Chrysler Extended warranty

[LagunaH1]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading about the Max Care lifetime extended warranty from Chrysler.

It almost seems to good to be true if you ask me: Pay an up front premium, and the truck is covered for the rest of it's life. How do they define the life of the truck? Is there a set mileage by which the warranty expires? It *looks* like I can still buy such a warranty given that my truck isn't very old so I'm seriously considering it.

[loveracing1988]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading about the Max Care lifetime extended warranty from Chrysler.

It almost seems to good to be true if you ask me: Pay an up front premium, and the truck is covered for the rest of it's life. How do they define the life of the truck? Is there a set mileage by which the warranty expires? It *looks* like I can still buy such a warranty given that my truck isn't very old so I'm seriously considering it.

It covers everything with no mileage limit but towards the end of the trucks life if the repair costs more than the value of the truck they give you a check for the lesser of the two if I remember right. Also you are relying on the chrysler dealer network which does not inspire any confidence.

[joshet89]

You can purchase the plan up to 48mo/48k from when you originally purchased the truck. The plan expires at the 3 different times, 1. When you get rid of the truck 2. When you reach 1mil miles or the year 2099 3. if the cost of the repair is greater than the book value of the truck and at that point they do cut you a check for the book value. As far as modifications to the truck a lot of it will come down to the dealer making the claims. IE if you have bigger tires and have done mild suspension work they might give you a hard time on making a warranty claim say on your ball joints. Typically you shouldn't have a problem with claims for ECU or interior electronics with those type of mods. Anytime you start adding a tuner to the mix typically your going to void most warranties factory or extended so keep that in mind as well. Pricing will greatly depend on the dealer, if you call the Mopar hotline they will quote you the MSRP which is $3730 plus taxes. It can be negotiable depending on what dealer you call and their pricing guidelines. There is a surcharge of $150 if you have had the truck for more than 12 months or 12,000 miles. Should have hit most of the high notes for the Lifetime Max Care, but if there is any other questions just throw them out there.

FYI I am a finance manager at a Chrysler dealer for the past 7 years.

[Cactus Red]

It's worth every penny to me. Of course I got mine at a large savings when we dickered on the truck - in essence it was a throw in on the deal.

No problems with coverage at two different dealers here, even with the mods done to the truck.

Biggest thing is how long you plan on keeping the truck. I plan on driving Cactus Red until they pay me to replace it...

[blindsquirrel33]

It's worth every penny to me. Of course I got mine at a large savings when we dickered on the truck - in essence it was a throw in on the deal.

No problems with coverage at two different dealers here, even with the mods done to the truck.

Biggest thing is how long you plan on keeping the truck. I plan on driving Cactus Red until they pay me to replace it...

I agree. We have the warranty on my truck and my wife's Grand Cherokee. Haven't used it on the truck yet, but the Jeep needed both front wheel hubs which were covered (100.00). The Jeep also recently needed a rear drive shaft, also covered for the 100.00.

[adeluca73]

I got it, about 8 or so months & 17k miles after I bought my PW. I'm in with the dealer I bought it from , so I paid dealer cost for mine, which is way below $3700. I will keep mine forever.

[Stickman]

I'm also considering buying it for mine before I get it paid off next year (48 month loan) I plan on keeping mine until the wheels fall off, and then some. Don't think I'll ever want a diesel truck or any other type of truck or car for any other reason, this already has everything I want in a factory truck. And with all the little electronic nanny issues and random 6.4 issues with the new new wagons I don't think I'll ever want to trade up. I think I'll probably add it later this year or early next.

[azracer]

Mine has paid for itself already. I have had to fight with my dealer though. I had a short runner valve go out and they claimed that it was due to my tuner that it failed and their is no longer any factory warranty on my truck. I said I don't have a tuner and they pointed to my OBDII splitter. I showed them I have a Garmin with blue tooth OBDII capabilities that requires an OBDII port as well as an AeroForce 2 scan Gauge that requires an OBDII port. They backed off on the OBDII splitter argument.

