Discussion about Extended Warranties

[Jack Orr]

One address I have is - jackorr@tx.rr.com---

[10 year vet]

Hello everyone! I am soory again for the delay. I was in traing again today, however, I did get the answers to many members questions.

I have just sent this email to Chris, our moderator and I have asked him to post the PDF file of the backside of the VW RealDriver extended Service Contract.

This email also details what I was able to ascertain from the warranty administrator today:

I have confirmed w/the warranty administrator today on the status of the shock absorber and air bag system that has been in question on my VW RealDriver extended service contracts.

They have asked me to show you the inclusionary part of the Gold Plus contract where it states that the electronic level control components including pump, accumalator, lines, and bags are covered items!

They then clarified w/ me that since the shock absorber is infact one piece w/ the electronic leveling system that it would also be included in the coverage.

What they did tell me is that if one corner of the electronic level control goes bad, they will in fact replace that one corner, whether it be 2004-2005 part numbers or whether or not it has to be updated w/ 2006 part numbers as an upgraded system.

What was said then was this:

They only replace the defective or broken part {meaning one corner} they will not pay to retrofit or upgrade the other 3 corners!

I am sending you a PDF file here that is indeed the backside of the VWRealDriver extended service contract. Could you please post this somehow on or in the thread about the coverages!

I would really appreciate it!

Regards,Chris

Edit: I have attached the .PDF document with the scan of the contract. I want to add that the wheels are turning at VW and we should have some new information soon, so hang in there, true believers and stay tuned to this bat-channel for the news as it breaks!


Modified by chrisj428 at 8:50 PM 10-11-2007

[stjarna]

Thank you, Chris, for getting these issues confirmed by the warranty administrator for the VW RealDriver extended service contract.

If what they confirmed reflects reality, that puts us Phaeton owners in two camps:

1. Those who have had their entire suspension system upgraded under 50,000 miles and therefore all four corners were replaced by the manufacturer

AND

2. Those who have NOT had their entire suspension system upgraded under 50,000 and remain un-upgraded

After 50,000 miles, a failure of a single shock absorber has different effects on the two camps. Camp #1 would have their single shock absorber replaced under warranty and would be done. Camp #2 would have their single shock absorber replaced under warranty, but would have to pay out of pocket for the remaining three shock absorbers to be upgraded.

Net/net -- far better to have your suspension system fail on you under 50,000 while under the manufacturer's original warranty.

Logan.

[chrisj428]

Quote, originally posted by 10 year vet »

Edit: I have attached the .PDF document with the scan of the contract. I want to add that the wheels are turning at VW and we should have some new information soon, so hang in there, true believers and stay tuned to this bat-channel for the news as it breaks!

Chris' .pdf was too large for me to upload, so I've attached a .zip of .jpg images of the back of the contract pages (the same as what Chris sent me) as well as a Word document containing the text transcribed into something a little more legible. This is the same "packet" I was sending out to people when I still worked for VW and was offering the contracts for sale myself.

Okay -- so Vortex isn't letting me attach tonight...so the images are embedded. If you right-click on them, then "save target as", you will be able to download them full-size for your perusal.

Modified by chrisj428 at 9:07 PM 10-11-2007


Modified by chrisj428 at 9:09 PM 10-11-2007

[chrisj428]

Update on having to replace non-broken suspension components can be found here.

[10 year vet]

Any last word or is it still case by case?

[chrisj428]

Quote, originally posted by 10 year vet »

Any last word or is it still case by case?

Nothing's changed to my knowledge as of yet.

[coreyniaomi]

My warranty is almost up. I will be looking to upgrade before summertime. Anyone have new prices from vw or an outside company.

[Fay-uh-ton]

I just spotted this and thought I should post. It makes the real driver more legible. I've also been reviewing the Warranty Direct and American Mercury. It is amazing how many loop holes are in these warranties.
I know it still doesn't answer the Q about the shock/suspension issue.

