I just purchased a 97 SL 500 with 68,500 miles on it. I'm debating whether or not to purchase an extended warranty. The cost is HUGE - $5,500. This will take me to 100,000 miles. Since I'm not familiar with repair costs for these vehicles is this something I should consider?
I would pass.
$5.5K for 31,500 miles worth of coverage.
How long will it take you to rack up that mileage? 2-3 years? So basically you're betting that within that time you're going to need something like a new drivetrain or climate control system, at least once.
Don't waste your $. 50% of the amount goes to the salesman for his commission of selling it!
The balance of the $ will be based upon the carrier's discretionary disclaimers.
This means you'll spend more to fight for what you should have received than you will get in warranty value.
If in doubt, consult an attorney which you should do anyway to have review the policy and it's disclaimers. Those of us who have dealt in the law especially against car dealers speak from experience.
If the dealer is so concerned about selling you a policy on this vehicle, maybe YOU should be more concerned about the car's actual condition and prior maintenance history.
SL's can get expensive. Be very careful.
Maybe you would be better off purchasing a different model with few miles and apply that $5.5K to its purchase price.
Is it a Starmark warranty?
If not, definitely don't get it. Aftermarket warranties typically have deductables and a ceiling for certain repairs. For example, if you need a new AC evaporator for $3500, they may only cover $2500 minus $100 or so deductable. Then you need another $3100 to make the warranty worth it. You probably will never get there, unless you need an engine replacement. How many previous owners had the car? If it had 1, chances are that the car has been properly maintained. If not, I would get all fluids replaced and the timing chain replaced near 100,000 miles (or earlier if you are worried).
If it is a Starmark warranty, I still wouln't get it. $5500 is just too much money for 31500 miles.
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91 MB 300SEL
96 FORD CLUB WAGON
$5,500 seems high. I beleive that I paid between $2,500 to $3,000 for an additional three years on top of the one year provided Starmark warranty, all, on top ofthe original four year warranty up to a total of 100,000 miles.
Get the tire hazard, I beleive that I paid $295, it paid for itself after one month since the Michelin Pilot Sports are over $300 each for the rear.
well that must be the difference between the uk market and the usa but i must agree $5.500 is a hell of a lot to pay for a 7 year old car second hand car no "new yes"
CaBenzGirl -- What's the name of the company offering the extended warranty?
CaBenzGirl: Welcome to the forum! I recently bought a 1997 S500 (49k miles) thru an authorized MB dealership. It came with a one year Starmark warranty. I purchased an additional two year Starmark warranty for $1,950. If I'd been able to purchase a three year additional Starmark warranty (wasn't offered on this old a car), it would have been $2,650. The Powertrain component coverage would have been an additional $995 for three years or $895 for two years.
Your SL class Starmark three year warranty (if it's offered & the car was purchased thru an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership) would have been $1,995 for the Starmark component coverage and $850 for the powertrain component cover.
What is the name of the company offering the extended warranty? And is there a website or list of the benefits & possible additional costs we can help you review? All I know is since I purchased my car in mid-January, I've easily fixed several dozen items (all under warranty) that would have cost well over $3,500 -- $4,000 alone. -LOL-
RE: CaBenzGirl -- What's the name of the company offering the extended warranty?
Quote:
Shawn5454 - 6/22/2004 5:55 PM
CaBenzGirl: Welcome to the forum! I recently bought a 1997 S500 (49k miles) thru an authorized MB dealership. It came with a one year Starmark warranty. I purchased an additional two year Starmark warranty for $1,950. If I'd been able to purchase a three year additional Starmark warranty (wasn't offered on this old a car), it would have been $2,650. The Powertrain component coverage would have been an additional $995 for three years or $895 for two years.
Your SL class Starmark three year warranty (if it's offered & the car was purchased thru an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership) would have been $1,995 for the Starmark component coverage and $850 for the powertrain component cover.
What is the name of the company offering the extended warranty? And is there a website or list of the benefits & possible additional costs we can help you review? All I know is since I purchased my car in mid-January, I've easily fixed several dozen items (all under warranty) that would have cost well over $3,500 -- $4,000 alone. -LOL-
Stay in touch!
Shawn [:D]
That's because you went with a Starmark warranty, which is a good way to go. Chances are that an after-market warranty would not have covered the total cost. However, Shawn, you probably paid a higher price for your car at a MB authorized dealership.
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