A VERY EXPENSIVE LESSON LEARNED ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTIES
In 2024, we purchased a 2018 Kia Rio from Super Dave's Auto Sales. At the time, we never expected that just two years later, we would be facing the expense of replacing the entire engine because of a failed valve.
Thankfully, we had purchased an extended warranty through People's Choice Warranty. It cost us thousands of dollars, added to the purchase price of the vehicle, so we thought we had taken steps to protect ourselves against an unexpected major repair.
Unfortunately, when the engine needed to be replaced, People's Choice Warranty denied our claim. The result? We have now paid $5,300 out of our own pockets to get our vehicle back on the road.
What makes this situation particularly disappointing is that both the dealership and the warranty company benefited financially from the sale of the extended warranty, yet neither has offered to help us with the cost of this engine replacement.
We understand that warranties have terms and conditions, but when you spend thousands of dollars on additional coverage, you do so believing it will provide meaningful protection when a major mechanical problem occurs.
We have no personal hard feelings toward anyone. However, this experience has certainly changed how we will approach future vehicle purchases.
Our lesson learned? We will not be purchasing another vehicle from Super Dave's Auto Sales, and we will not be purchasing another extended warranty.
Before spending thousands of dollars on an extended warranty, make sure you understand exactly what is covered, what is excluded, and what circumstances could leave you paying the bill anyway.
For us, this has been a very expensive lesson.
$5,300 later, lesson learned. read more