The link to the warranty contracts are here (with prices I've gotten):
This was looking at the Premium/Platinum warranties with $0 ded.

Warranty Direct ($3600) = https://www.warrantydirect.com...t.asp

American Mercury (offered via AutoWarrantyBroker.com) ($2600 after $333 discount for today) = http://www.autowarrantybroker.....aspx

Real Drive (FYI - this is not VW but an authorized VW warranty) ($2500 from on VW dealer and $2100 from another) =
(http://www.volkswagendiscountwarranty.com/Welcome)

Here is the Real Drive warranty -
The Platinum Plan includes everything in the Silver, Gold, and Gold Plus Plans. Then it goes further, basically covering your entire vehicle. Whoa!!

With the multitude of parts and elements covered under the Platinum Plan, from computer control modules and stereo speakers to anti-theft devices, it?s actually easier to describe what isn?t covered: brake linings, brake drums and rotors, disc brake pads, standard transmission clutch components, air bags, solar powered devices, hinges, glass, lenses, sealed beams, trim, moldings, door handles, lock cylinders, tires, batteries, light bulbs, upholstery, paint, bright metal, freeze plugs, heater and radiator hoses, exhaust system, shock absorbers, audio, security or other systems not factory installed, work such as front-end alignment or wheel balancing, constant velocity joint boots, safety restraint systems, cellular phones, electronic transmitting devices (except for those specifically listed under Silver, Gold, or Gold Plus coverage), radar detectors, appliances, near object avoidance systems and all laser radar cruise control components, vinyl and convertible tops.

Engine: Engine block and cylinder heads and all internally lubricated parts including pistons, piston rings, pins and cylinder sleeves; crankshaft, pulley, main bearings, caps and bolts; connecting rods, rod bearings, caps and bolts; camshaft(s), camshaft bearings, buttons and plugs; timing gears and timing chain or belt; rocker arms, rocker arm pivots, shafts and bushings; intake and exhaust valves, springs, guides, adjusters, retainers and seats; pushrods and lifters; intake manifold; exhaust manifolds; balance shaft; water pump; fuel pump; thermostat; oil pump, cover, gears, pressure relief valve and screen; rotor housing, rotors, shims and silent shaft; all internal fasteners, nuts and bolts; turbocharger/supercharger assembly including boost valve and wastegate; seals and gaskets; oil pan; valve, timing and side covers; thermostat housing; water pump pulley; engine mounts; harmonic balance; flex plate/flywheel and ring gear.

Transmission/Transaxle: Transmission/transaxle case and all internally lubricated parts including ring and pinion gears; oil pump, cover, gears, housing and vanes; torque converter; valve body(s); throttle valve; valve pack; governor, gear and cover; parking gear and pawl; roll pins; sprags; sprockets; chain; springs; stator and shaft; pressure regulator valve; pressure switches; solenoid; bands; automatic transmission/transaxle clutch, drums, pistons and steel plates; planetary and sun gears; servos and rings; blockers; synchronizer hubs and keys; bearings; bushings; supports and shafts; control rings; yoke; extension housing; speedometer drive gears; accumulators and rings; adjusters; all internal fasteners, nuts and bolts; shift cover and forks; separate bell housing; oil pan; detent cable; kickdown link; TVI/throttle cable; vacuum modulator; transmission mounts;seals and gaskets.

Drive Axle: Differential/axle housing(s) and all internally lubricated parts including the axle flange; ring and pinion gear/carrier assembly; spider gears and bearings; pins; retainers; positraction clutches, plates and springs; cover. Transfer case and all internal parts contained within the transfer case; seals and gaskets; constant velocity joints; slip joint; front wheel drive axles/half-shafts and wheel bearings; u-joints; couplings; flex disc; prop shafts; center support bearings.

