Extended Warranty For Bronco

[Virtual-Chris]

This is a brand-new unproven platform. As I plan on keeping mine beyond the factory warranty, and I’m getting a MY21/22 I will absolutely get an extended warranty. We have no idea what problems are going to recur on this platform.

The only other option that makes sense to me is trading in around the end of the factory warranty for an MY26 (or mid lifecycle refresh if Ford does that) that might have many upgrades and issues resolved... But that’s many times more expensive than an extended warranty.

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[OX1]

I’m hoping someone with knowledge (someone who works at a dealership) will give the 6g Bronco community the “low down “ on extended warranties.
I’ve read where some have already purchased. Would really like the real story on whether they are worth it and what a good deal is. Pros/cons and pitfalls.

I don't buy them for the drivetrain coverage. I usually tune, so that is out the window unless you have really good contacts or are a super good customer (and even then Ford can still say no, and your dealer would have to eat it for you).

I buy them for the ghost in the machine electrical problem, the dealer spends weeks chasing down, and a still hasn't fixed it. It was a little over $3K for 8 year, 125K, zero deductible, "bumper to bumper" on my 17 Fusion.

I look at it this way, if you are keeping it for a long time. That's well under $1000 per year for almost new car coverage on an extra 5 years (especially if you don't tune). Many trade once or twice in that timeframe, they probably spent 20-30 grand in losses. Just taxes on the difference between new and a trade in NJ, is going to be that much these days.

I would consider it more on a brand new rig (even one with mostly known components, as there is still a ton of new or updated parts, like suspensions in this case). Even the Fusion, which was the same one started in 13, had engine shut off for no reason issues (only on 2.7 Sports started in 17), that didn't all show up under the 36k mileage.

 

[Mattwings]

It’s kind of simple. You are transferring some risk through an insurance contract. I got a quote for $1500 for 6 yrs 75k miles for the premium Ford warranty. The Bronco has so much high $ technology (Badlands High package) that I am considering it. I am a bit risk averse so I may decide to transfer some of that risk through a contract. It’s not an investment and I did negotiate a lower price, so if I buy it, I know what I am getting into.

 

[Erock]

Have the premium care on my F-150 that just spent 4 months in the shop (mostly waiting on parts)... all the while I’m driving their loaner vehicles, racking up 7k miles (yeah, I abused the privilege a little) taking a couple of outta state trips. I had bought the warranty so I could have them fix everything before I resold it (I can’t sell anything I know has something wrong with it), to get my Bronco. So far it has just been a drain tube issue for the panoramic roof, a widow that went down instead of up that they said was a programming thing (???), battery that died while they had it sitting there and just general maintenance. All total picking it up cost me $136, $100 deductible and $36 for the maintenance. The cost of a rental for that time would have been far more than the warranty cost me... plus the $100+ hourly shop rate . Doesn’t seem to always work out like that, but I believe I won this time.

EDIT: still waiting on those damn shocks though... I decided I’d install them myself since I was missing my truck, plus there was gonna be a $200 charge to install since they are an aftermarket shock (Rocky Ridge package).

 

[BroncoJay]

This is a brand-new unproven platform. As I plan on keeping mine beyond the factory warranty, and I’m getting a MY21/22 I will absolutely get an extended warranty. We have no idea what problems are going to recur on this platform.

The only other option that makes sense to me is trading in around the end of the factory warranty for an MY26 (or mid lifecycle refresh if Ford does that) that might have many upgrades and issues resolved... But that’s many times more expensive than an extended warranty.

But the power trains on the bronco aren’t brand new platforms, yes the body style is new, but the engines are proven...on the ranger and F150...

 

[wrbix]

IMHO, Insurance in all its many iterations is a racket.

 

[Carolina Jim]

The thing I'm most worried about is the MIC top....fo those of you with Wrangler experience, how does their warranty deal with leaks?

My BD won't even have the MID package...in fact, I'da paid thousands more for a screen-delete & analog dials. So I don't have quite as much tech-risk to worry about. I believe the summary below is generic & non Bronco-specific:

Ford Extended Warranty	What It Covers
PremiumCARE	This plan is the most comprehensive option for a Ford extended warranty from the automaker. It provides full coverage for more than 1,000 components, including the powertrain control module, high-tech components, audio, and safety components.
ExtraCARE	This plan protects 113 components, including the electrical components, engine, and transmission. It does not supply coverage for the rear suspension, safety equipment, or emission systems.
BaseCARE	With coverage for 84 components, this plan is like a more advanced powertrain warranty. In addition to major parts, it covers brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and steering. The BaseCARE plan doesn’t cover the fuel system, radiator, or flywheel ring gear.
PowertrainCARE	This plan is a basic powertrain warranty, including coverage for 29 components. It protects the engine, transmission, and drive system.

