[jf7fsu]

Just thought I would share my latest experience with you. The background of this is a I am former Lexus, Acura, and Toyota driver. I haven't owed a GM car in 15 years until the Outlook came out. Needless to say I was very interested in an extended warranty since I planned on keeping this baby for quite some time at least 7 years and am a bit shaky on the long term reliability issues with this vehicle.

All 5 dealerships in my area (S. Florida) did not sell the GM Protection Plan (GMPP) Major Guard which is the premium product. They wouldn't even give me a quote on GMPP. All of them offer something from North American Warranty a third party warranty. They only thing I have ever learned in all my years about extended warranties is do NOT purchase one if it is not backed by the manufacturer. Period. Third party ones promise the world and either fold or find an exclusion to not pay.

I wound up dealing with a Cadillac dealer in PA who wholesales out extended warranties from GM through volume. The real GM thing at a considerable discount. I faxed in my application and was out the door for $1555 ( $2080 retail) for 7years/100,000 miles for major guard. The dealer wanted $2800 for comparable coverage through North American. They acted as if the GM product was more money and not as good. They lied. I also found out that they can sell the GMPP they just chose not to offer it to me probably because it was not as profitable.

If anyone is interested I believe it is available up to the first 12,000 miles as new. The site is www.gmoutlet.com

 

[Buster]

Thanks for the info. Yes, do NOT ever buy a third party protection plan. A few years ago, I purchased one from One Source, which was the highest rated protection plan on the market at the time. I at least did get some use out of it, but then the company went bankrupt, so I lost about $800 buck on the deal. My friend also bought one, and he lost everything, as he never even used his, so he was out the entire $1,200. hno: :banghead: The GMPP while more expensive and not as comprehesive as the one I had at least will always work as long as there is a GM :thumb:

 

[gig229]

Your warranty is for 7 years, but the Outlook already comes with GM's 5yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. This should cover any major defects. I've always owned American cars - they do have their problems sometimes just like any other car, but for the most part they are a lot cheaper to fix and the parts are readily available. I would trust a GM to last to well over 150,000 miles without major engine/transmission issues. I think your Outlook will be a fine SUV for more than 7 years.

I think Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura are way overrated and I don't consider them better cars. What isn't advertised too much is that Honda/Acura have timing belts that require expensive replacement at 80,000. That's ridiculous. Toyota's have had engine sludge problems. Hondas/Acuras with transmissions that fail - with less than 60,000 miles! Consumers Reports never mentions these major problems but they are happening.

I think with the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave people's perception of GM quality will change.

 

[antique]

Have to agree that the Asian cars are not what they really are for realiabilty.
I would add that the 2007 6 speed "Toy"ota Camry are having tranny problems.
Hestitating, surging, very eratic, early failures, etc. Go to Edmunds and search for yourself. Many many unhappy owners.
I tested a the Outlook yesterday and was very pleased with it. It was a demo 2007 with 9,000 KM or 5,600 miles. I did find the 6 speed a little unsure but felt it was not a concerning facter.

 

[jf7fsu]

My powertrain warranty may be 5 years but the rest of the car is 3/36. Thats not sufficient for my piece of mind. I live in S/FL and A/C breakdowns are common and costly. 1 A/C breakdown and it almost paid for itself..Hey I hope I never have to use the thing and I am proved wrong but I am big on insurance. Also Power seats, windows and other electrical stuff cost high dollars to fix.

Also disagree with you on some asian cars. In particular Honda and Toyota, if manufactured in Japan with a "J" VIN they are superior products and extremely reliable. The ones made in Canada and US are not as good. 2007 Camry is not built in Japan so I am not surprised it has issues.

I love my Outlook and have renewed faith in GM but those darn Japanese do build a **** of a car.

