by Ray Shefska | Last updated Apr 24, 2023 | Extended Warranty Reviews, Manufacturer Extended Warranty Reviews
Lincoln is known for creating luxurious automobiles that stand the test of time. However, manufacturer’s defects still happen. That’s why having an extended warranty can save you from having a costly repair bill. But should you buy it directly from Lincoln? Find out in our Lincoln extended warranty review!
We’re going to dive deep into the Lincoln extended warranty offering. We’ll discuss the different coverage tiers, compare them to third-party options, and make our ultimate recommendation.
The Highlights:
- Lincoln offers four tiers of plans with your choice of term lengths, meaning you can tailor your coverage
- There is no explicitly stated coverage for certified pre-owned Lincolns.
- All repairs must be completed at a Lincoln or Ford dealership
- We do recommend getting a quote for a Lincoln extended warranty
Is It Worth Getting a Lincoln Extended Warranty?
We can’t discuss if a Lincoln vehicle service contract is worth getting without first talking about what’s included in the warranty.
Lincoln has comprehensive coverage that’s divided into four tiers of plans. We’ll link each tier to the coverage map provided by Lincoln so that you can see exactly what components are covered:
- PowertrainCARE. This simplistic plan only covers 29 components that are all related to the engine and transmission. This is the lowest level of coverage, but it will still prevent a costly repair bill if something happens to the powertrain.
- BaseCARE. The second tier up provides coverage for everything the PowertrainCARE plan, plus added coverage for other systems that impact the vehicle’s drivability, such as steering, brakes, and suspension. In total, there are 84 components covered.
- ExtraCARE. Providing coverage for everything above and more, this program covers 113 components. This program adds coverage for electrical systems and “high tech” systems.
- PremiumCARE. As the top tier plan, this program covers over 1,000 different components. Every system in your vehicle has some components covered. Not surprisingly, this is the program they want everyone to buy.
Every plan provides you with your choice of term lengths up to eight years or 125,000 miles. You’ll only be responsible for paying your pre-selected deductible. All plans are completely transferrable, which increases your resale value. Lincoln does not mention if there is a fee for transferring your warranty.
Roadside assistance is available with each tier as well. Towing, tire services, fuel delivery, and lockouts are all included in the coverage.
Lincoln also provides rental benefits for up to 10 days if you are stuck without a vehicle while your repairs are being completed.
Repairs must be completed at a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Fortunately, your extended warranty will be accepted at every dealership in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Your repairs will be carried about by a Lincoln-trained technician and use genuine parts.
Notice how we aren’t providing prices for any of these programs in our Lincoln extended warranty review? That’s because, as discussed in an earlier post, all vehicle service contracts have a unique price based on your VIN and mileage. As such, to compare prices, you’ll need to obtain quotes from several different companies.
So, is the Lincoln extended protection program worth it? We think it’s worth getting a quote and seeing how the prices stand up to their competitors. They offer four tiers of coverage with flexible term lengths, both of which mean you can tailor your plan to exactly what you want. You even have your choice of deductibles.
Lincoln Factory Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
Third-party extended warranties tend to copy the coverage provided by automakers’ extended warranty programs. As such, there are typically only minor differences in component coverage between extended warranty providers.
One difference is vital, though: where you can repair your vehicle. As discussed above, any vehicle with a Lincoln extended protection plan must be repaired at a Lincoln or Ford dealership. With a third-party extended warranty, you can have your repairs completed at any shop that’s licensed by ASE or AAA.
Does this really matter? That’s up to you. If you are far from a Lincoln or Ford dealership, then it might make a big difference.
Keep in mind that a Lincoln extended warranty means that your repairs will be completed by a Lincoln-trained technician and use genuine parts. Since genuine parts tend to be of better quality than aftermarket parts, this is important to point out.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Lincoln Extended Warranty?
Lincoln does not make any special mention of certified pre-owned coverage on their website. This could mean that a Lincoln certified pre-owned vehicle is not covered, or it could mean that it has special coverage that is not explicitly stated. You’ll need to ask the dealership directly what your options are when buying a Lincoln certified pre-owned vehicle.
