No Extended Factory Warranty!

[DowneasTTer]

Of all the autos I have owned during my 59 years I have purchased only two extended warranties. Both have been pluses in my pocket and currently active so I have in fact made money on them. When I purchased my 02 Range Rover I took out 7 year/87000 warranty (7 years from inservice date). Currently on my 6th year and at 72K. Paid somewhere around $3600 for it and have claims paid totaling over 5K presently.. Great truck but put in the poor house if you don't do your own repairs. When the factory warranty on my 01 Audi TT roadster was about to run out I purchased a third party from Warranty Direct. They have been wonderful. Work done at my local dealer, they do all the paperwork and I just pay the $50 deductible per visit. Still have over a year to go and additional 24k mileage. Getting very close to the break even mark and know it will happen within the time.

Now the smart... basically a first year car with the closest dealer (smart center Lynnfield) being 250 miles away. My AAA plus RV will cover towing up to 100 miles up to four times per membership year. Any amount over 100 miles is charged at $3/mile. Looks like I'll be writing another check to SmartUSA later this year.....


Bruce Sawyer
Orrington, Maine

[a2jack]

Jwight. The link took us back to some old stuff. Most of the "proof" links did not work.

The problem here is two fold.

One. The title of the plan is deliberately misleading (as most people understand "factory warranty's").

This is third party plan and it's you vrs the plan. Not MB or Smart or the dealer.

Two. Since no one will know how bad the plan is until their cars start breaking down after the real warranty ends at 24k, it is important that this subject be discussed.

This is major decision every new buyer must make. A2Jack.

[jsenka]

Obviously this is a new model to the US market. That being said, what kind of in-service problems have been encountered? I've heard about the shifter issue, but anything else of note?

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by jsenka

Obviously this is a new model to the US market. That being said, what kind of in-service problems have been encountered? I've heard about the shifter issue, but anything else of note?

So far so good, Lots of shifter box stuff and check engine lights.
Also our alarm system needed some work. For first year car, OK.
( But do not try to run 10k on first oil change )

[saronian]

Originally Posted by a2jack

This is major decision every new buyer must make. A2Jack.

I appreciate your persistance since my dealer did not offer the "official smart branded" extended maintanance contract, and was not specific about the details of what they did offer.

I'm looking to recommendations from other smart owners as a guide, while deciding on the value of this additional coverage.

One question I haven't seen answered. Can we buy an "official smart branded" contract from an alternate dealer if we prefer it to what's offered by our assigned dealer? The source shouldn't matter should it?

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by doogster

The reason I bought mine is because it includes towing to the nearest dealership for the 5 yrs... which, in my case, is so far that it would likely cost me hundreds of dollars just to have it towed there... so I thought it was worth it...

Same reason I am buying it too...The towing is a must for me. Not to mention there are still too many unknowns with the longevity of the smart. Until someone hits 100,000 miles I will have that worry in the back of my mind, with the payment and gas prices I don't want to risk an expensive repair need in a few years. I like the security it offers of not having to worry about it...

For those that have the cash on hand or don't mind sticking expensive repairs on a credit card, then you may not need the warranty. I rather not risk it as I don't have the luxury with a rather large mortgage and everything getting more expensive with no breaks in sight...

[RVGRINGO]

Smarts have been around for more than ten years in Europe and have been in Mexico and Canada for many years as well. Check some of those forums for historical information.
smartclub.com.mx is the Mexican club and is full of very useful information if you read Spanish. You'll find me there from time to time. There are links to UK and Spanish sites for even more reading. Enjoy.
Bob

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

Smarts have been around for more than ten years in Europe and have been in Mexico and Canada for many years as well. Check some of those forums for historical information.
smartclub.com.mx is the Mexican club and is full of very useful information if you read Spanish. You'll find me there from time to time. There are links to UK and Spanish sites for even more reading. Enjoy.
Bob

But with the new Mitsubishi engines?
That's my concern...

[RVGRINGO]

Oh! My 2007 engine is Mercedes 61 HP and we do have a different six speed transmission. I have not even heard of problems with that. There are several new 2008 models here at Lake Chapala and I have not heard of any complaints. If they are built as well as mine, you shouldn't worry. Ours is 18 months old and trouble-free.

[angel]

Originally Posted by jwight

OK, I can't take it any more:

SMART Factory Extended warrantee ONLY!

Please read. Thanks.

It's MPG all over again. ;)