Used car warranty - RAC Platinum Maintenance cover

lazzareo2009

Hi,

Just looking for some advice as I purchased a new (well used) car today. 5 years old with 46k miles.

The dealer has offered me the option of taking the RAC Platinum Maintenance and Breakdown cover for £499 for 3 years.

My question is whether its worth it or not?

Has anyone got any experience of this as I am clueless when it comes to cars?

Thanks.

Brummie85

Read through what's not covered in the policy before you agree to it, and then look at the typical quotes for sorting these problems.

These policies are setup as money spinners. They exclude the majority of major costly problems, knowing that even if you claim for smaller repairs and components, they aren't paying out more then they will make from you.

Personally, I've yet to see an extended warranty that's worth it. Your car is 5 years old, but I'd still seriously weigh up what you are getting for your £499.

Ectophile

As warranties go, it could be worse. The cheap ones often exclude any moving part that could ever go wrong. Be aware that it doesn't cover any of the usual "wear and tear" items, including the clutch.



Also "maintenance" is not servicing. It's a yearly check, plus fixing things that have gone wrong under the warranty. You are still required to have the vehicle serviced, and if you don't then much of the warranty becomes invalid.

Rutilus

As probably ascertained by previous reviews (note there are no positive ones) this is not a useful or practical policy.  Our past experience is similar, to the extent that we will take our car with it’s current charging issue to a local, trusted garage than the RAC Accredited outfit we bought the car from.  They can see us more quickly and will be cheaper. Be wary too of having to pay for all diagnostic work.  The £499 we paid was a waste of money and potentially ties you to the dealership / garage you bought it from (assuming you want to take advantage of the “cover”) so this warranty can cost you more than just getting work done by a cheaper provider.  Also, the warranty needs to be taken at the time of sale or not at all, so no time to check reviews.  This is clear pressure-selling, not befitting any reputable car dealership.  I was reassured by the brand RAC but would never engage with them again.  I appreciate that I cannot get my £499 back but hope this will help prevent someone else making the same costly mistake I did.  

forgotmyname

Delirious or is it 2018 again?