Steering: Steering gear hosing and internal parts including control rings, valves, pinion shaft, pitman shaft, warm shaft and gear, sector shaft, bearings, adjusters; rack and pinion housing and internal parts including control valve, rack bellows, mounts, rack shaft and yoke, spool valve, bearings; power steering pump and internal parts including housing, reservoir, shaft and vanes; power steering pump mounting brackets; seals and gaskets; tie rods, idler and pitman arms, center/drag link, coupling and shafts; cooler lines; steering wheel tilt and telescoping mechanism.

Brakes: Master cylinder; vacuum or hydraulic brake booster assembly; hydraulic lines, hoses and fittings; brake pedal apply pin; seals and gaskets; Compensator/proportioning valve; metering valve; calipers, piston, seal and dust boot; wheel cylinders, cups, seals, spring and dust boots; backing plate; brake adjusters; brake pedal, pedal lever and pedal pivot; parking brake cable; ABS component parts including control processor/module, pump, dump valve, wheel speed sensors, solenoids, accumulator and pressure differential switch.

Air Conditioning: Condensor; compressor; evaporator; orifice/expansion/POA valve; seals and gaskets; accumulator; receiver drier; automatic temperature control programmer; clutch assembly including coil, disc and pulley; control cables; cutoff switch; serpentine belt tensioner, bearing and pulley; compressor mounting brackets; idler pulley and bearings; air conditioning/heater blower motor<./P>

Front Suspension: Upper and lower control arms, shafts and bushings; struts, housing and cartridge; spindle/steering knuckle and spindle support; wheel bearings; ball joints and bushings; kingpin and bushings; stabilizer bar, links and bushings; torsion bar, mounts and bushings; track bar, links and bushings; coil and leaf springs, seats and bushings, leaf spring shackles; electronic level control components including pump, accumulator, lines and bags.
Rear Suspension: Upper and lower control arms, shafts and bushings; upper and lower ball joints; struts, housing and cartridge; wheel bearings; spindle/steering knuckle and spindle support; coil and leaf springs, seats and bushings, leaf spring shackles; track bars, links and bushings; electronic level control components including pump, accumulator, lines, bags; stabilizer bar, links and bushings.

Electrical: Alternator housing and all internal parts including bearings, bushings, brushes, rectifier bridge, diodes, field coil and rotor; alternator mounting bracket; voltage regulator; starter motor housing and all internal parts including bushings, brushes, field windings, starter drive and solenoid; front and rear wiper motor and linkage; power window motor; window regulators; power seat motor; steering column multi-function switch and individual switches for turn signal, headlamp, dimmer, wiper, washer and speed control; mirror motor switch; brake light switch; neutral safety switch; glove box light switch; courtesy light switch; cooling fan relay; air control solenoid; air regulator valve; E.F.E. heater; I.A.C. motor; electronic ignition module; electronic instrument panel module; ignition coil; engine distributor including shaft, gear, bushings and modules; throttle position sensor; vehicle speed sensor; M.A.P. sensor; knock sensor and barometric pressure sensor; cruise control module, servo, cables and switches; ESC systems; electronic instrument clusters and driver information systems including speedometer, odometer, tachometer and all gauges, warming indicators; burglar alarm or electronic entry systems including remote entry receiver, sender and module; door lock actuators; mirror motor; power window switch; power lock switch; rear window defogger; horn and relay; convertible top motor; sunroof motor; power antenna motor; electrical headlamp motor; power trunk/hatch release motor, switch and solenoid; power sliding door motor and switch; electronic control modules including body control module, electronic control unit, powertrain control module, transmission control module; electronic throttle control module; crank angle sensor; camshaft position sensor; throttle position motor; fuel pulse dampener; wide open throttle switch; thermo time switch; fuel pump relay; automatic temperature control sensor; ride height sensor and relay; oxygen (O2) sensor; mass air flow sensor; manifold differential pressure sensor; coolant temperature sensor; OEM radio, graphic equalizer, cassette tape player and compact disc player.
Cooling: Radiator; mounting brackets and coolant recovery tank; fan clutch, fan blades and motor; fan shroud; heater core; transmission cooler.

