Hi Mark,

You can take out an extended warranty with the dealer, but depends on the exact mileage when the paperwork is completed.

If the car has done less than 60000 miles/less than 3 years old, ie. still covered by the original warranty, then the new car extended warranty offers the same level of cover for 1 year, unlimited mileage, which is obviously the one to have.

If the car has done more than 60000 the dealer approved used car warranty kicks in. Again 1 year unlimited mileage but offers a reduced level of cover (maximum of £1500 per claim) and has a number of exclusions in terms of parts covered. The dealer should have a list of what is/isn't covered.

Just make sure you know which warranty you have. I thought I had the new car extended. When I went to claim for new pistons, cylinder heads, head gaskets and engine rebuild I found that as the warranty was taken out with a recorded mileage of 60030 miles, they gave me the approved warranty which only covered £1200 of repairs, leaving me with a bill of nearly £2000 as well.

Both cost in the region of £400. They may be a couple of other versions offered, but those are the two I'm familiar with.
Either is worth having if you covering high mileage per year, but make sure you know which you have to avoid nasty surprises like mine.

Cheers

Gareth



[Edited by GarethE - 11/8/2002 10:13:29 AM]

Hi Chaps

My car's just done 60,000 miles and I can't see me changing for a while given the state of the 2nd hand market. How do you go about getting an extended warranty? Do you have to go to IM direct or can you do it through a dealer? Any idea on how much it costs and what's covered?

Cheers
Kav

Thanks mate