[hjg]

My TDI Sport runs out of VW warranty next week (15 July) so I'm researching an extended 3rd party warranty - the VW one is ~£442/yr - a bit too expensive for me.

I have found a couple of interesting ones ~£750 - 800+ for 3 years, but some lesser ones won't fully cover the roof!

Anyone else got any experience or advice?

 

[V6 Bandit]

The roof is a bit special, I would get it confirmed in writing that it is covered if you do not go with VW.
Tim

 

[hjg]

I've had a couple of e-mailed confirmations that the roof is covered - thanks

 

[SiJ2000]

I think I would stick with VW personally... Mainly because of the roof!

 

[hjg]

I've had a quote from VW (Mondial actually) and to be quite honest it does not appear as comprehensive as 'one' would expect - still very many exclusions!

I'm still researching, but have found quite a few 'anomalies' and 'inconsistencies' in the 'small print' from a few potential suppliers - I have had comments like 'no one has pointed that out before' when I have pointed the 'errors' out!

I'll report back once I've 'taken the plunge' and update on any problems.

Regards

 

[neh321]

I've got the letter from VW too but probably won't take it it. Must things seem not to be covered on extended warranties and they certainly aren't cheap...

 

[hjg]

Well, just committed myself with 'Warranty Direct' - even though it'll cost more overall I opted for a monthly rolling payment - the costs fixed for 3 years.
I will have a specific entry in the policy stating that the folding roof mechanism is covered.

I have studied the 'small print' from most suppliers and this one seems to be the best to avoid possible 'wear & tear' rejections.

Also just ordered 2 bottles of Krytox to keep the roof seals in tip-top condition.

 

[SiJ2000]

Great, please let us know how it goes!

 

[hjg]

I sure will report back - when/if I get problems and need to invoke the new warranty. As from today I am depndent on it as the car is 3 years old today!

My Krytox also arrived today but should not need it for ~ 6 months as the car has just come back from VW Agent after a small water leak VW warranty job. I had a word with the mechanic and he needed to replace the long seal on the offside, but he assured me he had 'lubed' all the rubber seals when he finished. Rain is forecast for tommorrow so will leave it out of the garage to test for any ingress. Unfortunately water leaks are NOT covered on my new 3rd party warranty - but then no extended warranty will cover it - not even the VW one.

 

[hjg]

well, left the car out in the rain and lo-and-behold it leaks!!! In a new place - on the NS rear window-shelf and the 'flappy cloth cover' is wet inside - so local dealer fixes one small leak and introduces a new much bigger one! On the phone tomorrow!

 

[hjg]

After posting my last comment - above, and reading more about leaks in this forum, thought I'd have a look in the boot - which has always been dry. You guessed it water in the spare wheel well and also some on the O/S 'surface' adjacent to the wheel well - just under the floor cover.
Dealer will pick the car up on Monday - they have no loan cars for ~10 days - good job I can manage without it for a while.

 

[SiJ2000]

The seals aren't lubed properly above the windows... I have seen this before... Lube the seals at the back above the windows and on the sides of the read window frame seals (when it is raised up)... Those seals meet with the window seals at the bottom...

 

[hjg]

Si
I don't think that seal was changed and it did not leak before they fixed the other tiny drip (F top RHS corner - one drip off the 'contour change on the A pillar trim). If they did change the seal and did not 'lube' it then I'm sure you're correct. But I specifically asked the technician if he had lubed all the seals - as my Krytox has arrived and I don't want to waste it. He 'said' that all was lubed.

Car was collected this morning at 08.00 so we shall see if they can fix the 2 problems.

 

[SiJ2000]

They are never that good at lubing the seals... I love my dealer, probably one of the best in the country, but they still didn't do a great job of lubing the seals!!

I had a leak in the same place as you and fixed it by lubing properly!

Also, I don't think many extended warranties would cover leaks anyway... They may cover the roof mechanics (which is the most important), but see leaks as more cosmetic and general maintenance...

Good luck with them fixing it

S

 

[hjg]

The current job was started under the VW 3yr warranty so they are legally obliged to continue until it is fixed - and proven fixed.

The extended warranty does not cover leaks (or seals) but I have had specific words written into the policy to cover the electrical/electronic/hydraulic and mechanical aspects of the roof mechanism.

Lets see what they can do here in rural Dorset!

 

[SiJ2000]

Mine comes out of warranty next year, so might be interested if it covers the roof! What are the details of the warranty you have and the include/exclude list?

Thanks

 

[hjg]

Si

I researched this for nearly a week - full time (I am retired) and all but 1 company (seem to) have a 'wear & tear' clause which I feared would give them an 'out' for almost any claim.

In case I say something 'iffy' on an open forum PM me and we'll have a chat.