The extended warranty issue got debated somewhat extensively a few
months ago, and I don't remember that there was a clear winner.
Generally, those who have either the highest degree of confidence in VW
quality or in their own mechanical abilities seem to think the warranty
is a waste of money. One thing IS clear: IF you need a repair, it is
likely to be expensive, because there just aren't enough EVs in
circulation to justify real competition in aftermarket parts.
My advice: 1) read the fine print to make sure it REALLY covers what
you expect; 2) negotiate the cost down, and the length of coverage up,
as far as you can (keeping in mind that you've already got 2yrs/24k
bumper2bumper and 50k powertrain coverage and the warranty periods will
probably run concurrently, not consecutively); 3) if you get the
warranty, be meticulous about maintenance and use the warranty ASAP for
everything it covers; and 4) be prepared for someone to say some day
that the warranty doesn't cover owner abuse/neglect and that the
problem you came in for was caused by abuse/neglect.
Personally, I think $1,200-$1,800 is too much, but a lot depends on
your plans for the EVC. It is much easier to justify if you're
committed to keeping the EVC for the long term and you're not the DIY
type. On the other hand, someone who likes to trade cars often and
makes the smallest possible down payment should be wary of the hit to
his/her "equity" in the vehicle.
My 97 EVC has held up well through 31k miles of what I'd call
"moderate" use as our "second car" and for a few long trips.
Mechanically, the only problems have been that the plug wires ($110
aftermarket, $250 VW) and ignition coil pack failed after 24k miles,
but VW agreed to cover the coil pack anyway (a $350 part, + $105
labor). The engine still ran when this happened, but not very
smoothly. As for the camping equipment, after the initial bugs were
worked out, everything's been pretty good. The refrigerator has a 2yr
warranty from Norcold and seems to need a fair amount of upkeep that
isn't particularly simple to do yourself. Mine needed service under
warranty (just barely) that would otherwise have cost about $400. I
consider these relatively minor problems, but if you total them up, I'd
be closing in on the cost of the warranty, if not for fortunate timing,
and I've got a lot of miles to go.
Good luck.
Joel Funk
97 EVC
"ray & mary ellen" <racook-@...> wrote:
Here we are, toes over the edge, just about to plunge into a new EVC:
Is it worth $1200-1800 to have a "platinum" ext service plan that
allegedly covers "everything" including all so-called coach components
for the next 7 years/ 75-105Kmiles? Half that? 10x that?
We hear of people with No Repairs Ever, and then we see stories here
and there (mainly here) that do NOT bode well. We are undaunted (we
know we must do this), but wondering . . . Has that fearless little
Kubota engine and VW chassis been holding up OK out there? Better
than
OK? And all them genuine Winnebago parts?
Any opinions, tepid or rabid, are welcome. We have the next 24 hours
to make our minds up. It just seems like a lot on top of a whole of
money, you know?
