| The decision to purchase an extended service | | | | industry, I can recall countless and numerous times |
| contract or mechanical break down policy as they are | | | | where customers wished that they had purchased, |
| sometimes called, is a decision that has many | | | | and those that did were glad they made such a |
| variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the | | | | sound financial decision. |
| usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle | | | | Consider the following examples of repair cost: |
| for are just a few questions that need to be | | | | Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for |
| considered. | | | | compressor replacements. |
| If you look online, some of these so called guru's | | | | Transmission Overhaul or Replacements--$3000.00 |
| who write scam pieces will tell you--Don't Buy--it's a | | | | Water Pump replacements--$600.00 |
| scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I | | | | Power Steering Pumps and Steering |
| question if they have real world knowledge and | | | | Gears--$600-$2000.00 |
| experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly | | | | However, don't be mislead into believing a mechanical |
| believe their opinion would be other wise. | | | | break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the |
| The scam comes when you are charged outrageous | | | | vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of |
| and inflated prices for an extended service contract, | | | | policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear |
| they are not cheap to begin with, but those who | | | | and tear items, consequential damages etc and |
| exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking | | | | others don't. Be aware of what it does and does not |
| advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps | | | | cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief |
| even requiring you to purchase as a condition of | | | | in the event you have a mechanical failure. |
| buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to | | | | It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing |
| buy under any circumstances. | | | | the advantages and disadvantages. My personal and |
| With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up | | | | professional opinion is that if you are going to use |
| to $100.00 per hour or more, it doesn't take a huge | | | | the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 |
| repair to cost you major bucks, and with the | | | | years or more after the original factory warranty has |
| electronics and technologies of today's automobiles, | | | | expired, then you should purchase the extra |
| parts prices are equally as expensive. | | | | protection. |
| During my 26 years in the automotive service | | | | |