Do We Recommend a Lincoln Vehicle Service Contract?
What’s the ultimate outcome of our Lincoln extended warranty review? We do recommend the Lincoln vehicle service contract. We like that you have a variety of options when it comes to coverage and term lengths. Since you can take your car to any Ford dealership for repairs, the limitations on where you can repair your car might not be a dealbreaker, as Ford dealerships are quite common. We think it’s worth getting a quote for a Lincoln extended warranty.
If you’re looking for another option, we’ve got you covered. We offer vehicle service contracts through our third-party vendor. These plans have clear cut coverage and transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. We even offer a free consultation phone call, even if you decide not to go with our option. Reach out to us today and request a quote to see if our vehicle service contract is right for you.
by Ray Shefska | Last updated Apr 24, 2023 | Extended Warranty Reviews, Manufacturer Extended Warranty Reviews
Lexus is one of the top names that come to mind when auto enthusiasts talk about a reliable yet luxurious vehicle. Even though they produce quality cars, mistakes can still happen. An extended warranty can help provide extra protection in case of a manufacturer’s defect. But should you buy your warranty through Lexus? Find out in our Lexus extended warranty review.
We’re about to go over Lexus’s extended warranty offering. We’ll discuss coverage tiers, certified pre-owned options, and compare the warranties to third-party options.
The Highlights:
- We recommend the Lexus extended protection programs due to the flexibility of options and clearly stated coverage
- Lexus offers three plans for new and used cars, and one plan for certified pre-owned cars
- All repairs must be completed at a Lexus dealership
- All plans include perks such as roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage
Is It Worth Getting a Lexus Extended Warranty?
We need to discuss what’s included in a Lexus extended warranty before we can analyze if it’s worth buying one.
Lexus offers three tiers of plans to consider:
- Lexus Extra Care Powertrain. This program provides coverage for the engine, transmission, front and wheel-drive systems, and more. It is the lowest level program available.
- Lexus Extra Care Gold. You’ll have extensive coverage for most main systems of your vehicle, including what’s covered by the Extra Care Powertrain program.
- Lexus Extra Care Platinum. At the highest level available, this program covers most components in your vehicle.
Each of the above plans is available on new and used Lexus’s. For a used vehicle to be eligible, it must be within 9 model years and under 125,000 miles. Additionally, used vehicle plans can only be purchased when the vehicle is sold.
There’s also another level of coverage exclusively for Lexus certified pre-owned vehicles:
- Lexus Extra Care L/Certified Plan. This one and only option provides protection for major components in your vehicle. All L/Certified (which is their term for CPO) vehicles are eligible. The warranty may be purchased at any time prior to the expiration of the 2-year warranty that comes with all L/Certified vehicles.
If you’d like to know exactly which components are covered with each tier, Lexus has put together a comprehensive coverage map on their website.
New and used vehicles have a $0 or $100 disappearing deductible per repair visit. A disappearing deductible means that the deductible will be waived if your car is repaired at the same dealership that sold the extended warranty.
Every Lexus extended protection plan includes a number of helpful perks, such as:
- 24/7 roadside assistance within the continental U.S. and Canada for the entire duration of your agreement, providing coverage for towing, flat tires, battery jump starts, and fuel delivery services
- Substitute transportation when your vehicle is being worked on, up to $50 per day for a maximum of five days
- Trip interruption protection, providing for $100 per day for food and lodging if a breakdown occurs more than 150 miles from your home
Every Lexus extended warranty can be transferred at no cost. This greatly increases your resale value should you decide to sell your car.
Notice how we aren’t talking about prices in our Lexus extended warranty review? That’s because, as discussed in a previous post, every Lexus vehicle service contract has a unique price based on your VIN and mileage. Unfortunately, this means you need to obtain quotes in order to price shop.
So, is a Lexus extended warranty worth it? We think it looks like a comprehensive set of programs that is worth getting a quote for. If the price is right, it might be worth your money to have your vehicle warrantied by Lexus.