Fuel: Fuel lines; fuel pressure regulator; level sending unit; fuel injectors and seals; injection pump; fuel injection control components including mixture control processor; throttle body assembly, cutoff valve, fuel rail, fuel distributor, trigger contacts, cold start valve, fuel injection valve, fuel accumulator; tank; tank door latch; tank filler neck and o-ring.

[10 year vet]

Should anyone want to purchase the VW RealDriver extended service contract, here are my prices:

Hello there,
Chris from VW of Langhorne in Langhorne, PA.

I have been w/ VW for 13 years now!

This extended service contract I sell is the VWRealDriver that is valid thru any VW dealer and authorized specialty shop in N.America.
Here is an overview of the specs:

Here is an example:
2004-2006 VW Phaeton V8-V12 {any model} w/ less then 50K on the odometer
$100 deductible STD
7yrs or 100k{whichever comes first}{from Jan of the year of your car}
Gold Coverage=$1388 + 6% PA sales tax= $1471.28
Gold Plus Coverage=$1486 + 6% PA sales tax=$1575.16
Platinum Coverage=$1631 + 6% PA sales tax= $1728.86
Rental and Towing covered for the term of the coverage!

Again, there are many plans and coverages! I will set up personal plans for any Club member that inquires!

The warranties I sell are geuine VW warranties. I DO NOT deal in aftermarket warranty companies! The service contract is backed by VW and fascilitated thru Fidelity Warranty Services!

These quotes are valid until Dec 31,2007 as the contract prices may be changing.

I know for a fact that as of Jan 01,2008 the contract price on a 2004 MY vehicle will be going up $150.

Chris

Chris Farnham
CFarnham@VWofAlnghorne.com
215-741-4100

[baremytone]

Trying to find the right warranty not sure what the consensus is here. I want a long term my 04 in service date is 1/29/04 so time is running out. I plan on keeping it for a long time.

[Auzivision]

I'll probably jump on the Platinum VW real driver warranty before year’s end. I hear there are other options available, but I’m running out of time to shop.

For the piece of mind knowing that catastrophic failure are covered is probably worth it to me. I just can’t tell if most/all ‘catastrophic failures’ are really covered with this.

I don’t mind nickels and dimes, but unexpected multiple thousands bother me.

[Rowayton]

If you have a VW dealer in your area that has a certified Phaeton tech in house it is good politics to buy the Real Driver package from that dealer and at the same time pick up a little leverage should something go eskew down the road. If not, you will find that the prices Chris has quoted are plus or minus a few bucks of what you will find if and when you dig deeper. I would not hesitate to give Chris a call and have him explain in understandable language all the details of the coverage. Prices will inevitably go up (like everything else) so do it soon.

[car_guy]

Quote, originally posted by Rowayton »

If you have a VW dealer in your area that has a certified Phaeton tech in house it is good politics to buy the Real Driver package from that dealer and at the same time pick up a little leverage should something go eskew down the road. If not, you will find that the prices Chris has quoted are plus or minus a few bucks of what you will find if and when you dig deeper. I would not hesitate to give Chris a call and have him explain in understandable language all the details of the coverage. Prices will inevitably go up (like everything else) so do it soon.

I have no idea why my local dealer, who has given me very good service on my car, wanted close to three times what Chris was looking for. Same warranty, same terms.

Steven

[Rowayton]

Because the unenlightened consumer thinks such products prices are fixed in stone. Thanks to Vortex, we are enlightened . You of course know that all Phaetons were sold at list price as well If they won't at least meet Chris's quote smile and leave.

[samphoebe]

GA Phaeton-
Just wondering what the outcome was with your discussion/negotiation with Jim Ellis VW on warranty pricing?

Karen

[CRF450X]

Just purchased a 7yr/100K Platinum Extended Service Contract from Chris Farnham. I must say that he is truly a class act and very nice to deal with, unlike the other experiences I and many others have had at Car Dealerships. If any one is on the fence about purchasing an extended warranty, feel free to contact Chris. He will answer all of your questions and not pressure you to buy his warranty.

