Dodge Extended Warranty
Hello, my name is Nate Waterfalls and I will try to help you answer the question "Do I need to purchase a Dodge extended warranty or mechanical breakdown protection?" Here is what I will cover in this short article:
- Dodge History
- Dodge Warranties
- Dodge Reliability
- Do I Need Extended Warranty Protection?
- Options for Extended Protection
Dodge History
The first complete Dodge vehicle was built in 1914. Fourteen years later, after the death of both its founders, the Dodge Brothers Company was in the hands of Chrysler. Today, Dodge produces sporty and capable cars, trucks, vans and SUVS with a sporty look that appeals to a wide range of drivers.
The brand was pivotal in developing the “muscle car” era with the release of the Hemi engine and with models that pushed the performance envelope like:
- Challenger
- Charger
- Coronet
- Dart
- Superbee
Models like these bring a feeling of nostalgia for those who grew up in those times, which is why it's no big surprise some of those nameplates have made a comeback. After the success of the revival of the Charger, it seems natural that we'll see an all-too-cool new Challenger at some point too.
Dodge has also had a truck line almost as long as the brand has existed, even having heavy-duty application as early as the 1930's. In 2009, Dodge did not just re-vamp the look of its popular Ram pick-up; it opened a whole new Ram division to better serve "real" truck customers.
Dodge Warranties:
- Limited Basic
- Powertrain
- Miscellaneous Other
Dodge offers a 3 year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty that provides bumper to bumper coverage. Dodge also offers a new 5 year/100,000 mile powertraim limited warrnty on most new Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles. Coverage also includdes free towing to the nearest Dodge, Jeep or Chrysler dealer. The warranty is transferable to a subsequent owner. For complete Dodge warranty information for a specific model see www.dodge.com
Dodge Reliability
Certain Dodge sedans (such as the Intrepid), share the same 2.7l engine sludge/failure problems as their Chrysler counterparts, but there are a few other common Dodge issues as well:
- Although a small issue, thousands of Ram 1500 drivers have been inconvenienced by a cracked dashboard
- Durango drivers typically experience ball joint problems and transmissions issues while shifting
- Durango's are also known to shut down without warning while driving
I should also mention to Dodge owners that the company is currently recalling around 30,000 late-model vehicles over a braking problem that could cause them to fail completely.
In regards to overall reliability, the brand has quite a way to go if it plans on rebuilding a solid reputation. Despite obvious problems, the company's new partnership with Fiat is a hopeful step towards good things for the future.
Before making any decision, research your specific model and year to ensure reliability. Certain cars are known to be unreliable, making the extended protection decision a no-brainer. Check out the the U.S News and World Report. for current reliability ratings.
Another easy to find out about a product's reliability in the age of the Internet is to check with a community of people that have the same product. People in these groups tend to be very outspoken. In the case of automobiles one such community is Edmunds.com.
Use the links below to research your specific model for known problems.
- Avenger
- Caliber
- Caravan
- Charger
- Dakota
- Durango
- Grand Caravan
- Intrepid
- Journey
- Magnum
- Neon
- Ram
- Sprinter
Here's another great resource to check the reliability record of your used vehicle.
Do I Need Dodge Extended Warranty Protection?
Choosing to purchase coverage for your Dodge is ultimately a personal decision. However, here are some things to consider:
- The age and mileage of your Dodge
- The reliability record of your particular Dodge model
- How many miles you drive
- How long you plan to own your Dodge
- Your risk tolerance
- Your financial ability to pay for unexpected repairs
Here are two additional resources to help determine if extended coverage is right for you:
- POMCalc! Check your peace of mind
- How to determine if a vehicle extended warranty is right for you.
If you decide that extended coverage is a good “bet” for you then be sure to purchase it before the original Dodge warranty expires. The sooner you do it the less it will cost you. If the Dodge warranty expires, your options may be limited. However, you don't have to purchase a Dodge extended warranty – there is another option: Mechanical breakdown protection.
Options for Extended Protection
You have two basic options when it comes to extended coverage for your Dodge.
- Genuine Dodge Extended Warranty
- Third Party Mechanical Breakdown Protection
The extended Dodge warranty is only offered by the manufacturer and is usually sold through the dealership. Mechanical breakdown protection may be purchased from a third party company. Coverage between the two options is usually comparable.
The main difference between the options is the price and the fact that the mechanical breakdown protection plan allows you to have your service done at any repair facility. The Dodge extended warranty requires that you service your vehicle at the dealership or other Dodge authorized repair facilities. This tends to limit your options.
Nate Waterfalls
Third party mechanical breakdown protection plans tend to offer more value and can be found at a lower price with similar coverage. However, it is important to purchase the coverage from a reputable company.
The Dodge extended warranty is a solid choice but a mechanical breakdown protection plan from a reputable third party my serve you best if you need the flexibility of choosing your own service location or personal mechanic.
For additional information on determining your need for extended coverage please review the following pages:
Although, you will pay more, the manufacturer's extended car warranties are usually a solid choice. However, if you decide that mechanical breakdown protection is a better option for you, I recommend the folks at autoPOM! and Mercury Insurance Group.
autoPOM! backed and administered by Mercury can provide you with repair service comparable to the manufacturer's extended warranty. Not surprising, autoPOM! pricing is far less than dealer pricing and offers the flexibility of allowing you to choose the repair facility that you're most comfortable with.
autoPOM! has an A+ rating from the BBB and Mercury has a A+ rating from A.M. Best.See 10 Reasons To Choose autoPOM! and Mercury.
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