ordered a all dark silver S 6 speed with sports package 4/1/08. 2 questions, is the front polyshield ($695) worth getting? .The BIG question is: The extended warranty (mini of peabody) is being offered for $1750 which takes it to 6 years/100,000 mi. Is it worth it? Reading the fine print, clutch,brakes wipers are covered and not a much else, it makes me nervous, please respond. Dan Faust-Salem MA

 

First thing's first... the Clearbra, Invisishield, Polyshield... whatever you want to call it is VERY worth it IMO. MINI paint is particularly thin and chips EASILY. $695 might be a $100-150 high... but often the dealer will warranty the product for the duration of the car's warranty and you know where the dealer is going to be over that 5-year period (vs. some private installers)

Secondly... I have the 10yr/100,000mi/$0 deductible EasyCare bumper to bumper warranty offered by my dealer. I don't know how it compares to what your dealer is offering... but I can say it pretty much covers EVERYTHING. In fact the only thing it doesn't cover is non-mechanical squeeks/rattles, aftermarket stereos, rust, upholstrey, trim and convertible tops. Granted, it's a $3000 warranty and I can't honestly say if I would have purchaced it myself (it was given to me after a serious car issue)... I CAN say it's a heck of a lot of peace of mind knowing it's there (and transferrable, should I sell the car!).

I would question however if one year and 40,000 miles are worth $1700. PArticularly if it only covers the items mentioned.

Also, consider you can purchase EasyCare warranty coverage anytime while your factory warranty is still in effect. So it might be wise to wait until year 4 or 5 and determine then if you want (or need) somthing more at that time. Just a thought.

PS - here's a thread to an earlier discussion I was reading when considering asking for this warranty: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ycare+warranty

Also a link to the plan for comparison purposes: http://www.easycare.com/

 

I agree with the idea of waiting a few years to see how your *particular* MINI does during the warranty period before buying an extended warranty. Let's face it - the warranty companies wouldn't offer their coverage if they didn't take in more money in premiums than they paid out in claims. That means that on average, buying an extended warranty is a losing proposition. But, if your particular car proves to be troublesome during the warranty period (but not so troublesome that you want to replace it), then the extended warranty becomes more attractive.