Extended Warranty or Not-That is the Question
 

I have three days left on my '09 manufacturers warranty. Nissan wants $1400 for 7 years (4 more) or 70,000 mi. Well established and reputable independent warranty company will sell 6 additional years or 60,000 mile coverage for $956.00
I only drive 3300 mi/year. I think I'll pass but the price of a steering lock failure alone, would make the coverage a wise move. Any thoughts out there?

This is one of those "It depends" questions.
What is your goal? Peace of mind? Risk reduction? Economy?
How much is it worth to you?
How difficult will it be to make a claim after the factory warranty runs out?

From what I have read on this site and a few others, the 370Z is pretty reliable. It has it's flaws but most of these have raised their ugly heads and you can judge how likely they are to affect you.
Eg, oil temperatures can run high, especially if you drive the car hard. I'm usually driving around town or cruising down the highway and when I do drive hard it's only for short periods, so I don't consider that to be a big concern for me. If you drive hard, an extended warranty might be more attractive.
The Steering Lock you mentioned is a big flaw, but it is easily prevented by several easy, cheap (at least two are free if you DIY) methods. I have removed the fuse, so that is no longer something I have to worry about.

It all depends on how much risk you are willing to take and how much you are willing to spend to avoid some of that risk.

Personally, I don't trust any of the third-party warranties. Most that I have been offered were not transferable (you had to use the dealer you bought the warranty from) and I'll switch dealers in a heartbeat if I'm unhappy with them. But that's just my opinion based on a small sample.

You can easily bypass the steering lock by two methods seen here.

But I personally wouldn't do the extended warranty.

What does the extended warranty cover? Is that for the powertrain. Honestly, 1400 for 7years/70k miles is not bad at all. I looked at extended warranties with USAA and they want like 3200 for 4years or something like that. So both those prices you quoted are not bad at all IMO.

Mine already ran out, however I took care of the steering lock and some other known issues before the warranty expired. Now I'm on my own, if start given me significantly problems were I have to spend a lot of $$$$$ then is time to go. However is not my daily driver so that might make a different. Planning on keeping it for now!

Thru my own experience I have bought the extended warranty and kept that car for 7 years and never used it. So is up to you.

Can I suggest reading the Extended Warranty forum. This has been discussed to death and I'm sure that forum will help you make up your mind and make some decisions. There are Pro's and Con's to both sides. Remember, the 370Z has only been around a few years so nobody really knows how well it will hold up in 7-8 years. Just be aware that repairs are very expensive for this car.

$1400 for 4 years, do the math, it costs less than your daily coffee money.

But it gives you peace of mind.

I don't know the package in US, but in Canada, it includes:

4 X oil change
Rental Car
Trip compensation if the car break-down when you are on a trip.
Road Side Service
Tires Puncture

You do the math, 4 X oil change = $200

Road side assisstance $400+/4 years.

That's $600 already

In case you have steering lock failure, they get you a rental, let say it take 2 weeks to get the part in, that's $35X14=490 for car rental.

Plus the parts & labor being covered.

And you know for a 4yrs+ old car, not only the steering lock will fail...



You do the math.....


I purchased the warranty last year when I pickup the Z brand new, I have some issue with the top (roadster), the Canadian dealers doesn't have courtesy car, but the extended warranty package does, and it is well paid off....


I suggest it.

:iagree: I got mine hooked up for free when I bought the car, but I would have paid for it even if I didn't get it.