Lexus Factory Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
All third-party extended warranty providers do their best to mirror the coverage available by automakers’ warranties. While there is still some difference in coverage, you’ll discover that many of them cover the same components.
There is one crucial difference, though: where you can have your vehicle repaired. A Lexus extended warranty calls for having your repairs completed at a participating Lexus dealership. On the other hand, most third-party extended warranties allow you to take your vehicle to any repair shop that is licensed by ASE or AAA.
Does this matter? That depends largely on your distance from a Lexus dealership. We think it’s worthwhile to have your Lexus repaired by specialized technicians and using Lexus genuine parts. However, if the dealership is too far away, it might not be worth it.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Lexus Extended Warranty?
If you’ve purchased a Lexus certified pre-owned vehicle, you have an entirely unique extended warranty available, which we discussed above. It has the same coverage as the warranty that comes standard with a certified pre-owned vehicle.
There is no deductible for repairs. You’ll also receive all of the perks we discussed that come with the other programs. You may purchase your extended warranty at any point during the two-year warranty that comes with your CPO vehicle.
Do We Recommend a Lexus Vehicle Service Contract?
Where do we land at the end of our Lexus extended warranty review? We do recommend the Lexus vehicle service contract. Lexus offers a wide variety of programs to suit anyone’s needs. We also like how they even make special mention of coverage for used vehicles, which is unusual.
Overall, we think it’s worth obtaining a quote for a Lexus extended warranty. You should also obtain a few quotes from third-party warranty vendors to compare prices and coverage conditions before making your decision.
If you’re looking for another option, we offer vehicle service contracts via our third-party vendor. Our vendor has upfront pricing and clear coverage. We’ll even provide a free consultation phone call to help you decide which warranty is right for you, even if you don’t select our option. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and request a quote.
by Ray Shefska | Last updated Apr 24, 2023 | Extended Warranty Reviews, Manufacturer Extended Warranty Reviews
Mazda is known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles. However, manufacturer defects can still happen. To protect yourself against these defects and hefty repair bills, we suggest having an extended warranty. But should you purchase that warranty directly from Mazda? Find out in our Mazda extended warranty review!
We’re about to go over the Mazda extended warranty offering. We’ll be discussing their tiers of coverage, compare their plans to third-party programs, and make our final recommendation.
The Highlights:
- There are two levels of coverage, Powertrain Confidence, and Total Confidence
- You have a wide selection of term lengths
- All repairs must be completed at a Mazda dealership
- We do recommend this program; it’s worth obtaining a quote from Mazda
Is It Worth Getting a Mazda Extended Warranty?
We can’t discuss if the Mazda warranty is worth it without discussing what’s covered by the warranty. The Mazda extended warranty program consists of two plans, which are:
- Powertrain Confidence. This level of coverage includes coverage for the engine, transmission, and drive train. No other systems are covered with this warranty.
- Total Confidence. This plan is said to have coverage for all of the same components as the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which is what comes with every new vehicle and is quite comprehensive. It covers most major components and is often called a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Both Mazda extended protection plans are fully transferable. Their website does not disclose if there is a fee for transferring. Either way, it’s a great way to increase your resale value.
There is a $0 or a $100 deductible, which you’ll select when you purchase your plan. Term lengths go in yearly increments all the way up to 9 years and 100,000 miles.
Repairs must be completed at a Mazda dealership. All repairs will be completed by Mazda-trained technicians, and they will use Mazda genuine parts to complete the repairs. Having genuine parts can go a long way in protecting you from further issues, as aftermarket parts are known to be less reliable.
In order to be covered by this warranty, the issue must stem from a manufacturer’s defect. Issues related to abuse, misuse, or neglect will not be covered. This is standard practice for all extended warranties.
Either Mazda extended protection plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance. The roadside assistance program includes:
- Towing to the nearest Mazda dealer
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat tire service
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout service
- Trip interruption expense reimbursement, although exact details are not mentioned
You can also bundle your Mazda warranty with other types of coverage, such as GAP protection and vehicle theft protection. Their website does not make it clear if bundling these types of protection together will save you money.
