2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Value of service contract on Ram

[groser]

I know many of you do your own maintenance but I do not. I have a 2001 3500 with auto transmission, about 65,000 miles. 4 wheel drive. SLT + package with heated seats and power everything. Has an ATS Triple Lok TC and valve body but stock transmission. Bought truck new with service contract which Dodge lost money on because repair costs exceeded contract costs. 50% of my driving is towing a heavy 5th wheel. I'll probably only drive about 15 to 20,000 miles annually in the future. Nothing major has ever been replaced except the complete air con system. I follow all the Dodge service guideleine to the letter and to date all service has been by Dodge dealers. My current contract runs out at 75,000 miles. The engine warranty is 100,000 miles which I assume is standard for the Cummins.



A new contract that covers just about everything including power components will cost $2,600 for 4 yrs and 48,000 miles @ $50 deductible. Very few exclusions in this premium contract (with a premium price!)



My question is after reading this forum and seeing the problems with inopertive or difficult to operate steering and brakes after sitting for a few days (happened to me once so expect it to happen again), fuel pumps and other associated fuel system components and numerous other malfunctions posted in this forum does anyone have an opinion if I would spend at least $2,600 on repairs in next 4 years? I am more leery of the power components failing than anything else.

 

[DavidC]

Service Contracts can get a little dicey at times. Especially if any modifications have been done. The Cummins engine warranty is 5 years or 100k miles from the date of purchase. After either one you are on your own or the mercy of the repair facility. As for 2600. 00 in repair costs I believe you would be rolling the dice, a total trans. rebuild could cost that and probably more but I doubt they would put in what you want. I get real leary with aftermarket warranty companies after losing 1800. 00 with Warranty Gold declaring bankruptcy and that was 6 months after I subscribed to it.



Dave