Hello all,

I have two 2001 Fords, My F250 CC, 4x4, LB and my wife's Windstar LX.

I'm on my way to a small town in Alaska (Ketchikan)that is located on an island. So leaving the island to get servicing done will be a little tough, they do have one Ford dealership.

My question is that I have 4 years of payments on these two vehicles, but only 2 years left on the warranty. I'll be in Alaska for 3 years. Is an extended Ford warranty worth the cost, I imagine parts and what not in Alaska will be expensive.

Ford offers a 7yr/100k mile warranty, (as well as other time frames).

I have owned a few used F150's, never had any problems, but also did not have a monthly payment on them. I'd just hate to have an engine go bad or transmission trouble and have to repair that on top of making vehicle payments.

Any thoughts, extended warranty or no. I've heard bad things about the Windstar transmissions, but not much bad about the V10 engines. Don't know if they have been around long enough to prove reliable or not.

Also does anyone know where there are any reliability stats for the F250's. Consumer reports doesn't cover these trucks, but do cover the Windstar. The stats for the Windstar are not real good.

Sorry for the long post. Just trying to decide if paying $2000 for the F250 warranty and $1300 for the Windstar is worth it.

Tony

 

I have an F350 and my wife has an F150 SuperCrew. The F350 is an XLT and just has the factory warranty because I don't think there is much I couldn't fix. However, the F150 is a Lariat with adjustable pedals, heated leather seats, blah, blah, blah and I DO have an extended warranty on it. Although I could probably fix all that stuff myself, I'm not sure I want to invest that much time/effort. One of the nice things about the extended warranty is that it ensures you get a "loaner" if your vehicle is in the shop for a couple of days.

The V10 has been around since 1997 when it was first used in the Econoline van. Maybe there are some statistics for them?

 

Unlike many parts of Alaska, Ketchikan doesn't get really cold or a ton of snow... Just rain in the warm months. My point is, you will not see the extreme cold weather many people think about when you mention Alaska. From that perspective, Your vehicle will not be subjected to the hardship of frozen batteries and motor oil.

I live in Anchorage (called the "banana belt" by people in Fairbanks)and it does get below 0 degrees F for a few weeks and we have lots of ice and snow to deal with. However, on average I am warmer than some parts of Minnesota or North Dakota!

I've got a 2001 F250 4x4 CC LB like you with the V10 and it runs like a champ. The only problems I have seen have been minor, new vehicle things which were fixed right away. You will have extremely low mileage since you will have few roads available. That, coupled with the stable climate would make me think twice before getting the extended warranty.

Good luck! You will love Alaska!

Edmo

 

I have a '95 windstar that my wife drives. Bought it new. We have had no major problems with it. The only major repair was a recall thing which Ford paid for. I bought a warranty on my 2002 SD only because I am NOT very good ay working on vehicles.

 

Take a look at this thread.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID67/42.html

It may help answer some of your questions. Keep in mind that a warranty is not a guarantee that your vehicles won't break down but only who is gonna pay for it when it does. Some feel that the money otherwise spent on a X-warranty invested properly will give better "security".

I, for one, like them. You will definantly find better prices through the aftermarket. They usually allow you to get service anywhere and, like mine, will pay for a loaner as well as any other incidentals (to a certain maximum)

 

Be careful using aftermarket extended warranties. After calling the dealers around here, I found out that they would not honor them submit the bill to the warranty company). This means that you have to pay the dealership up front and then submit your bill to the extended warranty company yourself. This leaves you exposed to being denied payment for some obscure reason (or a partial payment because they are willing to only pay so much for a given repair).

Based on what I found on the internet and calling the various dealerships and repair shops around here, I decided to stick with the Ford ESP plan. It cost a couple of hundred bucks more but the peace of mind was worth it to me...


Gary M.

2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Camper Package, Lariat, White, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors....more to come I'm sure.

 

VERY, VERY TRUE Gary! Excellent point!

Much "homework" is necessary!

The company I use authorizes the work after the dealership faxes them the work order then pays with a credit card when the job is done BUT only when I have said that I am happy with the work.

The rental car does have to be paid up front and sent in for reimbursal.

 

I used to be stupid and owned GM products and always paid for the extended warranty because I thought it was normal for engines and tranny's to only last 30,000 to 40,000 before needing major overhauls and repairs. With age and wisdom I have found that extended warranties on Fords are a waste of money.
I paid 3,000.00 for the 7yr/100,000 mile warranty on my wifes 97 Expedition. Money I could have used for mods because that truck now has 85,000 miles and has never seen the repair shop.

2000 F350SD,RC,5spd man,V10