warranty or preventative work

Hi, I think most of you know that I run my car with a full OPC warranty. I believe that this is the last year I can renew it (it's an 03). I've known the car from new and it's been regularly serviced and driven sympathetically. That said, I'm paranoid about the engine going, hence the warranty. Now, the situation is that I've spent 4.2k on warranty and I've had the drivers seat wire replaced in that time - so not a great return if I'm honest! However, warranty is £1500 and I can only renew for one, maybe 2 years. I've toyed with the idea of selling the car, but I do enjoy it and what am I going to replace it for? Anything I buy next (cash budget up to 50k + my car) is going to tonk in value, the 997 will have the same engine and depreciation concerns and I would never buy a BMW because I've owned two and both engines went (under 3 years old). So I'm thinking I might keep it and I might lose another 5, 10, or even 15k - but I've already lost 10k, so I'm not too worried about that. What I am worried about is being left with a big bill to replace and engine. So, I'm thinking of getting the engine strengthened, so it lessens the chances of it going. But, would having the engine out make it less reliable anyway - after all it has been super reliable up until now and not even the RMS has been issue. So, shall I put the warranty money towards engine damage preventative work, or just chuck it in now and get something else. But the question is what? I do 8k miles / year and don't want an older car. I know the 997.2 is supposed to be more reliable, but at 2 years old without historical failure data to confirm and massive depreciation coming, I'm not sure that's the better bet?

I'd just get the warranty and be done with the drama. You say you're paranoid already about the engine going pop so without a warranty you'll naturally drive it like a girl and what's the point in that. Your last year of ownership will be about as much fun as a poke in the eye with a sharp stick! Simples...

After seeing how paranoid you are about the engine breaking the answer is a no brainer for me. Buy the OPC warranty for as long as you can. £1500 a year is nothing compared to the other options you're considering. You'd have the same paranoia about any other second hand car - possibly more if you didn't know its exact history - and lose heaps of money in depreciation. Stick with what you've got, maintain it properly and enjoy driving it.

You can continue to warranty the car for up to 10 years or 125k miles. I'd put the money towards a (driving) holiday. The car hasn't missed a beat since day one, either re-insure or self-insure. Either way, just drive or get off the pot! (to paraphrase) EDITTED: as I wrote "missed a beast"

If the engine is running well with no issues and the car has "not missed a beat" I ,for one, would leave it well alone. Even if the RMS was leaking which it usually does long before going its not critical and can normally be kept an eye on and then done at clutch change. However given your paranoia I agree totally with others. Get the OPC warranty for as long as you can, or you will be lying awake worrying about huge bill or whether your cheaper after market warranty will pay out. You've already done £4.5k so whats another £3k to sleep at night and avoid the possibility of a serious nervous breakdown worrying about a serious mechanical breakdown.

What about going for an RSJ warranty? They're not far from Surrey...?

you can afford for a lot to go wrong and do it at your own cost rather than pay £1500 every year, or whatever it is.

It's a shame you hadn't avoided the warranty and put the money aside as you would have about enough for a new engine, saying that £3K takes you a long way towards rebuilding your engine anyway.

Have a look at these guys and buy into a lifetime maintenance plan. http://www.hartech.org/index.html