Extended Warranty Opinions?

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007

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Hi All,
Was looking for your "professional" opinions. I just bought my Mark VIII. It's got 57k on the clock and seems to be kept immaculate--pics to follow soon. I've been following the boards and seem to detect a pattern of failing tranny's and air rides about the 100k or so point.

I was looking into getting one of those extended warranty things--particularly Warranty Wizard http://www.warrantywizard.com/preferred_warranty.asp

They want a grand to take the car to 100k. I'm not a mechanic (actually I'm a broadcast journalist in the USAF). I can certainly assist someone and am not afraid of getting dirty (actually am eager to help out and give it a try), but my mechanical skills are pretty slim. I'm in Baltimore and have to rely on a dealer or the recommendation of a good mechanic.

Do you think this type of warranty is worth it? Am I better off saving the grand and paying it out as (or hopefully "if"), things happen?

Any advice would be appreciated!!
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Save your money, join the LOD and save even more money with vendor discounts and read the board and take care of basic maintenance issues.

A '96 with that mileage most likely reflects its maintenance with its appearance. That means it probably has been pampered mechanically as well as cosmetically, so you should have very few problems. Like I said, take care of the basic issues, 1-2 accumulator, tranny cooler, Mercon V and basic tune up items. After that it's just maintenance. You'll most likely end up way ahead than buying a warranty and hoping for the best.
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Thanks. I've already joined the LOD--got my sticker in the mail yesterday. I have an appointment with a local Lincoln dealer on Tuesday for a its 60k service. Should I mention the Mercon V or anything else you think I should get done now?

Bobby (007)
'96 Mark VIII
Pearl/Cream
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Mercon V? Definitely.

I do not know if the 96 is the same as the 93 as far as the 60K service, but my maintenance record book lists the following:

Change engine oil & filter.
Replace engine coolant.
Replace PCV valve.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect accessory drive belt.
Replace air filter.
Inspect exhaust.
Inspect brakes.

IMHO I would definitely add flushing the transmission fluid and refill with Mercon V as part of this service. Make sure this is a true flush or at least draining the torque converter along with the tranny pan. Stand firm on the Mercon V. Some dealers are not up to par on this.

I would definitely consider doing the following as well:

1-2 accumulator upgrade.
Transmission fluid cooler.
R&R Fuel filter.
Change plug wires.
Change thermostat and all coolant hoses.
Change accessory drive belt.

Then you will be set and have a firm maintenance foundation to build upon - regardless of warranty or previous maintenance history. I have done all of the above myself(and you can too), with the exception of the thermostat, coolant hoses and coolant flush - that I had done at the dealer.
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Thanks, I really appreciate it. My manual doesn't mention plugs or wires at the 60k point, but I'm gonna do it anyway. Like you said, it will give me a foundation.

I think I'll try and buy the Mercon V beforehand and bring it with the car for the appointment. This way I know it will go in. Other than that, I'll never know what they put in even if they say they did.

Again, thanks.

Bobby (007)
'96 Mark VIII
Pearl/Cream
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

If that was a 2nd Gen (97-98) That one grand is worth the warranty. The rear Neon light alone is about $750+. Not to mention the $650+ Blender door, then you have the power telescope steering column.... the list goes on and on :)

Good luck with your Mark!
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

I think I'll try and buy the Mercon V beforehand and bring it with the car for the appointment. This way I know it will go in. Other than that, I'll never know what they put in even if they say they did.
Click to expand...

Sort of like taking your own food to a restaurant, doubt if a dealer would work with that.

With a few of the items that most likely need to addressed, you'll be better off finding a local independent shop to do the R&Rs. The dealerships don't really come across as experts on the cars (even when they were new), so you're not gaining anything by using a Lincoln dealer.

Good luck
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

...Other than that, I'll never know what they put in even if they say they did.
Click to expand...

Pull the dipstick, Mercon V has an aroma unlike any other.
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

I live just south of Baltimore in Columbia. If you are set on taking it to a dealer I would recommend Thompson Linclon Mercury in Dundalk they have the best service dept. around in my opinion. But they are by no means cheap. If you ever need any help or advice etc. feel free to e-mail me pairejohn@yahoo.com
I have a 94 with 185k which I bought in 99 I have done 90% of all my own maintence and repairs.
Good Luck sounds like you have found a nice car.
As far as extended Warranty goes BEWARE I bought a warranty for my daughter's car last year from Warranty Gold six months later they went bankrupt $1,100 spent for nothing never had to file a claim and now the car has only a few miles left on the factory warranty. What a Ripoff.........
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Many extended warranties only cover labor rates to certain amounts, say $50 or $60 per hour. Many dealers will easily exceed those rates, leaving you to pay the difference. In addition, many policies do not cover OEM parts, and they will require the use of remanufactured or aftermarket brands, leaving you on the hook for the difference there, as well.

Jon
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Make sure you have the tranny completely flushed and then have them add the Mercron V. Need to get all that Mercron III out before you put the Mrecron V in.
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

They sold me a 3yr/36,000mile with my '94, with a $25 deductable. Its one of those MBPI ones from the LM dealer-$1600. Well it was supposed to include "seals and gaskets as well", so when my Oil Filter Adapter gasket started leaking, they refused to replace it. I got it refunded 4 months, 7000miles later and got $1450 back prorated. Bottom line, they're not worth it, no matter how good they sound in paper.
 
RE: Extended Warranty Opinions?

Thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna follow it--and not get one!

Bobby (007)
96 Mark VIII
Pearl/Cream
 
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