Get the Best Price on a Factory Extended Warranty

[brian42]

Maybe more appropriate of a question? Can someone with a warranty purchased from Ziegler talk about their experience utilizing the warranty coverage? I see a lot of people here getting a great deal on their warranty but has anyone here had to use it yet?

I'm having my first ESP visit right now. We'll see if the dealership approves the work but I made sure what I had them look at was covered by the ESP (Max Care). My truck is pretty much bone stock.

So far I've learned about the rental policy (see post #89). You don't get a "loaner" until the dealership determines that they will perform a repair, not when you drop the truck off.

It's a MOPAR ESP no matter who you buy it from (many listed in this thread). I can see it when I log into MOPAR.com and the dealership sees it when they bring up my VIN.

My service advisor/writer was intimately familiar with the Max Care ESP so that works for me overall. I may not get all the work approved but at least he knows what is covered and what isn't so there will be no question when they do the repair. As long as it's covered then it's up to the dealership to get paid from MOPAR minus my deductible and I'm only on the hook for $100 to get my truck back.

I'm not sure how familiar a service department is with other 3rd party ESPs as the onus is on you to pay to get your truck back, whether the ESP company pays some and you pay some or you pay all of it to get your truck back and then try to get reimbursed by your ESP company.

If you have a MOPAR plan with a deductible you pay that at the end when you pick up the truck (and the deductible applies to the visit regardless of how many issues you have them investigate). There is also a clause in there that says I am responsible for any state/local tax on the total repair price. I will find out soon enough how that is applied or if it gets waived.

Biggest things that I noticed so far:

1. The basic warranty covers the suspension as long as it's not lifted more than 2". The ESP covers suspension components but has a caveat that it does not cover any aftermarket parts or failures due to them (that includes oversize tires). So even if you are rockin' a MOPAR 2" lift buyer beware.

2. My dealership gave me a loaner every time I took my truck in for service during the basic warranty period (and there are plenty that don't). Now my rental/loaner coverage starts when they approve a repair instead of when I drop it off for diagnosis (although the dealership was more than happy to charge me $40/day for a loaner until it was diagnosed).

3. Even though I have an unlimited miles plan I see that my "inconvenience" reimbursement (lodging, tow, loaner/rental) runs out at 100,000 miles. At my current rate I'll hit that mark at the 5 year point.

I suspect FCA could go out of the service contract business but I'm much more comfortable with their situation than a third party one. Buyer beware.

I don't think they'll completely go out of business as it is a great way to get people to bring their truck to the dealership for service. If you are already doing that there's a good change you will have items repaired there that are not covered and have your routine maintenance done there too.

They did kill off the lifetime ESP (Max Life?) within the last couple of years as I'm sure that was not a money-maker for them.

Below is a (redacted) copy of my MOPAR ESP for anyone interested in what is actually covered. It's not 200 pages of legal mumbo jumbo, it's only 10 pages long. It's pretty clear on coverage although there are some grey areas for some items/components that will be a judgement call on the dealership on whether they think they can get paid by FCA for the work.

For background this is for my 2019 RAM 5.7L 4x4: MOPAR Max Care ESP, 7 years | unlimited miles | $100 deductible, purchase through Zeigler:

 

[Silent Bob]

Maybe more appropriate of a question? Can someone with a warranty purchased from Ziegler talk about their experience utilizing the warranty coverage? I see a lot of people here getting a great deal on their warranty but has anyone here had to use it yet?

And Greg, please don’t take this as accusatory or offensive but are you a sales person or affiliated with RAM? You post a lot in this thread with a lot of authority. Are you just a fan like us? I mean that as a sincere question, you seem to know everything about warranties and I’ve appreciated your replies but you seem to know a LOT about them.

Thanks everyone, as the newbie, I’ll butt out again. I have no skin in the game, just trying to help.

