I am buying a used BMW from a Lincoln/Mercury dealer. I now have a
choice between buying a Ford Extended Service Plan (offered by the
dealer in addition to a free 3-month powertrain warranty), buying
a warranty off the net (e.g. warrantydirect.com, 1sourcewarranty.com,
warrantygold.com), or not buying a warranty at all (take the 3-month
and run).
Two-part question:
[1] Please research the subject of warranties and make your best
recommendation regarding which warranty I should choose, if any.
[2] Please identify a place in Chicago where I can get this car
thoroughly inspected within 24 hours. Unfortunately the BMW service
departments I called have too long of a wait for appointments, and
they only do a "safety" inspection.
I read somewhere that warrantygold.com's insurance company is on
the verge of bankruptcy. As for their competitors, I have read many
inconclusive good and bad things in the discussion groups... maybe
you can find a reputable source of information e.g. Consumer Reports.
The Ford brochure points to a website, www.ford-esp.com, which I have
not had time to review.
It appears that the Ford warranty costs more and covers less than
the others. The dealer's sales pitch was "Yes, but what they cover,
they pay!" alluding to the alleged fact that the Internet-based
companies can be difficult to deal with when it's time to actually
use the warranty.
This question is urgent and will be cancelled if not answered within
1 or 2 days.
The specifics on the car are: 1998 BMW 328is, 2-door, auto, 47K miles,
and by my own inspection (not a mechanic) the car is in perfect condition.
Thank you. |
