I own a 99 SE with about 44K miles and excellent maintenance and repair history. I would like to purchase an extended warranty for another 30K miles, since I expect to sell by 60K. Any ideas as to the most economical option?

 

Generally warranties are not worth it. But there are several aftermarket warranties out there. Be CAREFUL as tey are not bumper to bumper as a manufacturers warranty and they usually have deductibles that must be met. These after market warranties are a large source of compaints to each state's attorney general's offic.

 

Check out Allstate. They have some year-to-year bumper/bumper coverage for used cars. Something like $200-$300/yr I think.

For you it might not make sense but it's a great deals for problem cars.

 

Statistically warranties are a waste (along with insurance). Your paying for a problem that may never occur, and if the rare chance that it does occur, you probably already paid for most if not all by purchasing an extended warranty.

I would say if you are worried about a problem and having the big bill to fix it, simply put away the extra money each month that would have gone to an extended warranty plan (maybe even invest it), and if a problem does occur, then you will have most of money already for it, and if a problem doesn't occur (my opinion it won't) then you have the extra cash.

Warranties do not account for regular wear and tear which is what most of the money on your car will go to, brake pads, rotors, headlight out, etc.

Also virtually any problem that can occur, they can blame on you for abuse of the product and refuse to repair it.

Also, when buying a car, most people notice than will receive a better deal on the actual price of the car if they act like they are going to purchase big long and expensive warranty. This is because most of the money in any retail business is made on warranties.

Carmax: Bulk of money = warranties & options
Best Buy: Bulk of money = warranties on products, they only raise their computers 5% from what they purchased them, all the real money is from warranties.


-Nate

Note: Although if I was buying a Ford, I’d buy a long warranty, but with Nissan/Honda/Toyota, spend your money elsewhere.

 

I agree 100%; would also add Chrysler to the list of cars that need extended warranties.

 

Why would you want to purchase an extended warranty? Afraid your Maxima will break down? To my knowledge, there are only several trouble areas on 97+ 4th gens:

1) Alternator
2) Ticking HVAC fan
3) Starter (although it's mainly 95-96 that have this problem)

That's it. It's not worth it to get the extended warranty. You said yourself that your car is well maintained.

 

i work for an extended warranty company and have to say that maxima has to be one the least cars called in. and if u go to purchase an extended warranty make sure u read it, not like some of these people i get to talk to need any more info email me.