So I just bought a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman S that has its warranty until June. I have bought the car using a loan and have the option to buy an extended warranty through a company called Route 66 (https://www.route66warranty.com/asp/index.asp[1] ). Would you all recommend extending the warranty I already have, getting an extended warranty through this external company, or just letting the warranty expire and hope for the best?

 

Given the reliability history and problems that arise after the factory warranties expire it may not be a bad idea. Choosing the right plan and not overpaying is a challenge. I am a Finance Director at a Franchise Dealership and can quote you some options if you like. I can quote you just over cost and that should save you a bundle. Reach out to me if you wish.

 

Are you talking free maintenance or warranty?. Free maintenance expires at 3yrs or 36k miles. Warranty expires at 4yrs or 50k.

 

I bought used at 24K miles and included an extended warranty with the loan. I did use the warranty 3 or 4 times but it never came up to the cost of the warranty. That said, the warranty precluded having to dip into ready cash to retake possession from the shop so in that respect it was worth it. We've gone beyond sensable age and miles to renew by now so I'm tucking away about a hundred bucks a month as self insurance. Were I you I'd take advantage of 'baxter's offer and see what he can do for you.

 

I'm part of the group that considers extended warranties snake oil. I've been buying cars and products since 1952 and have never bought an extended warranty. I've never had one event that caused me to regret not doing so. True, there are people who have come out ahead with extended warranties just as there are people who have won big in Las Vegas but, just like Las Vegas the house still wins.

 

I bought one for my vehicle because I was concerned about the turbo, and I learned a few things in the process:

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I've also been told by my local BMW indie shop that the best one they've seen is the one from USAA, so there may be some good ones out there.

 

In a word, no. For the most part, extended warranties are not worth what you pay for them. MOST people would be far better off if they just put the cost of the warranty into the bank. THink of it as just adding the cost of the warranty to the car loan, but in YOUR pocket...



That way, if nothing happens, you can take a really nice vacation...

 

I was in the same boat as you not to long ago when purchasing my preowned 09 Clubman S.

I did a lot of research here on NAM regarding common issues with the older N14 engine and what people historically paid for repairs out of warranty. Already, I'm getting the slightest bit of knocking from the timing chain, so I'll be taking it in to the dealer for that as well as worn/broken trim pieces. At minimum, I expect to break even after the 4 year extended warranty period.

The 2011 has the newer N18 engine, which I here is more reliable, so I'd do some additional research if I were you. 3rd party warranties come in various "tiers." At the base they cover the engine, then at higher tiers cover suspension, navigation system, etc. In my case, I negotiated for better financing should I get the highest tier; the end result being equal overall cost. I also paid for the warranty upfront, as to not be charged interest on it.

It doesn't cover maintenance of course (MINI dealers offer an additional maintenance package which is not worth it, IMO). Hope this helps.