I'm the guy who has had a wonderfully positive experience with his warranty. I've posted on it elsewhere, so I won't duplicate. They've done small things and large (up to replacing the entire e-differential), and my deductible is per visit, so I only pay the one deductible even if they make four repairs. A few things:
- I COMPLETELY +1 all those who suggest, if you decide to go the warranty route, to get the highest, Ultra-Diamond-Platinum plan (or whatever) that is offered. PLEASE do not waste your $$ on powertrain warranties, especially if you're in a 2007-2009 NA. Their drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof. You won't get killed on the engine; you'll get killed on an injector or the climate control system or a power window motor or a control module or any of the million little advancements that are ungodly expensive on these cars.
- I can tell you that my warranty has paid for bushings and control arms. Multiple times. (In each case I had brought the car in for something else). Not to mention wheel bearings, taillight assemblies, injectors, etc.
- In terms of how these make $ for the companies, I'd suggest that forums like this magnify issues, and that the majority of people who buy warranties never use them. Just a hunch.
- Finally, I am a huge believer in the value of peace of mind. In the end, that's what you're buying, since none of us has any idea of whether we'll come out ahead or behind, financially, on a warranty when we buy it.
Just my two cents. Hope it helps.