Howard,

The same concepts apply here as with so-called extended warranties for RVs (I say "so-called" because they're not actually warranties - they're insurance policies). I'm usually not a fan of them, preferring to put money in savings on a regular basis and self-insure. This is because the companies that sell these policies are betting that their expenditures will be less than the premiums you pay... that's the only way they can make money and stay in business.

That said, I purchased one of these policies (not from Ford but from an independent company) when we traded for our 2012 F350. This is due to the extremely high cost of repairs to the diesel power plant if anything were to go wrong (can be as high as $15,000 - $20,000 for a complete motor, etc.). I wasn't willing to take on that level of risk. So far, the policy has been used to repair the air conditioning system (about a $350 repair) and replace the ACM/audio control module in the radio/navigation system (about the same cost). I've not come near recouping the cost of the policy... but the truck still has that costly-to-repair diesel motor in it.

Bottom line: how much risk are you willing to assume and how much are you willing to pay to avoid it?

Rob

You've captured how I approach buying insurance perfectly, Rob. The anxiety and financial implications associated with the risk (to me) is not worth it. Still waiting on the exact quote from the local Ford dealer (my preference) but I expect it to be ~$5K to get me to 125K miles or another 6 years (whichever comes first) with a $200 deductible.

If the truck never breaks--well, that will be great as every trip was uninterrupted due to truck issues. If it breaks...I'll be super glad I got the "insurance".

Dragging a mini-home around is expensive! Might have to start buying Walmart brand dog food. I'm kidding--no pets were harmed as a result of this post.

I bought a 2012 F350 6.7 diesel 2 years ago that had a Ford Esp extended warranty on it. It had 71k on it when I got it. The ESP plan was one of the reasons I went with this truck. I ended up having the Turbo go 6 months later and the engine about 4 months later. Ford ESP plan repaired both times for the $200 deductible each time. Probably saved me about $15k. I would get the ESP plan if I were getting another truck..

Howard,
I took out the Ford ESP on my 2013, Ford Diesel. I found internet pricing from Flood Ford, then my dealer matched that pricing. (Dealer wanted double the internet pricing to start)
I did this as Rob said above. The cost of the Diesel Power Plant can be very expensive to repair with all the EPA, Sensor's, Turbo's, etc.
It cost me $1250.00 when I picked this up back in 2013.
So far, I'm $500.00 off of the cost of the ESP in repairs. Is it worth it? I say yes on the Diesel. Gas motor, I would not do a ESP Plan.

I went with the Ford plan, as there are Ford dealers all over the place, and it should not be a issue getting repairs done. And it wasn't a issue. I drove in one day, they pulled it up on their computer, and fixed my sensor's issues. No questions. Gave them $100.00 deduct and drove off. And this was not at home, we were on vacation.

I have heard, other's that have a non Ford Plan, of having trouble at times getting approval for their repairs.
Go with your gut feeling.

Thanks, everyone. Your input has given me enough confidence in my decision to get the coverage. I'm going with the genuine Ford ESP (PremiumCARE) through my local dealership.

Keep in mind that the Extended Service Plan and the Pre Paid Maintenance Plan are completely different. You might want to verify exactly what the Premium Care actually is, as it sounds like something to do with a prepaid periodic maintenance plan. I’m not sure, just recommending that you get clarification, if you haven’t already. Good luck.

Understood. The dealer actually recommended not getting the pre-paid maintenance plan! (I didn't want it, anyway.)

Thanks!

-Howard

howson - I bought my truck used and almost immediately had a problem with some of the electronics. Took it to the dealer and was told the fix was $100. What? Yup, I had Ford ESP that is good for another 30K miles or two more years. I never have bought one before, but on a diesel that I intended to keep I think it would be worth the money.

Wow, pretty unusual- an honest (in one regard) dealership.

I have a 2018 F350 and have been dealing with electrical issues since I bought it. I already have a case number and will see if my GEICO auto insurance with the mechanical breakdown added will cover what Ford does not. I am over the 35k miles on it. Ford says I must have driven it through high water (I did not) or power washed the underside of the truck (I did not). Next week I have the appt and will report back. Check to see if your auto policy has the mechanical breakdown added. Supposedly covers out of warranty issues not regular maintenance stuff.

Howard - get it. When I got my 03 6.0 it saved my bacon with all the 6.0 issues. I think I got the 100000 B to B one. When I lemonlaw the 03 out (never could stop bed pan oil leaks) and got my 04 Dually I had to fight with Ford to get the ESP replaced (7 year 100000 version) They offered at 5y-75000 one. I got a 7y-100000 out of them. I recovered the cost over the next 5 years. Remember back then it was 3/36 standard warrenty

When I get the new truck I will again get it, but this time I will be including it as part of the package during my arm wrestling on price. The dealers have wide latitude on the cost of these plans. There is the MSRP piece and then there is the price if they want to sell me a truck. Dealers will not want to talk about ESP pricing up front - is usually after you buy and then talk to the finance officer.

Do not get a third party one and many dealers across the country hate using them. No one even question when I mentioned ESP.

Best wishes - have a great weekend
Keith

Howard absolutely get the Ford Esp. It's not just great to have for the obvious major mechanical stuff but all the gadgets on the new trucks that people forget about until they don't work. The 8 inch nav screen for example is over 3 grand to replace! Don't even ask what that cool dash with the screen in the middle costs to replace. I have one on my F350 and will definitely put it on the 450 when it arrives. The refund on the first one will pay for the majority of the second one. Get one but make sure it's Ford's plan not aftermarket.

I've purchased the "extended warranty" for almost every vehicle I've owned. One was a winner having to replace an engine and tranny ($6500+) literally 72 miles prior to it expiring, so I won the lottery there. All of the others never were used and the vehicles traded prior to hitting their mileage time out. Each time my dealer got me a refund on the policy Each was adjusted for unused time vs mileage, so they weren't a total loss. All you need is the dealer to notify the company the vehicle has been traded and you request a refund. An unscrupulous dealer can pocket the refund if you don't ask for it. If they say it cannot be done, contact the warranty company yourself with proof of mileage and trade/sale. They report that dealer to the Attorney General.

As are they worth it, it's like your vehicle insurance.....a waste of money until you need it.

I agree Ford ESP is the best way to go, but there are so other very good plans out there (disclaimer-I have never had anything to do with selling warranty or insurance). My Ford dealer sells a Master Mechanic plan that does work nationally. They do request (demand) more information from the shop prior to authorization (picture of part, print out of testing, etc), but they do cover repairs. I've never needed them but know people who have and I've even asked at Ford shops around the country when having a vehicle in for The Works or other work if they accept Master Mechanic. Virtually all said they would though several said they prefer working with ESP.

If I was buying a diesel, I would positively look at going with ESP.