2009 Dodge 1500... warranty or no?

[mcantar18c]

Bought a new (to me) truck today, and was offered a warranty on it. I told the guy I'd sleep on it, and I'm gonna have to decide by 11am tomorrow when I go pick up the truck.
The truck is a 2009 Dodge 1500 with 114k on the clock. It has been meticulously maintained by the previous (original) owner with all the maintenance/upgrades done at the dealership (with records of everything).
The warranty is 54k mile / 3yr OR a 48k mile / 4yr and covers all internal lubricated parts... engine, transmission, t-case, diffs... for a little over $1500, which we have the choice of paying outright or working into the total financing.
I have the education and experience to fix any mechanical issues that may arise but not the money or tools... Something like a blown head gasket isn't a big deal, but I certainly can't afford a new transmission or an engine rebuild and I don't have specialized tools to set diff gears and and such.
On one hand, I don't see this truck developing a big ticket issue in the next 54k or 4 years. On the other hand, if it does and we don't have a warranty we'd be in trouble. I should add though that we're already at just about the top of our budget.

So... get the warranty, or keep my $1500?

[sniper7]

Most of the time warranties like that fight you to the bitter end. A lot of times they pay something, but maybe not everything.

i almost never buy an extended warranty on anything unless it is really cheap and an item I think might develop issues.

If you can fix most things yourself then I wouldn't worry too much, unless you plan on pulling a lot of stuff all the time with that truck (travel trailer, heavy boat, ATVs in the mountains etc.

if it were me, I would save my money. Set it aside for any issues that might come up and if you make it over the warranty period not using that money then you made out good!

the only really good advice I could have given you is too late now (buy a Chevy)

[zteknik]

For a vehicle over 100k most warranty companies won't cover squat. I deal with them constantly as a tech and unless it's a blown motor or a transmission they will not cover it.
And even then they will try and blame your maintenance and not cover it. And if it is covered they go the absolute cheapest route-used junk.
Save your money-buy ammo instead ...

[blackford76]

For a vehicle over 100k most warranty companies won't cover squat. I deal with them constantly as a tech and unless it's a blown motor or a transmission they will not cover it.
And even then they will try and blame your maintenance and not cover it. And if it is covered they go the absolute cheapest route-used junk.
Save your money-buy ammo instead ...

Here is the correct answer. Unless it is the factory warranty, it never works in your favor.

[Rabid]

Look at your transmission fluid, if its ok go without the warranty.

[beast556]

Yea those aftermarket warrantys are a scam. They push them super hard on you because they make a very good comission on them. The only one worth getting is the gap insurance.

[ZERO THEORY]

I got an aftermarket warranty through AUL on my '04 3/4 ton. They covered my steering box when it started leaking, and when my t-stat went out, they covered that AND a water pump. I also cracked a fan blade, so they covered the fanclutch and new blades. No complaints for me.

I also wrote service for a brief period this year (sidenote: that was the 2nd time I've worked at a dealership. It will be definitely be the last this time). We dealt mostly with Fidelity. They covered essentially every mechanical failure we called on per the customer's coverage level. The only things they didn't cover were small hardware pieces (washers, bolts, hoses, etc.) and wear issues (shocks, worn brakes, and other standard maintenance).

It essentially pays for itself if you have to use it for a single large issue or even a few less severe ones, like in my case.

[BushMasterBoy]

I always install a large transmission fluid cooler behind the grill. The factory never installs a large enough if one is even installed at all. I'd have to have them pull the transmission pan in front of me and change the fluid, filter gasket. If there is a lot of sediment in the pan, run away! If you can scoop the sediment up on your fingertip. It needs a new tranny. If they refuse, run away. I have 5 pickups and a jeep. They all run good. The secret is to be religious about the fluids and changing them regularly. $1500 of good used maintenance tools would give me more peace of mind than a third party warranty.

[mcjhr]

My ex purchased an aftermarket warranty. Worse than pulling teeth when the steering went out. It may sound good but its nearly a scam.

[jerrymrc]

And every answer above is spot on. I only purchased one in my life. Van had 60K on it and I did not like the tranny fluid in any way. 6 months later they paid $2700 to replace it. I will say it is still going at 220K.

When I was in the market this year many cars had an extended warranty. Most owners had not followed the fine print and were worthless much less transferable. In researching there were a couple of good ones and a bunch of losers.

Since the previous owner kept good care of it I would skip the warranty. Put the $1500 away for the things you know are going to be an issue in the next few years like front end pieces.