Notice how we aren’t discussing cost in our Mazda extended warranty review? As we discussed in a previous post, all vehicle service contracts have a unique price based on the VIN and mileage. No two cars will have the same cost. This means that if a program seems interesting, you’ll have to obtain a quote to discover the price.
So, is the Mazda extended warranty worth it? Mazda provides great coverage and flexible term lengths, which is what makes a promising extended warranty. It’s at least worth obtaining a quote and looking over the numbers.
Mazda Factory Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
Third-party extended warranty providers tend to mimic the coverage provided by automakers so that they can compete with them directly. As such, what’s covered throughout all the different extended warranty providers and the Mazda extended warranty are typically going to be quite similar.
One area is uniquely different between a Mazda extended warranty and any third-party warranty, however: repair options. With a Mazda vehicle service contract, you must have repairs completed at a Mazda dealership for your repairs to be covered.
On the other hand, most third-party warranty providers allow you to have repairs completed at any repair shop that is licensed by ASE or AAA. The warranty provider will pay for repairs over the phone, and you’ll only have to pay your deductible or any non-covered repairs.
Does this difference matter? That will depend on your distance from a Mazda dealership. We think having your vehicles completed at a dealership using genuine parts is worthwhile. However, if you’re too far from a Mazda dealership, it might be better to go for a third-party warranty.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Mazda Extended Warranty?
If you’ve purchased a Mazda certified pre-owned vehicle, you might be wondering what your options are for an extended warranty. Unfortunately, there is no special mention of CPO vehicles on Mazda’s extended warranty website. This could mean they aren’t eligible, or it could just mean there’s no difference in coverage.
We suggest that you discuss your options with the dealership if you have a Mazda CPO. They’ll be able to tell you if you are eligible or if there is any other special coverage for a CPO.
Do We Recommend a Mazda Vehicle Service Contract?
What’s our ultimate opinion from the Mazda extended warranty review? We do recommend the Mazda vehicle service contract. It has comprehensive coverage and flexible terms with all the standard features we expect from an automaker’s extended warranty. It’s worth getting a quote from Mazda to see what your price will be for a Mazda extended warranty.
If you’d like another option, we offer vehicle service contracts through our partner. Our partner offers transparent pricing and clear coverage. We’ll even jump on the phone for a free consultation call to help you decide which warranty program is right for you, even if it’s not our program. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and request a quote.
by Ray Shefska | Last updated Apr 24, 2023 | Extended Warranty Reviews, Manufacturer Extended Warranty Reviews
Mini creates a unique and precisely engineered car that has attracted enthusiasts from all walks of life. Even though they are well-crafted cars, manufacturer’s defects can still occur. That’s why we always suggest covering your vehicle with an extended warranty. But is a warranty from Mini worth it? Learn more in our Mini extended warranty review.
Today, we’re going to go over the Mini extended warranty offering. We’ll cover the different plans, term lengths, and make our ultimate recommendation.
The Highlights:
- All repairs must be completed at a Mini dealership, and there are only about 100 dealerships in the country
- There are three tiers to choose from with your choice of term lengths
- Only one option is available for certified pre-owned vehicles
- Third-party extended warranties provide a much wider network of shops to complete your repairs
- If the small number of dealerships isn’t an issue for you, we recommend the Mini extended warranty
Is It Worth Getting a Mini Extended Warranty?
Before we can analyze if the Mini vehicle service contract is worth buying, we first need to discuss what’s included in the warranty.
The Mini warranty program is broken up into three policies. All three of these policies are available for new and used Minis, whereas only the Platinum plan is available for Mini certified pre-owned vehicles. The plans are:
- Powertrain Plus. This bare-bones plan provides partial coverage for the engine, transmission, and final drive assembly. It’s designed to protect you against costly repairs caused by powertrain malfunctions.
- Gold. As the mid-tier plan, coverage is expanded to full coverage of the engine and transmission. Coverage is also added for the fuel system, cooling system, brakes, and steering.
- Platinum. This top tier plan intends to cover most components in the vehicle. It expands coverage to include full coverage of the infotainment system and partial coverage of the interior and exterior.
