Extended Warranty

Hi guys I bought a '03 Targa from wimbledoncarriage.co.uk last week. It comes with a 3 month warranty, but they've offered to extend it with Auto Protect. Worth it? Prices to extend are as follows, · 12 months £500 · 24 months £700 · 36 months £900 What is covered by the policy? All mechanical and electrical parts, plus the labour to fit them, against sudden unforeseen mechanical breakdown (with the exception of the items excluded below). What does the policy exclude? 1. Those regarded as service items or components, which are expected to require periodic replacement. 2. Wheels and tyres, spark plugs, wiper blades and arms, auxiliary drive belts, pipes and hoses, exhaust system including catalytic converters, brake shoes, pads and discs, batteries, lamps and bulbs, fuses, wiring connections and looms, audio equipment, radio aerial masts and motors, bodywork, paint work, all weather strip and seals, water ingress, door locks, handles, hinges, check straps, all glasses including heater elements, trim, upholstery including seat runners and seat adjustment mechanisms cosmetic finishers, general oil leaks or the adjustment of any component. Timing belts: are covered providing that the last sue change of belt has taken place as specified by the last due change of belt has taken place as specified by the manufacturer schedules (proof required). Damage subsequently caused if timing belt has not been changed as specified b manufacturer is specifically excluded.

Is there a claim limit? (There is no timing belt the engine is chain driven so that's not an issue)

from the bumf i got .. There is no excess, the claims limit is up to the purchase price of the car per claim with no limit to the number claims that can be made.

It seems ok, but I wouldn't count on it. I've not heard of AutoProtect. These companies tend to have their own definitions e.g. What defines 'Sudden and unforeseen'? 'Sorry sir the detonated IMS is a known problem so not unforeseen' etc IMO The Porsche warranty is by far the best.

3 month warranty says it all about the supplier, doesnt inspire confidence in condition of car. Also not valid under the sale of goods act if yopu have any problems. should be a minimum of 6 months to strictly conform. Suggest you get car checked asap. Also suggest checking cover against WMS/VGS and warranty direct as they cost about the same.

Weirdly, I also bought an '03 Targa from Wimbledon Carriage Co. - but almost 2 years ago. I took the full 3 year AutoProtect warranty for £900 as it seemed like peace of mind. But before signing on the dotted line I had the car inspected independently and checked and double-checked that the policy would cover any IMS issues or any other major mechanical failure - which they assured me it would. That said, I've never had to use it yet as the car has been ultra-reliable and nothing has been needed beyond servicing, so I guess we'll see. One year still remaining on the warranty. I'd be very interested to know more details about your car and what you paid for it. Also, since purchase I've been using WCC for servicing and they seem quite good, if a little pricey. They know the car well and are always very attentive. Would be good to hear your opinion - Do you live locally? Cheers Paul

Hi Paul - I will take the car to my local Indy ( http://www.brooklandskent.co.uk/ ) and get them to give the car the once over. £900 is not a lot for piece of mind, but possibly waisted money if its not needed. Plus, £900 is a fair chunck towards getting the IMS done anyway. The car came with a stack of paper work, mostly OPC's. One was for a new clutch and RMS. I called them and asked if they did the IMS at the same time. They said they didn't, but would have checked the IMS at the time. They stated that any IMS concerns with the bearing having any play etc, they would always replace. If it looks ok, they leave it alone. So that was at least some comfort. I live in Chislehurst .. can highly recommend Brooklands. Pop over one weekend and I will introduce you to the guys there!

That sounds sensible. My car also came with a ton of papers but nothing in there about RMS/IMS. Although mine had only done 32k (48k now) miles at the time so maybe it was too soon for that to be a concern. Each time i take it for service or MOT i get them to check all the seals and photograph the underside of the car so I can see for myself. It's always bone-dry under there and they always remark how unusual that is on a 996. Anyway, congratulations on acquiring your Targa. It really is a fantastic machine and I hope you enjoy every moment, just as I do. The only thing that niggles me about my car is that I'm the 8th owner. Don't get me wrong, it's practically perfect in every way and perhaps 8 owners in 13 years is probably fine - these cars do tend to change hands often. But I wish it was fewer... Just like when you start dating a hot girl even though you know she's been with all your mates... I don't get over to Kent much but the next time I find myself heading over I will be sure to let you know! Cheers, Paul