 

[netmag]

There's a lot more that can go wrong on a car than just the powertrain. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that the major guard covered everything that the brand new car warranty covered.
Doesn't that then include electronics like the radio etc? Our indash 6-disk cd player start flaking out after about 4 years on our current vehicle. Also, with all the electronics in these cars, you can almost guarantee that many things will fail after the warranty expires but before you get rid of the car. Also, as mentioned there's plenty of mechanical items that will definitely wear down that it would cover. To me $1500 sounds like a decent deal to extend the new car warranty up to 7 years and 100K (assuming you know you're going to keep the vehicle that long). I'm seriously considering purchasing an extended warranty too just for peace of mind.

 

[Tom H]

I think there are a lot of misperceptions about Japanese cars. Toyota and Honda are very much responsible for the turn around in quality of American autos. Prior to Toyota coming on the scene the "big three's" attitude to the American public was "take what we give you and shut up". My brother, who is a life-long GM service employee, used to tell me about stories of brand new Cadillacs arriving at the dealer with bumpers falling off, wheels being loose, engines leaking oil and on and on. They used to joke about how much of the car they would have to finish assembling before it could go on the lot. They would fix what didn't show and leave the rest for the customer and GM to fight over. There was always the famous "Monday and Friday" cars to try to avoid. The "Big three" were eventually forced to improve quality and reliability if they wanted to stay in business. It was never about bad American workers. It was bad Automotive management and ineffective manufacturing control systems. They have come a long way are are producing better and better cars every year. In some cases we make superior cars. Ironically, they almost all follow the Toyota quality and manufacturing models. Toyota took an American idea (Richard Demmings) after WWII and ran with it after our own American manufactureres rejected it. They worked it and honed it for 30 years before they began to acheive the levels of quality they are now famous for. The Toyota quality system is now taught in Universities around the world. Current problems surrounding Toyota quality have to do with not being positioned to handle their overwhelming growth rate as opposed to a lapse in manufacturing quality. In a recent interview the top Toyota management was appologizing to the public for allowing these quality issues, related to design control, to crop up. The issues are the result of being 800 engineers short for meeting their current market demands. What a problem to have in not being able to hire enough staff to meet the demand for your product. For the first time in Toyota's history they plan to hire 200 (of the 800 needed) automotive engineers with prior experience in the automotive industry. Prior to this all engineers were required to get their education and go to work directly for Toyota afterwards. They didn't want their unique thought process tainted by experiences at other manufacturing operations, automotive or not.

This is a great opportunity for American manufactureres to respond to Toyota's short term problems and get the market back. They will do this by designing and building a better or at least equal product. Too many companies like Ford rely on marketing hype and BS to move their garbage to the masses. GM products really do seem to be better and better these days. I've owned Toyotas and Hondas for more than 20 years and I have had no problems to speak of in that time. Now, I am happy to say that I am looking forward to getting a new Outlook. I think it is an outstanding and highly under rated cross-over with excellent build quality. I don't think Toyota could have built this any better.

 

[federico]

Very interesting topic. It reminded me that I am in the researching phase at this time and deciding between an Outlook, an Acadia, or a 2008 Toyota Highlander!!
Obviously reliability is a big thing in my thinking process because to me the Lambdas look a lot nicer than the new Highlander. I am new to this Forum and realize this would be a new topic. Where should I start it so that I do not diverge from the original theme of this one?

 

[Tom H]

Very interesting topic. It reminded me that I am in the researching phase at this time and deciding between an Outlook, an Acadia, or a 2008 Toyota Highlander!!
Obviously reliability is a big thing in my thinking process because to me the Lambdas look a lot nicer than the new Highlander. I am new to this Forum and realize this would be a new topic. Where should I start it so that I do not diverge from the original theme of this one?