When it comes to term lengths, new and used cars have their choice of extending their factory warranty by four to seven years. Mileage coverage is either 75,000 miles or 100,000 miles, your choice.
Term lengths are a bit more complex for certified pre-owned vehicles. Here are the term length extension options for CPOs:
- CPO Elite – 1 year
- CPO – 2 years
- CPO Wrap Elite – 3 years
- CPO Wrap – 3 years
Every Mini extended warranty plan comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, which provides towing services, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and battery jump-starts.
All repairs must be completed at an authorized Mini dealership. This can be seen as a downside, but you’ll have genuine Mini parts, and the technicians will be specifically trained to work on your car. However, according to the Mini website, there are approximately 100 Mini dealers in the United States. You’ll have to consider your distance from a dealership when deciding whether or not to purchase a Mini extended warranty.
We aren’t discussing prices for the plans in our Mini extended warranty review because vehicle service contracts are priced based on mileage and VINs. This means that no two Minis will have the same price for their extended warranty. We suggest obtaining a quote for a Mini vehicle service contract and then comparing that price to quotes from other providers.
Is the Mini extended protection plan worth getting? We believe it is. The only downside is that the small number of Mini dealerships around the country. Having only 100 dealerships could mean that you’ll have a breakdown too far from a Mini dealership. Other than this downside, we believe the Mini extended protection plans are thorough and worth considering.
Mini Factory Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
Third-party extended warranty providers typically offer similar coverage to automakers’ warranties so that they can remain competitive.
The major difference between getting an automaker’s extended warranty and a third-party option is where you can have your vehicle repaired. With a Mini extended warranty, all repairs must be completed at a Mini dealership. As mentioned, there are around 100 dealerships in the entire country. This might be a large downside, depending on your location and driving habits.
Conversely, most third-party extended warranty programs allow you to have repairs completed at any auto shop that is licensed by ASE or AAA. This is a massive difference in repair options, as most auto shops are licensed by one of those options.
Ultimately, it comes down to your situation. If you’re far from a Mini dealership, you should go for a third-party option. Otherwise, a Mini extended warranty might be a good fit for you.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Mini Extended Warranty?
Mini certified pre-owned vehicles are only eligible for the Platinum program. This plan covers most components in your vehicle against manufacturer’s defects. There are a variety of term lengths available, which we discussed above.
If you’ve financed your CPO, Mini also sells GAP insurance and other types of coverage that you might be interested in bundling with your extended warranty.
Do We Recommend a Mini Vehicle Service Contract?
What’s the final result of our Mini extended warranty review? We do recommend the Mini extended warranty. There are plenty of coverage options so that you can select the plan that most interests you. The only downside is the small number of dealerships, which you’ll need to complete your repairs. If that’s not an issue for you, then we suggest getting a quote for a Mini extended protection plan.
If you’re looking for another warranty, we’ve partnered with a third-party vehicle service contract provider to bring you an easy-to-understand option. All of their prices are transparent, and coverage is clearly stated. We’ll even include a consultation call to help you decide which warranty is right for you, even if it’s not our program. Contact us today to request a quote and schedule your consultation.
by Ray Shefska | Last updated Apr 24, 2023 | Extended Warranty Reviews, Manufacturer Extended Warranty Reviews
Mercedes are known for precision engineering combined with luxury interiors. Even with all their attention to quality, manufacturer’s defects still occur. That’s why we suggest that you cover your vehicle with an extended warranty. But should you get it directly from Mercedes? We’ll help you decide in our Mercedes extended warranty review.
We’re going to go over the Mercedes extended warranty program. We’ll discuss the component coverage, additional conditions, and make our ultimate recommendation.
The Highlights:
- Only one level of coverage
- Your choice of term lengths and mileage limitations
- Becomes active after your factory warranty expires
- We recommend the Mercedes extended protection program largely so that you can have repairs completed by a trained technician using genuine parts
Is It Worth Getting a Mercedes Extended Warranty?
We can’t discuss the Mercedes extended warranty without first going over what’s included in the warranty.
