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Ford ESP -- dealer or online ?

101 messages,  Last post on Jun 13, 2011 at 3:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford, Car Warranties

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#1 of 101 Ford ESP -- dealer or online ? by batmobile

Apr 14, 2004 (9:40 am)

I'm reaching the end of the 3 year warranty on my Focus (only have 15 K miles on it) and am thinking of getting a 6 year/36 K basic Ford ESP warranty. Its around 450-500 dollars (based on deductible) at Ford's web site. I went to my Ford dealer asking them if they could match it, but he said their price would always be a little higher than the online price since I knew exactly what I wanted.
 
This surprised me. For the relatively small sum of money involved (as I said, the whole warranty is only 500 $), I'm not inclined to waste any more time shopping around, but I'm really curious if Ford is actually undercutting dealers (or the margin for such small sales is too tiny to justify any cost cuts on the dealer side).
 
Thanks

#2 of 101 Re: Ford ESP -- dealer or online ? [batmobile #1] by KCRam@Edmunds HOST

Apr 14, 2004 (2:45 pm)

Replying to: batmobile (Apr 14, 2004 9:40 am)
Atomic batteries to power... turbines to speed...
 
(yes, i watched too much TV as a kid)
 
Hi Batmobile
 
As you have discovered, the price of the ESP will vary depending on who you ask. You can purchase the Ford ESP from any Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealer, so don't hesitate to shop around. A web search will probably turn up dealers who are willing to cut deep discounts on ESPs as well.
 
kcram
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#3 of 101 Deep discounts by siteexpert

Jun 03, 2004 (4:26 pm)

Has anyone found deep discounts on-line? I have a lincoln navigator that is loaded w/ all the electronics (power running boards/ liftgate, fold-down seats, etc). I was looking at the 7yr/100K premiumcare warranty but that appears to go for >$2600!!!!

#4 of 101 Ford ESP online by virgiesmom

Jun 04, 2004 (5:30 am)

Hey "Siteexpert" --Purchased my Ford ESP online last year at this time. Was fast and efficient. A few emails sign and return via fax and then get policy by fax. Quotes were competitive, willing to "dicker" a little, and way less than Ford ESP site or local dealers. Got mine thru a Ford dealer in Iowa http://www.mid-statesford.com/ and I'm in VA.
Virgie

#5 of 101 ESP discounter by wlbrown9

Jun 17, 2004 (10:59 am)

I did not end up buying Ford, but when I was researching I got a quote from fordwarrantys.com. I think they were pretty competitive, but can not find the actual quote. IIRC they were giving an additional discount if I purchased within X number of days.
 
Just found it...not the price, but the offer was an additional $175 off their quoted price.
 
Found on the site that it seems to be offered by Lombard Ford in Winsted, CT. Plus they have links to Honda and Acura warranty sites at the bottom of the page.

#6 of 101 Since I have to deal with my local dealer... by leadfoot4

Jun 18, 2004 (2:58 am)

...for service, I figured that I'd be diplomatic about the deal. I got a quote from one of the Ford dealers that sell warranties online, then went to my selling/servicing dealer and asked them if they'd match the price. They did, so I bought the extended warranty locally, figuring that they'd be "more cooperative" if there were ever any questionable circumstances.

#7 of 101 Is This a Good Price? by ace1000

Jun 19, 2004 (12:31 am)

I bought a 2004 Focus, and the dealer gave me the 6yr/100K PremiumCare with a $50 deductible for $965. I have to decide whether to keep it or cancel it.
 
Is this a good price? I haven't found better, but I didn't have to negotiate for it, so it is probably a typical price.

#8 of 101 Re: Is This a Good Price? by Car_man HOST

Jun 20, 2004 (6:37 am)

Hi ace1000. Ever since it had to make a million recalls on the Focus a couple of years ago, Ford has been providing a free 5 year/100,000 mile Powertrain Care ESP warranty on all Focus models. This obviously will not cover everything that could possibly go wrong with your car, but I personally would be hesitant to purchase another warranty that would provide redundant coverage. If having a full warranty on your car gives you the peace of mind that you desire, then $965 seems like a reasonable price to me. You may still want to shop around to make sure by e-mailing a few dealers to see what sort of price quotes they give you.
 
Car_man
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#10 of 101 Re: Is This a Good Price? [Car_man] by jbert11111

Mar 07, 2005 (10:08 am)

Replying to: Car_man (Jun 20, 2004 6:37 am)
In actuality, 965 is a good price. The reason the dealer was able to give you that price is because you upgraded the warranty from a powertrain plan to a premiumcare plan which is the same as the 36/3600 factory warranty pertaining to coverage. His actual cost on the service contract was obviously less than what you paid, but the retail price on that service contract was approximately $1700. You were able to get that price because the dealer gets a rebate for the powertrain portion which the dealer forwarded to you. I would definitely keep the contract as the likelihood of the vehicle having a powertrain problem in the first 100K is unlikely. However, it is likely you could have some warranty repairs on the other items in the vehicle that are not covered by the powertrain coverage. The premiumcare coverage covers over 500 components in the vehicle in comparison to the 29 covered by the powertrain.

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