[Auzivision]

Quote, originally posted by Rowayton »

If you have a VW dealer in your area that has a certified Phaeton tech in house it is good politics to buy the Real Driver package from that dealer and at the same time pick up a little leverage should something go eskew down the road.

I decided to try the 'politically correct’ thing to do and inquired about extended warranties at my local VW dealership. They stated they use a different outfit, but the coverage was identical. I asked to see their contract, and they stated I need to come in. So when I picked up my car, I stopped in the finance manager’s office. He offered a brochure that clearly wasn’t a contract. Finally after making several requests, he offered me a blank contract. Upon reading the failure mode definitions, they don’t appear to be identical.

Local VW dealership’s Custom Guard II definition:
“Breakdown” means that an original or like replacement part as supplied by the vehicle manufacture covered by he plan requires repair due to defects in material or workmanship.

VW Real Driver:
Mechanical Breakdown means: (1) The failure of a Covered Part due to faulty workmanship or materials supplied by the original vehicle manufacturer or distributor, or; (2) The failure of a Covered Part due to a gradual reduction in operating performance as a result of normal wear and tear, prior to the vehicle reaching 50,000 miles. A Covered Part has failed when it can no longer perform the function for which it was designed solely because of its condition and not because of the action, inaction, or failure of any non-covered parts.

From the limited research I’ve done online, it appears there are two modes of failures. One is “mechanical breakdown” of a defective part and the other is related to “wear & tear”. And from what I can tell, it sure appears that the local VW dealership was misrepresenting their offerings. AM I missing something here?

If not, I think I will deal with Chris Farnham at Langhorn VW in PA. From what I read hear here, he appears to be a straight shooter.

[invisiblewave]

Thanks for the info over the phone the other day Chris. Armed with the costs I was able to bring the original quote of $5800 down to $4400 at the dealer I use for servicing, but he lied to me and told me that was only a couple of hundred over cost for a 4 year/48k Platinum plan, and wouldn't go any lower. I ended up at Boardwalk in Park Cities on a 4/48k Platinum plan with $100 deductible for $3300. No more sleepless nights!

[PanEuropean]

Quote, originally posted by Auzivision »

If not, I think I will deal with Chris Farnham at Langhorn VW in PA. From what I read hear here, he appears to be a straight shooter.

I agree with that. I bought my extended warranty from Chris. I have never had to use the warranty, but I sure had excellent service from Chris when I called up to buy it.

Extended warranties can be extremely high margin sales for automobile dealerships, which is why an individual dealership may quite enthusiastically pitch an extended warranty underwritten by a different company.

Michael

[pirateat50]

Quote, originally posted by stjarna »

If what they (VW Real Driver extended warranty) confirmed reflects reality, that puts us Phaeton owners in two camps: 1. Those who have had their entire suspension system upgraded under 50,000 miles and therefore all four corners were replaced by the manufacturer AND 2. Those who have NOT had their entire suspension system upgraded under 50,000 and remain un-upgraded After 50,000 miles, a failure of a single shock absorber has different effects on the two camps. Camp #1 would have their single shock absorber replaced under warranty and would be done. Camp #2 would have their single shock absorber replaced under warranty, but would have to pay out of pocket for the remaining three shock absorbers to be upgraded. Net/net -- far better to have your suspension system fail on you under 50,000 while under the manufacturer's original warranty. Logan.

I have Real Driver Platinum. I understand they will cover a failed "suspension component." I am at 80K. My question: Will VW replace the non failed components on the other three corners?

[PanEuropean]

Quote, originally posted by pirateat50 »

My question: Will VW replace the non failed components on the other three corners?

Yes, VW has made it abundantly clear by their past actions that if a Phaeton owner encounters a failure of a pre-mod air suspension strut (pre-mod being those that have a suspension controller with 'A' as the suffix on the controller), VW will pay the parts and labour costs associated with replacing all of the other non-affected air suspension struts, and the controller.

