out extended cover from new on a previous Fiat-based MoHo some years ago and the thought did cross my mind that this may be another unintended and unreasonable consequence of Br…t!

Are you sure? Their website says the Maximum Care Camper Extended Warranty provides all the linked services you get with the original 2 year warranty. Perhaps the 3rd year offered by UK dealers on vehicles sourced from them is different but the full Camper Assist one appears to cover Europe.

Not totally sure of the facts on this - it all seems to be very confusing, however I am aware there seems to be a discrepancy between Fait warranties in Europe and Fiat motorhome warranties in UK. I believe there is automatically a 3 year warranty in Europe for all Fiat vehicles but we only get 2 years in the UK on our motorhomes ????