It is a good thing I took out the economy tune I had in the truck and put in the factory tune before taking the truck in for repair. I hid the locker bypass mod so well I can't even find it myself now. Long story short the tech is very motivated to find a way to void the warranty to get paid a legit time for the repair and the dealer will fall in behind and support his assertions even if they are only a wild ass guess!

I would buy it again but I bought mine on-line as my dealer said their is no such warranty offered and the best I can get is a 9 year 100,000 one from their aftermarket source. Sure buddy! Theirs was $2700. I found that online the $100 deductible lifetime version was $1200!

To be clear it is not a check they cut you... they offer you the full book value on trade for a new product they offer if the value of the repair exceeds the value of the the car or truck.


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[LagunaH1]

I found that online the $100 deductible lifetime version was $1200!

I'm curious where and when you found this? Granted, I've only done limited searching on this but the pricing I've found so far, sits at around 3100 dollars for the 200 dollar deductible life time warranty

[ramv]

Dodge wouldn't cover the warranty on my second gen because I took it "off road" It did have the "Off Road" package. Put a t-case, steering box, and transmission out of pocket during the warranty period (at different times.) The dealer also screwed up the ECM too, trying to reflash the transmission so I had to buy a new ECM as well. (It was stock other than a rear locker, winch bumper, rock sliders, wheels/tires.) I am not going to assume any warranty on new vehicles, just skip the dealer altogether. (My PW is stock, but adding white knuckle sliders soon, 5,500 miles in two months, it will be out of warranty soon enough)

[Zybane]

You should have taken it to a different dealer or escalated with RAM. They can't deny a warranty taking a off-road truck off-road unless gross negligence could be proved.

[blindsquirrel33]

You should have taken it to a different dealer or escalated with RAM. They can't deny a warranty taking a off-road truck off-road unless gross negligence could be proved.

Different dealers do yield different results, for sure. I had a warranty problem with a TJ years ago (factory warranty) one dealer wouldn't honor the warranty because the Jeep was "modified", another dealer honored the warranty because the issue wasn't related to the modifications.

[ramv]

Two dealers for me. Only ones within several hundreds of miles. Only vehicle I owned, easy decision to fix it on my own dime versus walking. (Got a used ECM, a '98 GM 3500 steering box both which I installed a Rubicon T-case a shop installed for me for cheap, and the local dealer did give me decent deal on a new valve body and t/c on the trans.)

[joshet89]

I found that online the $100 deductible lifetime version was $1200!

I'm curious where and when you found this? Granted, I've only done limited searching on this but the pricing I've found so far, sits at around 3100 dollars for the 200 dollar deductible life time warranty

That price had to be close to when that truck was brand new in 2009. You should be able to find the $100 deductible lifetime for close to that $3100 figure.

Not sure if it has been mentioned or not but chrysler will do a 12 or 18 month same as cash on the warranties if you want to use someone elses money for a year or so.

[azracer]

I found that online the $100 deductible lifetime version was $1200!

I'm curious where and when you found this? Granted, I've only done limited searching on this but the pricing I've found so far, sits at around 3100 dollars for the 200 dollar deductible life time warranty

I believe that the fact that my 2009 had the factory lifetime powertrain warranty may partially explain the difference in cost. The cost of everything has gone up since then and that may explain the rest. In 2009 they were despirate to sell cars and trucks. I had less than 500 miles on it when I bought the warranty and that may be a factor in the pricing. I also got another $100 discount for paying over the phone at the time of purchase.

Note: My dealer would not even offer the lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty and said it is their policy not to sell any OEM factory extended warranty coverage.

You may want to read this article on the lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty.
https://www.christopherprice.net/chrysl ... -2345.html

It has been a long time since I purchased mine but I think this is where I got mine.
http://www.chryslerwarrantys.com/lifetime_warranty.cfm


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[yooper68]

Does anyone know if the lifetime warranty is only for the original owner?

That is, can I buy a used 1, 2, or 3 year old truck and then buy the lifetime warranty?

[azracer]

Does anyone know if the lifetime warranty is only for the original owner?

That is, can I buy a used 1, 2, or 3 year old truck and then buy the lifetime warranty?

https://www.christopherprice.net/chrysl ... -2345.html

"the offering is available on both new and used cars this time around."