Mercedes only offers one plan, simply known as the Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty. This plan covers:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Turbocharger/supercharger
- Cooling system
- Fuel injection system
- Steering system
- Radio
- Radio receiver
- Speakers
- Climate control
- Navigation system
They specifically state that this is a sampling of what’s covered with the Mercedes extended warranty program and not an exhaustive list. In the fine print, they direct you to contact your Mercedes dealer to go over all covered components.
An exclusion list is also made available, which includes:
- Vehicle batteries
- Shock absorbers/suspension struts
- Communications infrastructure
- Soft top
- Glass
- Paint
- Appearance items
- Damage due to lack of maintenance or improper maintenance
- Damage caused by accidents, misuse, negligence, tampering, or alterations
- Repairs required due to normal wear and tear
- Normal maintenance
- Vehicles used for commercial purposes
- Any repairs that exceed the market value of the vehicle
Mercedes specifically states that the extended warranty goes into effect when the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires. As such, the following lengths are available to extend your warranty:
- One year with your choice of 75,000 or 100,000 miles
- Two years with your choice of 75,000 or 100,000 miles
- Three years with your choice of 75,000 or 100,000 miles
All repairs must be completed at a Mercedes dealership. As such, all repairs will be completed by a Mercedes-trained technician and use genuine Mercedes parts. There are approximately 350 dealerships throughout the country to choose from. While not as many dealerships as Ford, there is likely a dealership near you.
The Mercedes extended warranty is fully transferable to another party. There is no mention of a fee for transferring ownership. Being able to transfer your warranty is a great way to boost your resale value.
There are no deductibles whatsoever. The Mercedes vehicle service contract is also completely refundable if canceled prior to the expiration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Something that stands out is the lack of additional perks, like roadside assistance. While not a big deal, we’re surprised to see that Mercedes isn’t offering more incentives to buy a warranty.
Notice how we aren’t discussing pricing in our Mercedes extended warranty review? That’s because, as discussed in a previous post about vehicle service contracts, prices vary based on VIN and mileage. This adds quite a bit of variance to prices, even for cars of the same make, model, and year. As such, you’ll need to obtain a quote from Mercedes or any other provider to see how much their coverage will cost you.
What’s the final call? Is a Mercedes extended warranty worth it? We think it is, provided that you’re near a dealership. Even though we wish there were more repair options, having Mercedes-trained technicians working on your vehicle is a massive upside. Additionally, having genuine parts used during your repairs will greatly extend the life of your vehicle.
Mercedes Factory Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
When it comes to coverage, third-party extended warranties often provide similar levels of coverage as car manufacturer’s extended warranties. They do mimic the coverage so that they can remain competitive.
One difference stands out, though: repair options. With a third-party extended warranty, you have your choice of any repair shop that is licensed by ASE or AAA, which is most repair shops. With a Mercedes extended protection plan, repairs must be completed at a dealership.
We typically advise you to choose based largely on your distance from a dealership. However, with Mercedes, we urge you to consider going to the added distance to have repairs completed at a dealership. Mercedes requires precision and advanced diagnostics that might not be available at a third-party shop. Additionally, most repair shops use aftermarket parts, which could shorten the life of your car.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Mercedes Extended Warranty?
It does not appear as though there is any special coverage for a Mercedes certified pre-owned vehicle. There is no mention of CPO programs on any of the information that Mercedes has made available. This means that you’ll need to ask your closest dealership if there are any special considerations for Mercedes CPO vehicles.
Do We Recommend a Mercedes Vehicle Service Contract?
Where do we land on our Mercedes extended warranty review? We do recommend the Mercedes vehicle service contract. While we’d love for there to be more dealerships to complete your repairs, we believe that having your repairs done by Mercedes-trained technicians and genuine parts is well worth driving further for repairs. The Mercedes extended warranty provides excellent coverage, as well.
If you’re looking for another option, we have an agreement with a third-party vendor of vehicle service contracts to bring you another choice. They offer transparent component coverage and clear pricing. We’ll even include a consultation call to help you decide which warranty is right for you, even if it’s not our option. Reach out to us today to see if we can help you find the best warranty for your car.
CarEdge Insights
