Bought a '98 Eddie Bauer Explorer last night from a new car dealer in Sacramento. 76,000 miles and has the 4.0 SOHC engines. The vehicle was in exceptionally good shape and had obviously recieved a lot of care. The CARFAX report showed one California owner and 25 oil changes over it's 76,000 miles. Some other services were also shown on the report, such as " transmission serviced" and "radiator serviced" but not further detailed.

The Explorer came with a 3mo/3,000 mile warranty on the internally lubricated engine, transmission and transfer case parts.

Her'e's my dilemma (sp?): The dealer wants me to buy a 2yr/24000 mile service contract that covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brake, and electrical, HVAC, fuel, and cooling systems. the cost is $1600. The electrical coverage DOES NOT cover alot of the electrical accessories, like the trip computer, sound system, power switch gear, etc.

I know that the timing chains have been a weak point on this engine as well has some other issues (plenum door, etc.)

He says that the service contract must be purchased at the time of sale, but gave me a day to decide.

Any thoughts out there?

 

By the way, does anyone know whether Ford will tell me what service was done on this vehicle at any Ford dealerships? Do they keep a data base of such things/

 

It is always best to have a mechanic do a used car checkout before buying a used car. It doesn't sound like you did that. I don't trust Carfax that much. Me Explorer had a clean Carfax but when I went through all the service records the owner had kept, it had been in two accidents. As for the $1600, don't waste your money. Yes the dealer wants you to purchase an extended warranty because they make a lot of money from these. The chance that you would need $1600 in repair covered under that warranty is slim.

 

I agree with 95limited, I would bank on not needing $1,600 in repairs in the next two years, 24k miles.

 

An extended warranty is gravy for dealers. Put that 1600 in the bank and collect interest. I would think after 100,000 miles or so is when things start to need replacing. You have a three month warranty right, take it to a mechanic and have engine, trans checked out, if he finds a problem take it back to the dealer and have it fixed under the three month warranty you already have. I bet your dealer won't be as friendly when something needs fixing under the warranty.

 

I have a friend that is a Service Manager at a Ford dealership, he always says that the only warranty he recommends is the "Ford ESP Warranty" which is by : Ford Motor Company. Ford Dealers try to sell "aftermarket" warranties (not Ford) and they have a lot of problems with them, example:
Having to wait for an adjuster to go to the service department to approve the repair.
Actually using junk yard parts like transmissions,etc
He has a LOT of horror stories! If you are buying an extended warranty, by the Ford ESP or don't buy anything at all.

 

I took the advice I got here and did not get the warranty.