I'm also taking a look at the 08 Highlander if it ever comes out but I have to say that for my taste, both the Acadia and Outlook are so much better looking. My current first choice is the Outlook. Toyota has lost it's visual appeal to me. However, the quality and features of the Highlander are sooo.. impressive. You can view the on line video manual at http://www.toyotaiguide.com/

 

[tk421]

Good find on the GM Outlet site. We're picking up our Outlook tomorrow morning and plan to ask about the GMPP pricing. We get GMS pricing so I'm hoping that we can beat the outlet prices, if not, then we'll walk out the door and order it later. Does anyone know if the GMPP through the Outlet would cover dealer add ons like the Headrest DVDs?

 

[tk421]

Good find on the GM Outlet site. We're picking up our Outlook tomorrow morning and plan to ask about the GMPP pricing. We get GMS pricing so I'm hoping that we can beat the outlet prices, if not, then we'll walk out the door and order it later. Does anyone know if the GMPP through the Outlet would cover dealer add ons like the Headrest DVDs?

I think I've answered my own question by reading up on it. It looks like my headrest dvds will not be covered since they are dealer installed (even though they're the offical ones that GM offers). I wish I had known that before ordering. I would have ordered the standard overhead DVD instead.

 

[gbshuler]

Had to share this story from Saturnalia for anyone who missed it.. This involves a Saturn finance mgr (the last guy you see in the buying process -- the one who "offers" rust coating, fabric protector, and the extended warranty). The guy forged the customers signature and signed them up for a $1900 extended warranty. Very smooth..

Initial story:

I declined an extended warranty when I purchased my Outlook in June. I signed a paper stating that I will be declining it. One week later I noticed in my Sales Contract an extra $1900 charge. Before I signed the contract I didn't see that in there. I called to complain to my salesman. He said that he would check into it. I didn't hear back until I received a copy of the paper with the Extended Warranty on it with my signature on the bottom. I never signed that. In fact I had never seen that paper before. A few days later I received a letter in the mail from my salesman. He had been at Saturn for 17 years and he recently quit because they were no longer doing things the "Saturn way".

I called and spoke to him about it. He told me that several customers had complained to him about the same thing. This problem started a few months ago with new management. My salesperson said that they are tracing over signatures of those that waive the warranty and putting them on the warranty form. When my salesperson complained and said that he would start checking his customers paperwork, the management refused to let him so he quit. Any suggestions on what I should do?[/color]

Resolution (two days later):

Here is an update on the extended warranty fraud that I experienced. This morning, Saturn fired the finance guy that forged my signature. Saturn is refinancing my loan and taking off the $1900 for the warranty so my payment will be lower and I won't be paying on the interest for the $1900 for the remainder of the loan. In addition, they are making my next car payment and giving me 3 years free oil changes. They are conducting an internal audit of all the car deals that he made to find out how many other customers went through this. I still don't feel fully satisfied but I don't know what would at this point.[/color]

Initial Posting
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105323
Resolution with dealer
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105442

 

[tk421]

Just thought I would share my latest experience with you. The background of this is a I am former Lexus, Acura, and Toyota driver. I haven't owed a GM car in 15 years until the Outlook came out. Needless to say I was very interested in an extended warranty since I planned on keeping this baby for quite some time at least 7 years and am a bit shaky on the long term reliability issues with this vehicle.

All 5 dealerships in my area (S. Florida) did not sell the GM Protection Plan (GMPP) Major Guard which is the premium product. They wouldn't even give me a quote on GMPP. All of them offer something from North American Warranty a third party warranty. They only thing I have ever learned in all my years about extended warranties is do NOT purchase one if it is not backed by the manufacturer. Period. Third party ones promise the world and either fold or find an exclusion to not pay.

I wound up dealing with a Cadillac dealer in PA who wholesales out extended warranties from GM through volume. The real GM thing at a considerable discount. I faxed in my application and was out the door for $1555 ( $2080 retail) for 7years/100,000 miles for major guard. The dealer wanted $2800 for comparable coverage through North American. They acted as if the GM product was more money and not as good. They lied. I also found out that they can sell the GMPP they just chose not to offer it to me probably because it was not as profitable.

