posted 08-22-2002 11:25 AM                  

GRROWL mentioned a lot of loopholes in the aftermarket Chrysler warranty...The dealer told me it was as good as the original factory warranty. Is there a better way to go as far as a warranty is concerned? I'd like to hear from other members if they have had any experience with this issue. It seems like there are countless ways to spend lots of money on these cars without worrying about warranty repairs, too!!

posted 08-22-2002 06:27 PM                  

This was in the context of a dealer refusing to replace a wheel center cap under the EXTENDED warranty (I don't believe that anyone has reported this problem under the INITIAL warranty)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by GRROWL:
Randy (and all) -
This is why I asked the question if anyone knew how Chrysler handled "hidden warrantees" on known weak/poorly designed parts.

When I bought the extended warrantee, it was on the basis of the offering pamphlet that stated,

"THE ONLY MAINTENANCE AND PARTS NOT COVERED ARE . . . .
- Maintenance services and items used in such services;
- Glass, plastic lenses;
- Body and paint items, including soft trim;
- Snow plows, winches and trailer hitches;
- Wear items such as manual clutch assembly, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and belts are not covered at any time."

The ACTUAL CHRYSLER CONTRACT eliminates MANY parts from coverage, including:

- wheel covers
- aluminum wheels
- exhaust system (this is a maintenance item?)
- lights (bulb, sealed beams, lenses) - (assumedly, the fogging headlight problem isn't covered)
- Shop supplies and materials (they can drive a truck through this one)
- side-view mirrors (glass/housing)
- door and window handles; knobs; buttons
- and MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Randy, you may have a SLIGHT chance of arguing this point. Contrary to what the dealer told you, at least my contract doesn't eliminate "trim parts". I would argue that the center caps are not "wheel covers" (don't wheel covers go over the entire wheel - on the order of 17" or 20"?) and they aren't "SOFT trim".

I, like jmcant1 who started this thread, am appalled by the lack of quality of the center caps and am amazed that DC didn't come out with a proper replacement the first year.

Anyone have any experience under the Chrysler extended warrantee?

- GRROWL

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It does seem to cover the big mechanicals OK, but there's a lot it doesn't. I suggest you read the actual fine print (if you can get a hold of it before it's too late - it arrives in the mail after the glow dims down and most owners are likely to toss it in the drawer unread) mine is 7 pages long with most of page 4 detailing all of the items that are not covered.

I'll ask the question again - has anyone had any experiences, good or bad, to report under the extended warranty? Wheels, center caps, convertible top latches, ???

-GRROWL