Questions on Post-Purchase Dealership Addons

[abraxas]

Hey all,

I just purchased a 2016 CX-5 GT AWD with Tech, i-ACTIVSENSE, and Crystal White Pearl paint. The dealership offered additional addons, however I told them I need time to consider them before purchase. Sorry, I do not have prices for everything. I live in San Diego.

Can you provide me with insights on the dealership addons shown below?

- EasyCare Protection Plan (TotalCare: 10 years/100,000 miles for $2700)
- Lojack Early Warning
> Notification if car is moved without my permission, includes Lojack Retrieve
- Karr Replacement
> Automatic starter disable, shock sensor, horn honk violation, blinking LED, intrusion alert, panic mode by remote control, and keyless entry by remote control
- Xzilon
> Protects against fading and oxidation, interior stains, 5-year guarantee
- EasyCare Select Plus
> Paintless dent repair, windshield repair, road hazard tire & wheel repair or replacement, and cosmetic wheel repair
- EasyCare Key Care

Thanks.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

They're in the business of selling more than cars. These days, they're mostly into insurance.

I think most Americans over insure. And this is no exception. If you can, self insure.

I've bought thousands of dollars in these silly insurance packages over the years. Not once, NOT ONE TIME has any of them come into use. In fact, the one instance I attempted to make a claim, it was denied.

The only one which seems to be of any potential value is the mechanical extended service contracts. But, again, if you're in any position to self insure or even perform your own repairs, it's preferable.

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[davefr]

This crap is generally a waste of money. It's only purpose is to get the dealer additional profit.

Extended warrantys are also a bad deal. Read every word in the warrany because they're carefully written by armies of lawyers with clauses to get out of paying for things you think will be covered. The only viable warranty is the one provided by the manufacturer.

If you want all that other crap, buy it elsewhere and you'll likely save a ton.

 

[DBLXX]

How funny - my dealer just yesterday when picking up my car offered the same Easy Care and started at $2700. The. Came down to $2200 then $1900 then $1700.

LOL

No integrity - I'm out.

 

[yrwei52]

- EasyCare Protection Plan (TotalCare: 10 years/100,000 miles for $2700)

If you really want extended warranty, get one from manufacture - Mazda Extended Confidence. My dealer told us there is no such thing and sold us the EasyCare for $1,700. After I researched EasyCare and found out Mazda does have Mazda Extended Confidence, I had my dealer took EasyCare out of the contract on the next day. Mazda has pretty good 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty I think that is good enough for us.

 

[DBLXX]

REALLY???

My dealer specifically told me - Mazda DOES NOT have a warranty.

Friggen liars. I need to do my research.

 

[yrwei52]

I think most Americans over insure. And this is no exception. If you can, self insure.

I totally agree with you on this. it'd be better off doing a better research and getting a more reliable car than trying to get an extended warranty. If you really want a BMW or Audi, then consider the extended warranty from manufacture. "Self-insure" sometimes is the better way to cover unforeseen events.

We did buy extended warranty from Honda once. And we've never used it.

The insurance system, especially the medical, is totally screwed up here. From our recent experience, we went to ER for some emergency situation. we have to pay $320 in advance even if we have the insurance! Prescription is additional of course. We went to an ER in Taipei once before for similar symptom and we paid $50 total including prescription WITHOUT their National Insurance!

 

[IHeartGroceries]

This is news to me. Mazda, AFAIK, has been out of the extended service business for a while. Years ago, when under Ford ownership, they offered some manufacturer backed service contracts. Then, went a few years hiatus before coming back to simply "backing" several of their third party contracts. Basically, as I recall, EasyCare just serves as an underwriter, but with Mazda backing, which just means any US Mazda dealer will perform repairs on that contract.

Anyway, it's best to just do without. Seriously. Chances are, you'll end up financing all of those contracts anyway, and paying interest on them, as if the upfront costs weren't enough.

Insurance makes sense for homes and your life...but doesn't seem to make fiscal sense in the end, on motor vehicle service.

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[yrwei52]

REALLY???

My dealer specifically told me - Mazda DOES NOT have a warranty.

Friggen liars. I need to do my research.

It seems a common practice for the Mazda dealers... (whistle)
Or Mazda North American Operations train their dealers to do this way? It seems Mazda doesn't want to sell Mazda Extended Confidence. I still believe 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty comes with the new Mazda is good enough and I don't need any extended warranty.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

Agreed, that's perfectly generous. But, wish they'd match that warranty, bumper to bumper. No matter the severity of failure, I intend to perform all of my own repairs. We'll see how that goes though, with a growing family. XD

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[Mondo]

I like my dealer add-ons. Painted black roof, mirrors, door handles & wheels. I know white and black is getting kind of old, but it still looks good

 

[CX-5um]

I researched warranty services a few months ago for my off lease VW. My findings pointed towards the auto insurance company Geico as the only one with consistent positive review from customers. They offer no frills coverage, extensive network which includes dealerships, and cheap rates. You may want to look into that. Car hast to be under 15 months old/ 15,000 miles to qualify. Can't remember if you need to have actual Geico insurance though.

This is one source which you can start your research at. http://reviews.geico.com/6912/0011/geico-mechanical-breakdown-insurance-reviews/reviews.htm?page=4

I eventually returned my VW and purchased a Mazda instead and saw no need to purchase an extended warranty. The one listed above is great when purchasing cars known to have below average reliability imho.

 

[IHeartGroceries]

I like my dealer add-ons. Painted black roof, mirrors, door handles & wheels. I know white and black is getting kind of old, but it still looks good

Tell us more about that 67/68 C-10 SWB sitting there in the background!

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[Mondo]

Yeah, it's a 67 C10 with 2008 5.3 drivetrain/rack&pinion steering and some subtle cosmetic mods.

 

[DBLXX]

Mondo,

THAT IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.

Does it have BT hands free

Seriously....jealous.

 

[Mondo]

Actually the stereo has it but I don't use it. Dakota gauges makes an instrument panel with modular plug and play add-ons to the 5.3 harness; cruise control, gps speedo (don't worry about tire size) outside temp, status of all engine parameters, etc...
Sorry for the hijack... but I'm pretty proud of the truck.

 

[yrwei52]

Actually the stereo has it but I don't use it. Dakota gauges makes an instrument panel with modular plug and play add-ons to the 5.3 harness; cruise control, gps speedo (don't worry about tire size) outside temp, status of all engine parameters, etc...
Sorry for the hijack... but I'm pretty proud of the truck.

You should be proud of the truck! And we don't mind the hijack ...

 

[IHeartGroceries]

Yup, awesome truck.
I've got a 72 LWB which belonged originally to my great uncle. Other than keeping it on the road, no plans to restore or repaint. I rather cherish its ranch style, farm truck appearance.
Still works well for truck duties too.

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