Thinking about extending my Ford ESP

[TowingExplorer]

I'm at just 73k miles now and my 4 year 48k mile ESP is ending in November or December of this year. I'm considering extending it again for 5 year 48k miles because I don't drive it a lot so I'm not concerned about mileage.

Where I bought my Fusion ESP from online, the price is $2190 plus $360 for being a 2006 (just my luck). So total is $2550 for 5 more years of coverage. The Explorer will then be 12 years old.

I don't see getting rid of it any time soon. I've got twins on the way (my first kid(s)) and this vehicle should be good for them plus for me as it is paid off.

The warranty work I've had done so far is one manifold was either warped or cracked, either way, covered under emissions warranty (not ESP, but would have been covered by ESP if the other weren't there). Front to rear A/C line corroded out, covered by ESP. Front wheel bearing, covered by ESP. One TPMS band, covered by ESP.

Otherwise, the Explorer is in great shape and has no outstanding issues other than possibly the brake master cylinder getting soft.

I'm trying to justify the $500/yr average on getting the ESP extended.

 

[Ornery]

What is actually covered? "Wear" items? "Normal Maintenance" items? What is the deductible? From what I've seen, the deductible is usually the same as an independent mechanic charges for the same repair anyway. I'd rather support my trustworthy mechanic, than a dealer who gouges the hell out of everybody.

 

[TowingExplorer]

What is actually covered? "Wear" items? "Normal Maintenance" items? What is the deductible? From what I've seen, the deductible is usually the same as an independent mechanic charges for the same repair anyway. I'd rather support my trustworthy mechanic, than a dealer who gouges the hell out of everybody.

Did you read my post? I listed numerous things which were already done that were covered by warranty.

I wouldn't say "No normal maintenance items would be covered" seeing as the wheel bearing surprisingly was.

Deductible is $100 per visit, not per issue. In my experience, unless it is critical, I let things "build up" so I can have multiple things done in a single visit. For example, I had the A/C line and TPMS done at the same time.

Seeing as I do 90% of my own work, I am my trustworthy local mechanic. Parts aren't cheap for me, let alone cheap for any local mechanic when inflated (cost of doing business) on to me.

I can only imagine you assumed the deductible must have been $500-1000. Any mechanic won't do much for just $100 including the part(s).

Here is a link to a page with what would be covered, in general terms. I would be getting the Premium warranty as that is what I have already.
http://www.troy-ford-extended-warranty.com/Compare-Ford-Extended-Warranty-Plans-s/4177.htm

 

[Maniak]

I can tell you I wish we had gotten the longer ESP on our '06 s197 Mustang. We only went with the 100k warranty (never saw the 150k warranty until it was too late) and went through the 100k in just over 3 years...

After the warranty, I took care of the transmission (just put another manual in) BUT I would have also had some of the more anoying things taken care of too.. like what appears to be loose connection in the mycolor dash.

It would have just broken even for us (or been very close) BUT I look at it like insurance. If I don't use it, oh well, I had insurance.. If I need it, I'm sure glad I have it. On these newer, computer controlled vehicles it isn't out of line to end up with a $500+ repair for non wear items when you have a shop do the work..

Now, if you have $5k just sitting around in the bank that can be used for repairs when something really bad happens (assuming not a motor since that will cost even more) You can play the #'s and try to win by not buying the ESP and hoping you don't need it.

~Mark

 

[Douwe]

I just bought a 2009 from the original owner and I was able to transfer the ESP and EMP, that he purchased, to my name for $75 per contract. I just wanted to mention that since if you decide to sell your vehicle you can elect to sell the ESP to the new owner or you can get a pro-rated cash back for the portion that is left on the policy when you sell.

 

[Ornery]

Im hoping other members can give me some input.

Here is the rundown with explainations.

We have a 2007 V8 (4.6) Ford Explorer. It currently has 70,000 miles on it. We purchased Fords ESP (Platinum) warranty for it. To date we have had to replace 3 batteries (our pocket), 3 sets of tires due to half life (half us / half Ford), and are on our 3rd radiator (Ford ESP). The car is driven by my wife so it hasn't been abused (thats what my 2008 F150 is for!).

The main problem with it has been what I suspected to be a transmission problem. It was loosing its get up and go and seemed to be searching for gears at freeway speeds. We took it to Lake Elisnor Ford in CA in May of 2013and they said it was due to a dirty throttle body. They indicated it was not covered and would cost around $500 for the fix. They said it was caused by too frequent of oil changes and bad fuel (BS!). He car has a maintenance plan through Ford every 3,500 miles. I was out of town and at their mercy so I told the wife to do it. We moved to Las Vegas, NV 06/2013 and begining in July the same thing started happening along with a large knock below the center console around the trans tunnel followed by what sounded to be a release of air near the brake booster and a road hum (like knobby tires on a 4x4) coming from the left front. I took it to Ford County in Henderson, NV last week and was informed the #6 coil was bad also that #1 & #3 spark was weak. Coil pack was covered but of course plugs arent. They wanted $120 to change 2 plugs to continue or $450 to change all 8. I was reluctant to shell out the cash and just change the plugs myself.

At this point I dont know if I should change the plugs and take it back to the same dealer or go to a new dealer. Also how would they know if it is a weak spark without pulling the plugs? They never removed them from the engine due to possibility of breaking.

I still need to have those other noises diagnosed but can't until I correct the ignition problems. Also the vehicle never showed a check engine light, wrench, nothing! The lights has never once come on throughout the life of it.

Im tired of burning cash on this car and being at the mercy of the dealerships. Im handy with the tools and have a workshop to do all this. Time is my enemy right now. Dont have a lot of it and dont want to have to pay a ton of money if I screw something up.

Any input would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 

[TowingExplorer]

Ornery, we get it, you're anti ESP.

I've dealt with bad dealers, they don't do anything to help and will try to get out of warranty work. Time to find another dealer.

The dealer actually just replaced the throttle body on my 2011 Fusion with 42k miles under my ESP without any headache at all.

 

[FordService]

I'm at just 73k miles now and my 4 year 48k mile ESP is ending in November or December of this year. I'm considering extending it again...

Hi TowingExplorer,

If you haven't already, I recommend checking out our ESP site here: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/ESPPage. Check out the available plans and see what will work best for you. You can also contact our ESP folks directly at 877-794-6434.

Crystal

 

[TowingExplorer]

Hi TowingExplorer,

If you haven't already, I recommend checking out our ESP site here: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/ESPPage. Check out the available plans and see what will work best for you. You can also contact our ESP folks directly at 877-794-6434.

Crystal

3 year - 24k - $2785
3 year - 36k - $3095

4 year - 36k - $3185
4 year - 48k - $3485

I think I'll go with pretty much anyone but corporate Ford on this one. They have to sell for MSRP, understood. They wouldn't want to undercut their "distributors" (dealers) by charging less.

 

[TowingExplorer]

I bought the warranty from http://www.troy-ford-extended-warranty.com/, this is my second one from them, last for my 2011 Fusion.

No problems, 5 year 48k mile for $2560. Will cover me through 2018 or 121k miles, whichever comes first.