Extended Warranty on '08 TL?

"Dunnik" (dunnik) 09/18/2014 at 10:45 • Filed to: ACURA TL, EXTENDED WARRANTIES

0

10

I've a deposit down on a minty 30k mi. 1-owner lady-driven dealer-serviced full-records 2008 Acura TL, and I'm wondering - should I get an extended warranty? I'm sure Acura dealer will be happy to sell me one...

Still somewhat on the fence with this one. This over-fed Honda Accord is known for being a reliable beast, and the biggest issue this model had - wonky automagics - was, apparently, fixed in 2004 (though I've read it's best to get 07-08 to be safe). If a friend's experience with his '07 TL Type S is any indication (he bought it at 50k miles, now has about 90) all he's had to do is change the timing belt.

Then again, car payments will make my finances relatively tight. I may have to borrow the money to fix the car if it breaks. An extended warranty would be some (pricey) peace of mind.

So what say you, Oppo? Take my chances without the warranty, or get the warranty to be on the safe side?

Vimto > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 10:48

1

I have never owned one, but whenever I hear '5-speed automatic' and 'Honda' in the same sentence, I cringe. Other than that, I would think it would be pretty bulletproof. ./ivebeennohelp

MonkeePuzzle > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 10:54

1

Honda/Acura still do certified used? many point inspection and such. I'd personally skip the warranty. Anything serious should have broken by now, and anything else isn't likely to be an issue that can't be resolved for less than teh cost of the coverage

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 10:55

0

It depends how much the warranty will cost against what repairs of common faults would cost. Whether you do your own work or have to pay labour is another consideration.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 10:58

2

Highly reliable brand. Full service history. I vote no. I just looked up the Consumer Reports April 2014 Auto issue. The 04 through 10 TL's show up on their used car recommended list (based on their initial testing and then above average reliability in their surveys).

They've got an article on extended warranties in that issue. Basically only buy extended warranties for below average reliability cars. In their survey, owners of less reliable brands (BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Mercedes) were more satisfied with buying a warranty because they were more likely to use them. Owners of more reliable brands (Honda, Subaru, Toyota) were the least satisfied with their warranties. They were the least likely to have used them.

If you do buy one, they say to haggle. Most were successful and saved an average of $325.

qbeezy > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 11:53

1

This is my experience. I bought a warranty for my car that had 52k mi ahem bought it. Wasn't sure if Hyundai was very reliable. It was about 1100 bucks. The only problem I had was the proxy key sensor stopped working. Probably didn't get my moneys worth, but the peace of mind was great. Just depends on if you're cautious out risk averse. If you can fit it in to your budget or not. And the brand if car. How it was driven.

Arben72 > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 12:02

1

Waste of money. Just changed the original spark plugs on a 2009 accord with 220k miles. That whole time not a single issue. My 07 honda pilot has been everywhere from a war zone to Florida and to the autobahn and my only issue is with it sucking down $10 gal gas like a frat whore during homecoming. Waste of money at any price for an extended warranty.

wantafuncar > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 12:55

1

I wouldn't on something like this.... it is a very reliable car from what I know.

I owned a 04 for awhile & never did anything outside of timing belt & maintenance.My father in law has an 05 (bought new) and same thing - never did anything outside of timing belt & maintenance. Of course yrmv

If your set on spending the money, take the $1500 (guessing) for the extended warranty and buy a growth stock mutual fund. If you need the money for repairs, withdraw it. If not, sit back and let it earn interest. You're better off paying yourself than paying a company for "what if" - especially on a reliable car.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > Dunnik 09/18/2014 at 21:57

1

It's a gamble on any car, especially with aftermarket warranties, which never cover everything and (almost) always have deductibles. The more reliable the car, the less likely it is that you'll need it, especially on a year old car that's only been driven 30,000 miles.

If an extended warranty is the only thing that will let you sleep at night, then you should probably get it. Otherwise, take the money you would have spent on the warranty, and set it aside as an emergency fund.

Dunnik > MonkeePuzzle 09/19/2014 at 00:58

0

As a 2008 it's not a CPO - 2009 and above. Even though this car would pass their CPO inspection with flying colors, I'd expect.

So all it's getting is the Safety Certification (Roadworthyness).

Dunnik > Vimto 09/19/2014 at 01:01

0

Yep. I cringe when I see Honda Odysseys of that vintage.

But from what the experts over at AcuraZine.com say, Honda claimed to have fixed them for the 2004 model year, but that problems can still occur in 04's and even some 05's. They say that the 07's and 08's, are, however, a safe bet.