I see a lot of people on ROR with the same problem. Bought a new truck from Tate Branch Dodge in Artesia, NM - and with it (in my financing) bought the warranty for full power-train coverage from "Superior Protection Plan". I did this specifically and ONLY because the vehicle is 4x4 and modern drive systems are very complex.
Last week I made a right hand turn from a red light and the CV joint starts popping. I know enough about mechanics to have a vague idea what is wrong, so I park the truck, and make arrangements for a professional shop here in the LA area to take over.
The shop, who are extremely competent and have rebuilt much more complex vehicles for me (take for example a Lincoln Mark VII Sport Coupe with dynamic ride suspension and aluminum block performance package) and the have always been rock stars.
The shop foreman calls me back, and explains to me the warranty company doesn't want to pay for more parts than is necessary to put the truck back together after the exploratory procedures. He said they did not want to honor the agreement because the electronic brain on the transmission and associated connections are NOT covered.
So in sticker shock (the repairs are 33% of the value of the vehicle) I contacted my attorney, who took a look at the situation today, and said the method they are trying to use to get out of the contract is fraudulent. Their contract with me states:
"Standard Coverage" pp2 agreement, section 2 paragraph 1:
"Transmission - Transmission case and all internal Lubricated Parts, torque converter, transmission mounts, flex plate, and vacuum modulator."
He said the are they are trying to fraud me on is in the words "vacuum modulator".in post 1996 4x4 transmissions with shift on the fly options, there is no vacuum modulator, it is an electronic brain. That is what failed on my vehicle and without it the vehicle is non-operable. So the warranty slogan of "Keeping you on the road" appears entirely inaccurate.
I paid $1396.96 for a warranty that did absolutely nothing for me when the transmission failed. Also, please note that this warranty is primarily used by Credit Acceptance Corporation, another gem of a company that you will have a hard time reaching. But if they want to call you then the phone blows up all hours of the day and night.
I strongly suggest anyone buying a car from any dealership, especially in New Mexico (which is lame because I live in California now) should know about these companies. If your potential car dealership tries to roll any of these into your deal, run like heck! Tell all your friends of the danger, and never go back.
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