In other words, the owner pays for the parts and labour cost associated with replacing the defective strut(s), and VW pays for the parts and labour cost associated with replacing the non-affected struts and the controller. If the owner has a service contract (extended warranty) in effect, negotiations concerning payment for replacement of the defective strut(s) are between the owner and the company that underwrites the service contract - this does not involve VW in any way.

This has been discussed at great length on other threads, notably here: Different part specification for replacement Air Springs (Shock Absorbers).

Michael

[invisiblewave]

Quote, originally posted by PanEuropean »

Yes, VW has made it abundantly clear by their past actions that if a Phaeton owner encounters a failure of a pre-mod air suspension strut (pre-mod being those that have a suspension controller with 'A' as the suffix on the controller), VW will pay the parts and labour costs associated with replacing all of the other non-affected air suspension struts, and the controller. In other words, the owner pays for the parts and labour cost associated with replacing the defective strut(s), and VW pays for the parts and labour cost associated with replacing the non-affected struts and the controller. If the owner has a service contract (extended warranty) in effect, negotiations concerning payment for replacement of the defective strut(s) are between the owner and the company that underwrites the service contract - this does not involve VW in any way. This has been discussed at great length on other threads, notably here: Different part specification for replacement Air Springs (Shock Absorbers). Michael

In fact, when I called them a couple of weeks ago, not only did they instantly confirm that they would stump up for the other three corners plus controller, she also said that they would give consideration to assisting with the cost of the failed part, presumably based on mileage. She was very clear that this applied to non-original owners as well.

[ngsherf]

I am putting my car up for sale now- and i was wondering so that I can make sure the future buyer is in good hands-to best of my knowledge- all warranties have expired except corrosion on the car.

Is there an after market warranty that can be put on the car that anyone here has used-

the car is an 05 model (V8) with 69k- maybe the dealership can do something warranty related?

thanks
nick

[PanEuropean]

The cars are getting a bit old for extended warranties now - consider that your MY 2005 car was probably built in 2004, that means it is now close to 8 years old. Who would want to underwrite a warranty for that? Would you?

Michael

[Victor R]

I posted this on extended warranties previously. If you are looking, the link in that post should be of help.

There are any number of third-party companies that offer extended warranties on older and/or high mileage cars out there. Beware, though: there appears to be a very high scam/sleaze factor in this line of business so make sure you do your research very carefully. It is interesting - some of the companies that have been touted as highly recommended, including some here on the Phaeton forum, have turned up as Ubersleaze in other research. Caveat emptor!

What I have discovered is that it looks like one can get such a warranty reasonably easily for a V8 Phaeton. For W12's, though, that is another story. As my fidelity warranty on my daily driver , now at 105,000 miles and counting, will be expiring relatively soon, I decided on a backup plan instead.

There are pros and cons of an extended warranty - we each need to do our own cost/benefit analysis. My Philadelphia Phaeton Phans buddy johnt26 is flying without a net. John, though, is a DIY guy, whereas I tend to be both ignorant and ham-fisted as far as car repairs go.

Good luck!

Victor

[W12VW]

I have an extended warranty which I bought from "10 Year Vet" one of the men on the VW Vortex Phaeton site.

His name is Chris.

He is affiliated with VW of Langhorne , PA.

My car is a 2004, ( built in 2003) and a W12.

[Passat2001_5lover]

See my signature.

I paid $9,427 for my 4 year/48K mile extended service warranty from Chris, at Langhorne.

But, this was the exact same warranty that another VW dealer (in California) offered me for nearer 11K.

This is a VW Drive Easy Program; Mechanical Failure Service Contract; Platinum; w/ $100 deductible. I do not do ANY of my own work on the car, and need a VW technician for any service.

[Eis]

Hello,

I have been reading the Phaeton forum for a few months now. I think the forum is very informative.