 

[Bituman]

I had a bad experience with a Ford extended warranty in the later 1980’s and haven’t purchased one since. Long story short, new Tempo needed a valve job at 18,000 miles and service dept cobbled together some excuse why it was my fault and therefore warranty didn’t apply. Anyway I guess my butt hurt over that has faded a bit and I am considering an extended warranty for the Bronco.

When purchasing vehicles over the years, I’ve always challenged the dealer when they try to sell me a 5-year warranty on a vehicle that has 36 month factory warranty. I say, “that’s a 2-year warranty” and I always seem to get push back on that. Even with my Texas public school education I can do that math, 5 - 3 = 2. Is there any down side to waiting until the factory warranty is getting ready to expire and buying the extended warranty then? Maybe they’re more expensive?

(Edit: just remembered their excuse. Yes, valve job would normally be covered, but it was caused by something in vacuum advance which wasn’t covered so therefore…burnt valve not covered.)

 

[Efthreeoh]

I’m hoping someone with knowledge (someone who works at a dealership) will give the 6g Bronco community the “low down “ on extended warranties.
I’ve read where some have already purchased. Would really like the real story on whether they are worth it and what a good deal is. Pros/cons and pitfalls.

LOL. ...someone who works at a dealership... give the... "low down" on extended warranties. LFOL

Good luck with that.

Just saying.

 

[BroncoAZ]

IMHO, Insurance in all its many iterations is a racket.

If you have the funds to write the check and cover a loss (which looking at your list of cars, you might be in that position), then sure insurance could be considered a racket. If you escape life having never experienced an insurable loss then you won the lottery, most of us don’t win. Car accident, house fire, bad medical diagnosis, etc happen to good people every day.

Most insurance is there to cover a possible obligation that you can’t write the check for, or are willing to pay the premium to not pay for. In our paycheck to paycheck society most people can’t make an extra rent payment, much less cover the loss of a vehicle.

State mandated car insurance is a good idea in my mind. I had a woman in a hoopty rear end a brand new 1500 Silverado Ecodiesel ($52K) with 300 miles on it last week, so hard it bent the frame and the truck will likely total. Not trying to judge, but looking at her vehicle I doubt she can write the company a check for the loss.

When I lived in AZ you could put up a $35K bond with the state and not pay the mandatory insurance, but you were liable for whatever damages you caused. Having almost driven over a Lamborghini that I couldn’t see in my old Bronco while driving in Scottsdale, I’ll keep up my insurance…

 

[WuNgUn]

I was able to get a discounted extended warrant on my 2019 Escape using my Ford A plan. Since it's unused and still valid, a fair amount of it can be transfered to my Bronco when I buy it.
It's the first time I've ever bought an extended warranty, to be honest. Dunno if I would do it again.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

IMHO, Insurance in all its many iterations is a racket.

As the saying goes, "If you think insurance is expensive, try NOT having it."

 

[Bigmoose]

On a first year vehicle, yes I’ll be buying the longest Ford warranty available. There will be bugs that come out over time, I don’t want to pay for them. There is so much tech in the new trucks: think of when the 12” screen goes out, probably $1500 plus labor to fix. Adaptive cruise control, $2000 plus to repair on the Raptor. Electronic locker fails and the diff has to be disassembled, $2000. Have any major issue out of warranty, basically $1000 plus labor on newer cars and trucks these days. I would consider skipping the warranty on a Base model with less electronics and a less complex drivetrain. Ford makes good vehicles, but there is always a certain percentage of failures.

So the price is clearly state specific. My dealer is actually flood in RI and my chart like yours is about $500 more. Makes no sense.

 

[Mr. Nice]

Mine have more than paid for themselves. I always thought they were a waste, until I actually needed them. Complex systems, like yhe Bronco has, are actually worth considering extended warranties.

People have to learn to play the odds. They would not sell these policies if they lost money. Just like any kind of insurance you should most always buy the minimum.

If you don't like playing the odds then maybe one should frequent their local casino.
Would that give folks that great "peace of mind" they talk about?

 

[BroncoAZ]

I am playing the odds by buying the warranty. I’m betting that the warrantied repairs over the life of the warranty will exceed the cost of the warranty. I know that statistically my bet Is a loser, but no new vehicle I’ve owned has been perfect and never needed something that would be covered by extended warranty. If I spend $2K on a warranty and the warranty pays for $1K of repairs then my piece of mind cost me $1K for the last 5 years of ownership.

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