Audi Extended Warranty

sebtomato

Hi,
My car is due to be 3 years old soon, so original warranty will expire.
Is it worth considering an extended warranty provided by Audi? I can't get a price yet as original warranty hasn't not expired.
Car is in excellent condition, and relatively low mileage. However, it has a lot of expensive parts that could go wrong, like self driving capability, S-tronic gear box etc.
But then I am thinking failure of those components after 3 years would still qualify to be repaired for free, under the UK consumer act (regardless of the manufacturer warranty terms).
I understand that third party warranties are not worth it, given the high prices, excess and exclusions.

Highland76

Unless someone has a magic crystal bowl, no-one on here can tell you what will/won't go wrong after your 3 year warranty expires. Only you can decide whether its worth extending the warranty or not.

AdrianC

sebtomato said:
However, it has a lot of expensive parts that could go wrong, like self driving capability

It doesn't have "self-driving capability". No car sold to the public yet does. Some have clever cruise control that is WAY oversold, often to lethal effect.

But then I am thinking failure of those components after 3 years would still qualify to be repaired for free, under the UK consumer act (regardless of the manufacturer warranty terms).

Nope, it doesn't work like that.

I understand that third party warranties are not worth it, given the high prices, excess and exclusions.

Third party warranties are sold for one purpose - to make profit for the seller, after all the admin costs, staff costs, office costs, tax etc are paid. They do that by taking in a lot more money in premiums than they pay out in claims...

ontheroad1970

Generally, the manufacturer warranties are more expensive but are the only ones worth having.  You will have to fight quite hard to get things repaired free of charge as a matter of course, if all your servicing is with the main dealer, they may well contribute as a goodwill gesture, but it isn't guaranteed.  Sale of goods act will be tough to use as it is dependent on the part that has failed what a reasonable life for it would be:  you are probably thinking about the suggested 6 year period when you buy a tv or something, but cars are more complex in the law's application.

sebtomato

AdrianC said:

sebtomato said:
However, it has a lot of expensive parts that could go wrong, like self driving capability

It doesn't have "self-driving capability". No car sold to the public yet does. Some have clever cruise control that is WAY oversold, often to lethal effect.

But then I am thinking failure of those components after 3 years would still qualify to be repaired for free, under the UK consumer act (regardless of the manufacturer warranty terms).

Nope, it doesn't work like that.

I understand that third party warranties are not worth it, given the high prices, excess and exclusions.

Third party warranties are sold for one purpose - to make profit for the seller, after all the admin costs, staff costs, office costs, tax etc are paid. They do that by taking in a lot more money in premiums than they pay out in claims...

Yes, the car pretty much drives itself once on the motorway. Stays in lane and can stop and start. I didn't say it was self driving in all situations, so you just misunderstood. Regardless, the point was: expensive technology and sensors to fix if it goes wrong.
Yes, under the UK consumer law, goods are due to last a reasonable of time and be of adequate quality. Therefore, a gearbox failing after 5 years, when expected to last at least 10, would fall under such law.
Yes, thank you for stating the obvious: all types of insurances are indeed sold for the insurance companies to make a profit as opposed to a loss, and therefore pay as few claims as possible...

sebtomato

ontheroad1970 said:

Generally, the manufacturer warranties are more expensive but are the only ones worth having.  You will have to fight quite hard to get things repaired free of charge as a matter of course, if all your servicing is with the main dealer, they may well contribute as a goodwill gesture, but it isn't guaranteed.  Sale of goods act will be tough to use as it is dependent on the part that has failed what a reasonable life for it would be:  you are probably thinking about the suggested 6 year period when you buy a tv or something, but cars are more complex in the law's application.

From the information I have found (short of being able yet to get a proper quote from Audi), it would seem that the Audi extended warranty is cheaper than third party ones, with fewer exclusions.
Yes, I was indeed thinking about the Sale of Goods act. Surely, some components would be expected to last more than 3 years (warranty period) unless there was an accident or lack of maintenance. For instance, an S-tronic automatic gearbox can only go wrong by itself as opposed to due to driving (assuming oil changes are made at set intervals etc.).

sebtomato

Highland76 said:

Unless someone has a magic crystal bowl, no-one on here can tell you what will/won't go wrong after your 3 year warranty expires. Only you can decide whether its worth extending the warranty or not.

True, but some people might want to share if they purchased a manufacturer extended warranty, or if they managed to get manufacturers to pay for some of the repairs while the vehicle was out of warranty.

neilmcl

sebtomato said:

Highland76 said:

Unless someone has a magic crystal bowl, no-one on here can tell you what will/won't go wrong after your 3 year warranty expires. Only you can decide whether its worth extending the warranty or not.

True, but some people might want to share if they purchased a manufacturer extended warranty, or if they managed to get manufacturers to pay for some of the repairs while the vehicle was out of warranty.

Sounds like you've made up your mind then.

sebtomato

neilmcl said:

sebtomato said:

Highland76 said:

Unless someone has a magic crystal bowl, no-one on here can tell you what will/won't go wrong after your 3 year warranty expires. Only you can decide whether its worth extending the warranty or not.

True, but some people might want to share if they purchased a manufacturer extended warranty, or if they managed to get manufacturers to pay for some of the repairs while the vehicle was out of warranty.

Sounds like you've made up your mind then.

Which is what option? My statement was about whether an extended warranty was useful or not.

photome

If you know that they will repair under UK consumer law  ( you are wrong though) then why would you need an extended warranty .

NottinghamKnight

It may be useful but you need to find out the cost first as that will be a significant factor. You seem to think that buying something expensive gives you extra rights but almost the reverse is often the case, sellers opinions are often if an individual can afford something expensive then they can afford the additional costs in running, maintaining and repairing it in future. Warranty providers are often reluctant to pay out, including manufacturers and especially for larger and more expensive works, as we so often see on these forums.