It is too bad that they stop selling the Phaeton in North America since 2007. In my opinion, it is the best German flagship in the last two decades. While most people see it as a $100k VW, we see it as a Bentley with a VW discount. Phaeton owners are the most savvy luxury car owners! They also know warranty is a good thing to have.

I am looking at a Canadian 2004 W12 with less than 80,000 km (50,000 miles), but it does not have any warranty.

I check the forum and cannot find any Canadian warranty information. I think Fidelity is available only for US-spec (i.e. NOT Canadian-spec) vehicles. I know there are a few Canadian owners here. What do you Canadians do for warranty? What is your experience? Should I have an extra $20,000 in TSFA in place of a warranty? Should I buy a used 2007 Lexus LS instead as an alternative warranty?

Thank you everyone for your input!

Btw, please let me know if anyone is selling a nice Phaeton with a warranty!

[PanEuropean]

...I think Fidelity is available only for US-spec (i.e. NOT Canadian-spec) vehicles.

That is not correct. I have a Canadian car which I purchased in Canada, and registered (plated) in Canada, and keep in Canada, and I bought a Fidelity warranty several years ago.

It is noteworthy, though, that I had to purchase the warranty from an American VW dealer. So, I think that the 'nuance' is that Fidelity warranties are (or were) not SOLD in Canada, but that did not prevent me from purchasing one in America to cover my Canadian car.

Michael

[Cats_Eye]

Hmm.... is it still possible to purchase a fidelity vw warranty? I was speaking to a VW dealer recently and they suggested I go with another 3rd party insurer (when i get a phaeton) since the VW warranty cant cover a 04 car.

Also are you looking at the W12 in Toronto? Cause I've had my eye on that one for a bit :p

[Eis]

Here is Mr. Chris Farnham’s response to my question:

"After reading the email a few times, it sounds like this was a car made originally for the Canadien market. Unfortunately, I can only put a contract on a car made originally for the US market and then brought into Canada."

I have to look elsewhere. Does anyone have experience with the following program?

http://www.vwpp.ca/index.html

Here is what the website says:

“Mechanical Breakdown Protection is available for Volkswagen models* within 10 model years and less than 160,000 kilometres at time of purchase. There are many term and kilometre protection plans available along with a deductible option that's sure to meet your needs.”

“*(certain models excluded)”

“Want to know if your Volkswagen qualifies for MBP? Here’s what you need to know.
To be eligible for 3 Star, 4 Star and 5 Star plans your Volkswagen must be within 10 model years and have less than 160,000 kilometres at time of purchase.”

I am going to call a few dealers to see if the asterisk means the Phaeton. All these warranty questions could have been avoided if VW still sell the Phaeton haha.

Cat_Eye: No, I am not looking at a Phaeton in Toronto. I am in Calgary.

[Eis]

I just checked with the dealership that sold the Phaeton. The VWPP plan excludes all Phaeton models. The person on the phone sounds very knowledgeable and says he seen repairs costing up to $12k!

He mentioned another warranty company called Global, but he says they only allow you to bring the car to their specified shops, and not VW dealerships, so it is useless. Not all VW dealerships can handle the Phaeton let along some ma and pa shop.

[PanEuropean]

I suspect the day has long since passed when you could buy an extended warranty for a North American (i.e. model year 2004 to 2006) Phaeton. The newest cars out there are now 7 years old, and the bulk of the cars (the MY 2004 ones) are now 9 years old.

I cannot imagine any insurer who would want to underwrite new coverage for vehicles that old. As Eis noted, there may be some companies who will write very limited coverage, but they will also impose their own restrictions - for example, specified facilities must be used if a repair is needed.

Michael

[Paximus]

Hi,

There's some recent discussion about breakdown warranties (insurance policies) in relation to certain Phaeton repairs mentioned in the forum in this thread:

Considering Phaeton purchase.....help me make the right decision

I posted a list of the problems that the wording in typical UK policies would exclude, so probably US underwriters would apply a similar list.

It wasn't very encouraging, since almost everything that is reported to have occurred would not be covered and everything that practically never fails would...

Chris