[Sweet5ltr]

I want to add, if anyone is in the state of FL or NC, send Clay an email @ clay@robbinsmotors.com (same as the old clay@zellermotors.com). He offers the best pricing by far on Chrysler Maxcare warranty programs.

In my state, Chrysler wanted $4,300 for their maxcare warranty. Being in Florida, competition is banned, so across the board the pricing is identical. Going to Clay, you void the option to transfer the warranty later on (or so i've heard), but you're saving in my case, $1,500+ and being able to finance the warranty over an 18-month period. He is very well known across the Jeep and Ram forums, I was surprised how well he treats someone he hardly even knows, my new warranty information was updated on my account within twenty four hours.

To comment above, this warranty covers practically everything except the winch. How could anyone pay $50-60,000+ for a vehicle and not purchase a lifetime warranty for $2,600 is insane! I have 13,000 miles left on my B2B coverage (drove 20k miles in 12 months) and with all the PW specific parts, this would be a nightmare to find replacement parts after the B2B and powertrain warranty expire. Even the 11.5 AAM rear axle assembly is specific just to this PW, utilizing a different track bar and mounting location to compensate for the additional 2" of factory lift. Couldn't imagine the cost in ten years, let alone any of the management systems (aka electronic nannies). These trucks hold their value quite well, so most major repairs (engine replacement, etc) should be covered for at the minimum, 15 years before it would exceed the value.

Anyone else feel the same way concerning coverage? These trucks are extremely capable stock, so I don't see myself making any modifications to the driveline which would void the warranty.

[Bill2014]

It's my understanding that Magnuson-Moss rules do not apply. Adding something as simple as a third-party Cold Air Intake (CAI) can void your lifetime policy.

I don't want my hands tied in regards to what changes I choose to make on my vehicle. I also don't want to feel compelled to keep the vehicle forever just because I purchased a lifetime warranty.

Remember that Fiat Chrysler actually makes money on these Lifetime Warranties. And if they are making money, then it is at the expense of consumers.

[TwinStick]

I have the lifetime powertrain warranty with mine. Required to bring it in once every 5 years for inspection. They do not tell you when the 5 years are coming due either. If there are ANY LEAKS AT ALL in the engine, transmission, t-case, front axle, rear axle, cooling system, power steering systems, they have to be fixed BEFORE the dealer releases the vehicle back to you, or the warranty is voided. I think that is code for: bend over, because here it comes, $$$$$. I currently have a manual transmission shifter boot leak. I will fix that before I take it in for it's 5 year inspection. They want like $600+. I bought a much more HD boot for $18. After the $5000 rear locker assembly was replaced on mine, on their dime, they are looking for ANY reason to void my lifetime powertrain warranty. They told me as much right to my face when I picked it up from that job.

[Sweet5ltr]

$5,000 for a new rear locker assembly

I'm just concerned with the electronics. This truck could turn into a literal scrap heap in ten years if a wire shorted somewhere on the engine/body harness, these driveline and engine harnesses are not user serviceable. Unless you know a mechanic and have access to a complete wiring diagram, how in the ---- could anyone (other than a dealer with specialized software, training, and schematics) properly diagnose the issue? It would cost thousands to diagnose and fix. My father's 16' Charger is showing 90-100 PSI on the digital oil pressure layout, yet is at 40-45 on the analog gauge. It may be something as simple as requiring a reflash, or it could be a signal wire not producing the proper resistance in the harness. Stupid things like this are why I opted for a warranty, I know what you're saying though, the last dealership I went to with my previous Z06 Corvette would not diagnose the lean condition on one of the cylinders because I had an aftermarket air filter setup on the car (this was with an extended warranty). However, they did state if I put on the factory air-intake assembly that they would diagnose the issue. Later on at another dealership, the same engine dropped a valve pulling out of a parking space. Valve didn't damage the piston top but it did require a teardown of the top end, and valve spring replacements. They didn't even question me, just had the oil changed a few weeks prior and had service records to back it up. They priced out a replacement long block/labor/install and it was over $10,000 and were ready to cover it. Yes, going to the 'right' dealership can make all the difference as well and paying the dealership $20 in labor for changing the oil (bring in your own oil/filter) is great for record keeping.

