Still not a bad deal in my opinion. I think this would still keep the warranty within competition or even above competitors. Toyota/Honda/Mazda for example are 3 year/36000 mile warranties if I am not mistaken. Kia/Hyundai are 10 year/100000 miles.

 

I'm not sure it will make much difference to purchasers. I just don't think most purchasers keep their vehicles until the body breaks in half from rust. Yes, if a person wants to keep it to the 8-10 year point it isn't as beneficial, since modern powertrains have no problems going 100K without needing major repair. It's only in the six figure range do big things begin to fail.

I think there might be a few who will reconsider purchases, but from a practical aspect I just don't know that it will be a huge deal to the buyers. For sure it would make a bigger difference to those considering a used model, since the factory coverage would follow the vehicle.

 

I personally average 11 year ownerships but I recognize I am the exception to the rule in car ownership. My 2000 Taurus was the exception in my case. Had it only 3 years and I bought it used from the company I worked for. That was in 2006 and only had 36,000 miles on it so I think it was not that bad of a deal considering it cost me $3,000 total.

 

I don`t think the longer warranties saves the customer any money ... since he has to maintain the vehicle exactly according to the service book to keep the warranty valid, and also do it exclusively at the brands dealers - which are expensive and rip you off one way or another. In this world there are no miracles and free things for us customers ... the greedy companies will allways take advantage of us

 

I just purchased my new pat a few weeks back. I discussed the lifetime warranty with the dealer in detail and was told that I do NOT have to have the vehicle serviced at the dealership in order to keep the warranty valid. In fact, he stated that anyone could change my oil including myself. I also went on to ask if aftermarket rims/tires of different sizes, etc. would void the warranty and he said not.

So what do you guys think? Are we to only let an authorized dealer service the vehicle in order to keep the warranty in good standing?

 

Considering the CVT is a new technology for most buyers, they needed to put a strong warranty on it. Under normal circumstances, an engine ought to go just about forever with lubrication. My Pontiac has 240,000 miles with normal maintenance items. Only bona-fide repairs were wheel bearings and tie rods. The lifetime warranty made me feel better about the tranny, although without it, I would trust my dealer to stick up for me if I had serious problems before the 100,000 mark.

 

I was also told this when I bought my car, that I can have the oil changed anywhere as long as I keep the receipts and this would not void the warranty, but then again this came from a salesman.....The deal maker for me going with Chrysler for my new vehicle was the lifetime warranty, I probably would have considered other makers without the lifetime warranty.

 

Just FYI, I was told by a friend that his neighbor had his battery replaced in his Toyota by Walmart. Several weeks later, it caught fire and was extensively damaged. Toyota said the warranty was voided because a different model # battery was installed. Walmart had to make good on the repairs, because they installed the battery. If the customer would have bought the battery and installed it himself, he would be out of luck. Check your owner's manual for your battery model (some car manuals refer you to the battery for the model #) and be sure to use the exact one as dealers will do most anything to avoid warranty work.

 

I'm curious how the warranty is going to play out for me. I ordered my 2010 a week before they changed the policy. When I ordered it, it was still a life time warranty. I also gave them 10% down. However, the Patriot won't be here until Oct.

 

In the UK your warranty is NOT affected by using a non dealer service outlet--However you must use Jeep approved parts & lubricants . I also think you need your service book Stamped by the company doing the service. I dont think DIY is an option as that is open to abuse as you could tell the dealer anything & expect him to believe you!!