Perhaps you have just purchased a Dodge Caravan, and have been asked by the dealer if you are interested in obtaining a Dodge extended warranty. Before you decide, here are some facts you should know.
Currently, Dodge extended warranties are available from three years-36,000 miles to seven year-100,000 miles warranty. With a wide variety of plans from basic to bumper to bumper, whether or not you choose an extended warranty depends largely on how long you intend to keep your new car.
For example, a Dodge Caravan warranty covers outer body rust through 100,000 miles; with the Powertrain for 36 months. Or, a 36,000 miles for 60 months on the Powertrain warranty, or the basic 36 months and 36,000 miles warranty.
In addition, here is the basic warranty structure for a 2006 Dodge Caravan. It includes:
Base Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Federal Emissions Coverage: 2 years/24,000 miles; Federal Emissions Coverage – Listed Components: 8 years/80,000 miles; Corrosion Warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles;
Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles.
The seven year, 100,000 mile plan includes: up to $100 deductible per repair visit; $100 towing and roadside assistance; $35 rental up to 7 days; $1,000 trip interruption; and a one-time transfer plan which allows you to transfer its coverage to the second owner only if the 7/70 Powertrain Warranty is also transferred.
Let’s assume, for example, that you only intend to keep your Dodge Caravan for three years. Well, it wouldn’t make sense to purchase a Dodge extended warranty since you are already covered on the factory warranty. However, if you feel that you will keep the car beyond the three years, then purchasing an extended warranty would be appropriate.
As with most extended warranties, they can also be purchased through a second party. For instance, the Auto Club offers warranties for most vehicles today. Their offer two plans: Gold and Deluxe.
The deluxe plan, although recommended, has one drawback. Unless a part is not listed under the non-covered parts and maintenance service, it’s covered. Also, the gold plan is exclusionary, which essentially means it is limited and only pertains to the general maintenance of the Dodge Caravan. Conversely, gold plan is a comprehensive in nature. In addition to major mechanical items, it covers the majority of the electronic components in the automobile.
Buying a new car or a certified used car comes with a bit of anxiety in that you never know if you should purchase extended warranties. However, in this example of the Dodge Caravan, there is enough information here for you to decide whether or not a Dodge extended warranty is appropriate based on your usage and how long you intend to keep the car.