[nts007]

Some of our trucks are at or well over ten years old now. They are not piles of junk. The only thing I agree with though is the electronics issue. Not wiring but the multitude of control modules. While they do go bad from time to time 90% of the time they don't. When they do it's more likely an outside source cause like moisture than just random failure. But if you can get lifetime bumper to bumper then hell yes do it!
I like my old truck

[Zybane]

I have the lifetime powertrain warranty with mine. Required to bring it in once every 5 years for inspection. They do not tell you when the 5 years are coming due either. If there are ANY LEAKS AT ALL in the engine, transmission, t-case, front axle, rear axle, cooling system, power steering systems, they have to be fixed BEFORE the dealer releases the vehicle back to you, or the warranty is voided. I think that is code for: bend over, because here it comes, $$$$$. I currently have a manual transmission shifter boot leak. I will fix that before I take it in for it's 5 year inspection. They want like $600+. I bought a much more HD boot for $18. After the $5000 rear locker assembly was replaced on mine, on their dime, they are looking for ANY reason to void my lifetime powertrain warranty. They told me as much right to my face when I picked it up from that job.

I'm not sure why people keep quoting this five year inspection. I've read through my 2016 lifetime extended warranty from Chrysler twice and it says nothing about a five year inspection. If it's not in the warranty paperwork, it doesn't apply. Is this 5 year inspection something possibly in older warranty paperwork?

[yooper68]

Some of our trucks are at or well over ten years old now. They are not piles of junk. The only thing I agree with though is the electronics issue. Not wiring but the multitude of control modules. While they do go bad from time to time 90% of the time they don't. When they do it's more likely an outside source cause like moisture than just random failure. But if you can get lifetime bumper to bumper then hell yes do it!
I like my old truck

I agree; I have had my truck for 11 years (and bought it used with about 50,000 miles on it). It is not a pile of junk; I'm not crazy about the rust but that is pretty much a fact of life in this area.
Probably keep the truck another 5 or more years; need to buy my wife an SUV to replace the dirty diesel wagon.
The lifetime bumper to bumper is very interesting; not really sure if it is worth it considering how little has had to be fixed on my current truck in 11 years....

[Sweet5ltr]

Some of our trucks are at or well over ten years old now. They are not piles of junk. The only thing I agree with though is the electronics issue. Not wiring but the multitude of control modules. While they do go bad from time to time 90% of the time they don't. When they do it's more likely an outside source cause like moisture than just random failure. But if you can get lifetime bumper to bumper then hell yes do it!
I like my old truck

A lot disagree because they don't own a 2014+, the 3rd Gen Rams were pretty basic in comparison with a lot of proven and dependable systems.. I have 100% faith in the power train, that doesn't even cross my mind as it's proven, but the electrical components on newer vehicles are a nightmare. Every component on this truck is tied into the main body/engine harness and every single aspect is controlled by a control module. The length of cable, gauge of wire, all must be in sync in order to provide the correct resistance to whichever sensor monitors it to ensure an accurate readout. If the module doesn't receive the correct signal, it won't operate and throw a code. Wiring gets brittle with age, and there is an 'end of life' cycle for nearly anything electronic at -x- hours of use. My C5 Z06 had an issue with the column lock mechanism, it was towed to the dealership three times. If the sensor detected less than 'x' amount of voltage/resistance to that module, it would send a code to the ecu (which required a dealer reflash), completely lock the steering column and place the car into limp mode. Anything over 2MPH and it would cut off the fuel pump. They had no fix after replacing the module, they said to just keep bringing it in for a reflash. I ended up buying a $100 aftermarket module and disabled it within an hour. Then again, what if there was no aftermarket fix, would I have kept the vehicle any longer; most likely not because I wouldn't have paid the dealer fee's for the reflash anymore, let alone to actually diagnose the issue. The dealer will replace every single component on this truck until it's right in ten-fifteen years, if something like that occurs, that alone is money well spent. My father has 2-C4 Corvettes, never replaced a single component other than a trans rebuild for one at 200,000 miles due to sitting a few years. So it's hard for us to say that these newer 6.4's PW's will be as reliable as the third gens, around 2023-2024 we'll have an answer