If anyone is interested I believe it is available up to the first 12,000 miles as new. The site is www.gmoutlet.com

You may want to double check that. I've been talking with the gmoutlet.com people and they don't offer a 7 year/100,000 mile plan. The most they offer on 7 years is 84000. Based on the chart, I'm guessing you got the 72mo./100,000mi which is $1605 (or $1555, with the $50 discount they're running right now). 72 mo = 6 years, not 7.

 

[jf7fsu]

You are correct, it is 6 years not 7 I purchased.

 

[Old Hickory Trojan]

As a new Outlook owner we were asked at time of purchase by the Finance Manager if we would like an extended warranty at a "special" price of $1399 instead of the normal $1799. We declined as it only covered 60 months and 60,000 miles and had a deductible. Instead we purchased from Mercury Insurance a 84 month, 75,000 mile Platinum Plan ( covers everything that the GMAC top plan covers) with zero deductible for $1255. Seemed like a good deal by a top grade insurance company for a longer period and better price then the option with got from the dealer. Just my opinion.

 

[jf7fsu]

Glad you are happy. My only note is that most consumer agencies and saavy consumers do not buy third party warranty's. They often decline claims and refse payment for the most nitpicky reasons. Plus they often go under. The thing about the GMPP is it is backed by GM. THere will never be a worry or chance that it will not be honored.

Also, the GMPP is cheaper to buy online than the price your dealer offered. IMHO I would cancel your third party warranty and go with GMPP.

 

[Old Hickory Trojan]

American Mercury Insurance is not a third party extended warranty provider since i deal directly with them and is "A" rated. I had their automotive insurance in California for close to 15 years and they were always very good at providing service. I'm sure that they are not as large as GM but then again they are not a fly by night as some providers and their financials lok strong. I reviewed both premium plans from both providers for extended warranty premium plans and they are identical in terms of items excluded with everything else being included ( and I do mean identical...looked like they were written by the same insurer)...and they were defintely better then the extended warranty offered by Saturn ( less cost, zero deductible, longer term and more miles)...how they stack up in terms of cost with GMC I can only go by the posts on this forum and they appear to be cheaper..again just my opinion.

 

[compnurd]

Is there a reason that a Saturn dealer would not use GMPP? Mine uses Zurich

 

[jf7fsu]

They don't make as much money off GMPP. Read consumer reports and go to Edmunds.com forums and search "extended warranty" You will find all kinds of nightmare stories from A, AA, and AAA rated companies that hung their customers out to dry. Sometimes, even the dealer wont honor a third party warranty you purchased from them!

Anyway I am glad you think you got a good deal and are happy but nothing is as good as a MANUFACTURER backed warranty. Period.

 

[Old Hickory Trojan]

well according to Consumer report.." Consumer Reports does not recommend buying an extended warranty unless you plan on keeping a trouble-prone vehicle for an extended time after the original warranty runs out. Most manufacturer warranties are sufficient, with bumper-to-bumper coverage of at least three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage that’s often longer. If you want an extended warranty, ones offered by the auto manufacturer are typically better than those offered by third-party companies" Key words from Consumer Reports..."does not recommend an extended warranty" and "ones offered by the auto manufacturer are typically better"

In other words Consumer Reports does NOT normally recommend extended warranties and they feel that auto manufacturers are TYPICALLY better.....not always better.

Not exactly strong statements from Consumer Reports...and as I said American Mercury Insurance is a large insurer of not only extended warranties but automobiles as well...not exactly putting themselves in the same catagory as many of the so called extended warranty providers that come and go. Look at it this way...are they anymore risk then your auto insurer since they also have been providing that service for years and years? Crash your auto...will they be there tomorrow to repair it? American Mercury is and has been for years.

So we can agree to disagree...I'm very pleased with the services American Mercury has provided me in the past as an insurer..and your happy with a warranty directly from the manufacturer.