Extended Warranty on Vehicles

It is totally a scam. I have so many friends and family who have been getting the calls, including my 17 year old sister on her cell phone, who does not even own a car. My dad decided to press 1 to get them on the line and they started asking him all these personal questions inclding the VIN of his car, and he said that if they knew that his warrenty was up, shouldn't they already have this information, and they IMMEDIATELY asked if he wanted to be taken off their call list.
Stay away!!!

Hi S.,
I would be wary of buying an extended warranty from anyone other than a dealership. Several years ago when I bought my car I bought the extended warranty through the dealership (but the warranty was with a third party and I didn't realize that). Well, when I needed to get something fixed I found out that the third party had gone out of business which meant my money was gone and I was out of the extended warranty.
Not to say that a dealership won't go out of business with our wonderful economy, but I think you'd have an easier time getting your money back if you bought it through a dealer.
As for a mechanic, they aren't in Cedar Park, but they aren't too far away. I've used Northwest Autos for a while and they are so nice and helpful. They always look for ways to save money while doing the best work.

Hope that helps!

There was something on the news in the last day or so about this being a scam. Don't do it without checking with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Office to be sure this is legitimate.

I would not sign up for anything that someone is trying to sell you over the phone. Whether you need an extended warranty, however, depends on how long you plan to keep your car. I have an extended warranty on one of my cars that I purchased through AAA. It has been fantastic, and has saved me a lot of money. I would recommend AAA's program if you plan to keep your car for at least another 5 years. The cost was around $1,500, and we paid in monthly installments until it was paid for. The A/C went out, and it was covered at 100% after a $200 deductible. After one other small repair, the warranty had paid for itself. You will need to make sure that you take the car to a mechanic who is on their list, kind of like going to a doctor who belongs to your HMO, so check that first before signing up. Good luck!

Excuse me for saying this but you are a sucker if you buy into this. An extended warrenty might be a good idea, but not from someone who calls you. I would call your dealership/service station and see what they have to offer or if the have any referals of extended warrenty companies. My husband and I both get these random calls all of the time and I think it is a scam.

I answered a ringing payphone, and it was one of those automated things, informing the payphone that its vehicle warranty had expired.

They're just calling at random. Not telling you their company name is a HUGE red flag. Stay away.

As for mechanics, I haven't used one recently, but when we lived in South Austin, I used to go to Leonard's Garage. I was always treated like a real customer (instead of like a girl), and was always comfortable with the service I got there. I'm not sure where it is, but I know they have a north Austin location, also.

S.,

I heard on the news that these calls and emails wanting people to re-new or purchase the extended warranties on their vehicles is a HUGE SCAM. I wouldn't take their calls and certainly don't give them any information. You'd be wise to hang up on them.

Best of luck,
J. L
Austin

S.- Your car may be to old to get a warranty. However, I would call Ford and see what warranties they offer. A few years ago there were a lot of warranty companies that took off with your money and never paid repair bills. With todays uncertain climate I would go to your manufacturer and ask them if they have one for you. They most likely will not do anything for a car with more than 80k miles.

Good Luck and be wary of scammers.

I go to a car repair shop called Integrity Motors in RR. His name is Tommy and let him know I refered you. I don't get anything from this just its easier to go in knowing that you know someone that brings there cars there as well.

If you are getting calls from a 516 number, it is a scam. If you want a warranty, I would call some places yourself. I do have one and it has been worth it. My AC went out and the policy paid for itself right there. Now, as the car got older and nearer the end of the term, they did just fix the issue in order to get it past the coverage period but prior to that, they were awesome.

I love Buddy's Under the Hood. They are on 1431 near 183 by the Kellie Moore Paint across from the Walmart Entrance where the Panda Express is. They have been our mechanic for 9 years. Buddy rocks and I have never felt ripped off or like anything that he did was not proper. He is outstanding.

I would say STAY AWAY from those companies. They are a dime a dozen and I have never heard anything good about them.