I just recently used my Mopar Service contract, purchased from Zeigler, on a 2014 Ram 1500. The Air Suspension needed some work and the $1600 in repairs was covered by the warranty. I dropped the truck off at the dealership. They called and informed me of diagnosis and that it was covered by my extended warranty. I picked up the truck two days later and just payed my deductible.

I do not think Greg is a shill for Zeigler. He is just a bit overzealous in his support making it seem so.
Zeigler is definitely the easiest to get a low price from and they are also often the lowest. Your best price will likely come from one of these four dealers. If you find someone coming in lower please let us all know.

Riedman Motors
Website www.riedmanmotors.net/extended-car-warranty
Contact https://www.riedmanmotors.net/contact-us

Clay Robbins
Contact [email protected]

Tom Winkels
Contact [email protected]
269-385-1116

Zeigler
Website www.chryslerfactoryplans.com
Contact [email protected]

 

[User_3336]

Bob Cline rarely if ever answers emails or phone calls anymore. One of the staff will respond to emails addressed to him.

He has always answered when I wrote. His sig in the email has his direct line as well. [email protected] always gets me a response.

 

[User_3336]

I do not think Greg is a shill for Zeigler. He is just a bit overzealous in his support making it seem so.
Zeigler is definitely the easiest to get a low price from and they are also often the lowest. Your best price will likely come from one of these four dealers. If you find someone coming in lower please let us all know.

For the millionth time, I don't work for Zeigler! LOL The "factory plans" (www.factoryplans.com) has been online since 2014 When I bought my first ESP on a 14 F150. I didn't even know it was a Zeigler dealership or Zeigler sponsored website. A guy name Michael Case did all the esp sales. After he left, Bob Cline took it over.
Bob is a really nice guy, and I've talked to him several times. I like to share positive experiences and of course a good price. I surely don't live in Michigan! Not sure that the problem is with recommending Zeigler.

 

[Silent Bob]

He has always answered when I wrote. His sig in the email has his direct line as well. [email protected] always gets me a response.

The many, many responses I have had from that email address the last year or so have been from Dylan, Johnny, and Sam. No Bob or Robert. Maybe Bob has learned all my email addresses and always passes me off.

 

[User_3336]

The many, many responses I have had from that email address the last year or so have been from Dylan, Johnny, and Sam. No Bob or Robert. Maybe Bob has learned all my email addresses and always passes me off.

I think he's added several staff members over the years. I discovered he is the Finance Manager of one of the Zeigler dealerships. Why would he consistently answer ESP questions all day when he has a staff.

Likewise, maybe he sees my email address and instantly answers since I've done business with him over so many years?

 

[Condor757]

Would you guys still consider an extended warranty on a lower level 2019 without air suspension and all of the fancies the Laramies and above have?
Reason I am asking is because it seems like the air suspension and the rest of the fancy electronics on the higher priced models are what seem to cause the big dollar fixes an ESP would pay for. My 2019 Bighorn doesn’t have much of those things (other than the Level 2 stuff like heated seats and wheel, LEDs, and just the 8.4 with Nav.)
Regarding the LED headlight/taillights.. I came to understand it would cost almost $1000 to have a unit fixed, as the entire assembly needs to be replaced if a unit goes out. I called Zeigler to ask if the ESP pays for an LED assembly and the answer was NO as it was considered a “wear item”?? Thought that was strange.
Anyways, I concur about Zeigler being awesome. I purchased the Zeigler ESP twice early on last year and got them refunded shortly after purchase. Couldn’t make up my mind. I still have another 1.5 years and 20,000 more miles on my factory warranty. I did not want to spend the money on an ESP that I wouldn’t be using for two more years. I may reconsider as I approach the 36k expiration but still not sure whether it’s worth it on a lower end Ram without all of the fancy electronics the upper end models have.
Also, the powertrain and components are big dollar fixes but that is a 5 year/ 60,000 mile factory warranty so there’s that.
@GregHBNA... go easy on me! Lol

 

[z0n3]

