Extended Warranty Advice - Essentials, Standard or Plus?

[GrizzlyHippo]

Hi All, I have been reading thread after thread about warranties and getting myself in a muddle.

My T6.1 LWB Kombi DSG 150ps 2.0 warranty is finishing soon. VW have emailed me suggesting their extended warranties (but no link in the email!).

I am a VERY low mileage user. I have had the van since new in July 2023 and have done a whopping 11,500 miles. I have replaced the sliding leaking side windows with solid glass, changed the suspension, had Avon Tuning put a Dimsport Rapid module on it and done a basic carpeting of the interior with LED lights - it is mainly used for transporting a motorbike but we also have a camping pod that slides in for Glasto. I'm just saying I have changed a few things.

So, the VW extended warranty options are Standard (£334/yr), Essentials (£533/yr) and Plus (£598/yr).

I do not use a main dealer for service as the local main dealer in Bristol is S H I T E. I use an indie specialist.

So, holistic opinions please, should I even bother with an extended warranty as such a low mileage user? If so, which one? What are the major things that go wrong with my van spec?

Any and all advice very gratefully received. Thank you

 

[Chippie1]

do not use a main dealer for service as the local main dealer in Bristol is S H I T E. I use an indie specialist.

Couldn’t agree more

 

[whodat]

I figured out that most of the stuff in the 'All in' probably isn't covered or they will charge a xhundred pound findy outy fee then 'contact VW on your behalf to see if it can be done under warranty'. However, I also figured out that the servicing, MOT, and AA membership added up to about the same as they were charging - so, nothing ventured, nothing gained - seemed to be almost an ok deal (if you like being mugged gently).
Also after reading some of the post on this site, sometimes it can save a couple thousand. Sometimes it is a waste of time.
Horses for courses. There is no correct answer.

As you have low mileage use, chances are it will be DPF/EGR that gives you problems. Not included in any warranties as they are considered consumables like windscreen wipers and brakepads.
When I got the warranty, didn't even get a 'welcome to your warranty email'. They just took the money. Had to ring the local VW so they could check if I had a warranty or not.

 

[Sasquatch]

There are shite indies and shite franchised dealers. Find a garage thats decent, and only then look at the name over the door.

 

[GrizzlyHippo]

I figured out that most of the stuff in the 'All in' probably isn't covered or they will charge a xhundred pound findy outy fee then 'contact VW on your behalf to see if it can be done under warranty'. However, I also figured out that the servicing, MOT, and AA membership added up to about the same as they were charging - so, nothing ventured, nothing gained - seemed to be almost an ok deal (if you like being mugged gently).
Also after reading some of the post on this site, sometimes it can save a couple thousand. Sometimes it is a waste of time.
Horses for courses. There is no correct answer.

As you have low mileage use, chances are it will be DPF/EGR that gives you problems. Not included in any warranties as they are considered consumables like windscreen wipers and brakepads.
When I got the warranty, didn't even get a 'welcome to your warranty email'. They just took the money. Had to ring the local VW so they could check if I had a warranty or not.

The warranties I’m looking at are not the ‘All In’, they are just warranties, no mention of services, MOT or AA. However, I’ve already got RAC through my company and the indie will do the MOT.

It’s funny, I’ve never had a weirder experience of buying a new vehicle than with VW Bristol. I had to chase them for everything. So frustrating. I was spending decent money and they just weren’t bothered. I laughed in their face when the vehicle was delivered and they asked for a glowing review.

The second part of your message is what I needed to know, thank you . Unless someone chimes in with a compelling reason to get the extended warranty, I think I’ll save the money and fork out as and when something goes wrong.