Would you guys still consider an extended warranty on a lower level 2019 without air suspension and all of the fancies the Laramies and above have?
Reason I am asking is because it seems like the air suspension and the rest of the fancy electronics on the higher priced models are what seem to cause the big dollar fixes an ESP would pay for. My 2019 Bighorn doesn’t have much of those things (other than the Level 2 stuff like heated seats and wheel, LEDs, and just the 8.4 with Nav.)
I concur about Zeigler being awesome! I purchased the Zeigler ESP twice early on last year and got them refunded shortly after purchase. Couldn’t make up my mind. I still have another 1.5 years and 20,000 more miles on my factory warranty. I did not want to spend the money on an ESP that I wouldn’t be using for two more years. I may reconsider as I approach the 36k expiration but still not sure whether it’s worth it on a lower end Ram without all of the fancy electronics the upper end models have.
Also, the powertrain and components are big dollar fixes but that is a 5 year/ 60,000 mile factory warranty so there’s that.
@GregHBNA... go easy on me! Lol

I used to have 2019 Bighorn and I opted not to get an extended warranty... well I ended up getting rid of it for a higher equipped 2021 Laramie that I absolutely wanted a warranty on. Even though your Bighorn may not have a panoramic sunroof or 12" screen it still has very expensive features on it. These trucks are all very similar and the packages just simply add more features that can go haywire. Truth be told though - your truck could have a mechanical breakdown and your warranty will still come in handy. If you are planning to keep your truck for an extended time period after the 3/36 or 5/60 warranties I would consider getting the ESP.

 

[brian42]

I bought one for mine.

Regardless of the bells and whistles you get with models or options, the truck runs on a slew of electronics. Some of the options may come with additional electronics but some options might just be additional activations/programming using current electronics that all the trucks have (BCM, ECM, etc.).

I don't have air suspension, pano roof, or the 12" movie screen. Even if I didn't have my Level 2 Package, LED lighting, and NAV, I would still have gotten an ESP for the reason above. Too much stuff that I can't fix without FCA software and passcodes.

I didn't have any ESP with my last truck but that was mostly mechanical and I was able to do all the work on it with mostly common tools (and a few special tools) for the 11 years I had it. All it cost me was the part(s), a beer, and some bloody knuckles in the driveway. This one I can't do that on so regardless of what happens I'm stuck paying someone $100+ to diagnose an issue and ~$150/hr in labor to fix it in addition to parts cost.

With my MOPAR Max Care ESP I have a $100 deductible. As long as it's covered by the ESP then it only costs me $100 to get it fixed, whether it's a software update or a new engine.

I know it's a heated subject and many are firmly planted on both sides but for me it was worth it for peace of mind as I plan on having this truck for 10+ years and 200,000+ miles.

YMMV

 

[Wsmith]

Would you guys still consider an extended warranty on a lower level 2019 without air suspension and all of the fancies the Laramies and above have?
Reason I am asking is because it seems like the air suspension and the rest of the fancy electronics on the higher priced models are what seem to cause the big dollar fixes an ESP would pay for. My 2019 Bighorn doesn’t have much of those things (other than the Level 2 stuff like heated seats and wheel, LEDs, and just the 8.4 with Nav.)
Regarding the LED headlight/taillights.. I came to understand it would cost almost $1000 to have a unit fixed, as the entire assembly needs to be replaced if a unit goes out. I called Zeigler to ask if the ESP pays for an LED assembly and the answer was NO as it was considered a “wear item”?? Thought that was strange.
Anyways, I concur about Zeigler being awesome. I purchased the Zeigler ESP twice early on last year and got them refunded shortly after purchase. Couldn’t make up my mind. I still have another 1.5 years and 20,000 more miles on my factory warranty. I did not want to spend the money on an ESP that I wouldn’t be using for two more years. I may reconsider as I approach the 36k expiration but still not sure whether it’s worth it on a lower end Ram without all of the fancy electronics the upper end models have.
Also, the powertrain and components are big dollar fixes but that is a 5 year/ 60,000 mile factory warranty so there’s that.
@GregHBNA... go easy on me! Lol

That is what I have, Bighorn Level 2 non E, non Nav. I got the extended warranty. I will be retiring soon and plan on keeping the truck for 8 to 10 years. I don't want a large repair on my old man fixed income. I look at extended warranties or agreements as some like to say, as insurance. I would not go without health insurance and would be very happy if I paid for it my whole life and never had to use it for major medical. People that are wealthier than myself, an extended warranty probably doesn't mean that much. I sincerely hope that I bought this warranty and don't ever have use it, I will have no regrets, it is noting more than piece of mind.

 

[Condor757]

Thanks for the replies gents, all great points. Still undecided but keeping an open mind

 

[User_3336]

Thanks for the replies gents, all great points. Still undecided but keeping an open mind

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! don't do it again! LOLOLOLOLOL

 

[mcp6530]

Bob Cline - [email protected]

www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/process/quickquote.aspx?type=primary

Zeigler Chrysler Ford

1186 E M-89

Plainwell MI 49080

866.943.7778 toll free direct

269.685.3557 direct

269.585.6004 fax

This is very helpful!!! Thank you!!

 

[mcp6530]

I wonder if anything changes if you have a CPO - certified pre-owned. Probably minimally since all it really does it extend the powertrain warranty. I'm still in the new car warranty since I'm a 2.5 years and 30k miles but bought the vehicle certified. Wish I would have saved that $500 bucks for using it on the ESP from one of the named dealers. I wonder if they will contemplate that in their quotes (that mine is cpo).

 

[IvoryHemi]

I wonder if anything changes if you have a CPO - certified pre-owned. Probably minimally since all it really does it extend the powertrain warranty. I'm still in the new car warranty since I'm a 2.5 years and 30k miles but bought the vehicle certified. Wish I would have saved that $500 bucks for using it on the ESP from one of the named dealers. I wonder if they will contemplate that in their quotes (that mine is cpo).

Yes CPO makes a difference,

1) no 125k mile plans, the max is 100k

2) since it already has 7yr/100k powertrain coverage from being Certified the Max Care plans are cheaper

7/100 ($100 deductible) -$1300
8/100 ($100 deductible) ~$1500

 

[mcp6530]

Yes CPO makes a difference,

1) no 125k mile plans, the max is 100k

2) since it already has 7yr/100k powertrain coverage from being Certified the Max Care plans are cheaper

7/100 ($100 deductible) -$1300
8/100 ($100 deductible) ~$1500

would take that 7/100 with $100 deduct. who is that thru? I'm all over ziegler site but don't see that option available.

 

[Neurobit]

would take that 7/100 with $100 deduct. who is that thru? I'm all over ziegler site but don't see that option available.

Don't know if you saw my prior post, if you're ok with a MaxCare 6/60/200, I got mine about three weeks ago for $745 (using the PAIDINFULL code).
Something to think about.

Cheers,

 

[IvoryHemi]

would take that 7/100 with $100 deduct. who is that thru? I'm all over ziegler site but don't see that option available.

It’s not listed on their website. You have to email for CPO pricing

Ziegler’s exact prices were $1530 for the 8 year and $1365 for the 7 year.

Clay Robbins was $50 cheaper on both

 

[mcp6530]

Don't know if you saw my prior post, if you're ok with a MaxCare 6/60/200, I got mine about three weeks ago for $745 (using the PAIDINFULL code).
Something to think about.

Cheers,

thanks - didn't see that. That is a pretty solid deal! thru whom? 6 year/60k miles/$200? only concern is mileage....i'm at 30k now so may need 75k

 

[Neurobit]

thanks - didn't see that. That is a pretty solid deal! thru whom? 6 year/60k miles/$200? only concern is mileage....i'm at 30k now so may need 75k

Correct MaxCare 6yr/60k/$200 through Ziegler.