Saturday, 5 September 2020

Should You Purchase an Infiniti Extended Warranty?

  • The Infiniti Elite Protection Plan only offers one coverage option.
  • The plan has perks like roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage.
  • A third-party provider could give you more flexible coverage at a better rate.

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Purchasing an Infiniti extended warranty is one way to keep your vehicle covered after your factory warranty coverage expires. But do the benefits of an Infiniti protection plan outweigh the cost?

In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of Infiniti extended warranty coverage, including plan details, pricing, and more. We’ll also take a look at how Infiniti’s plan stacks up against coverage from the best extended car warranty companies in the industry.

It’s always smart to compare prices from the manufacturer and warranty companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal on coverage. You can start getting free, personalized quotes from our top recommended companies below.

Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 
Best Direct Coverage Best for Older Vehicles Best Prices
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Endurance CARCHEX CarShield
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Infiniti Extended Warranty Overview

There is only one Infiniti extended warranty option, called the Infiniti Elite Extended Protection Plan. It’s a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers over 1,600 parts and can last up to 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Although there’s only one plan offered, the Infiniti extended warranty comes with nice benefits that make the coverage more enticing, including:

  • Towing coverage
  • Trip interruption benefits
  • Car rental reimbursement
  • 24-hour roadside assistance

Additionally, Infiniti extended warranty contracts come with reunite service, which means your vehicle will be “flat-bed shipped to your home in the event that you must return home before the repairs are completed.” 

All repairs must be completed at an authorized Infiniti dealership. There are currently about 50 Infiniti dealerships in the U.S., so this may be inconvenient depending on where you live. However, it means your vehicle will only be worked on by factory-trained technicians using authentic Infiniti parts. Plus, the plan’s towing coverage and reunite service can help take the hassle out of bringing your car in for service.

If you sell your vehicle before your Infiniti extended warranty expires, you can transfer coverage to the subsequent owner for a small fee. You can also cancel your contract at any time for a prorated refund. If you cancel within 60 days of purchase, you’ll get a full refund.

What’s Not Covered?

The Infiniti extended warranty is comprehensive, but like all vehicle service contracts, it has its limitations. You’ll need to ask your Infiniti dealership what’s not covered in your contract. Parts that are not typically covered by extended auto warranties include:

  • Pre-existing damages
  • Unauthorized modifications
  • Wear-and-tear parts like tires
  • Maintenance parts like brake pads and spark plugs

Infiniti Extended Warranty Cost

Infiniti does not offer sample pricing on its website, so you’ll need to reach out to a local dealership for cost specifics on an Infiniti extended warranty.

The Infiniti extended warranty comes with two deductible options: $0 and $100. While you may be tempted to opt-in for the $0 deductible, it’ll likely raise your premium cost. Other factors that may influence the cost of your Infiniti extended warranty include:

  • Location
  • Vehicle age
  • Vehicle model
  • Vehicle mileage
  • Coverage term length

Do You Need Extended Warranty Coverage?

When deciding whether an Infiniti extended warranty would be worth it for you, consider your vehicle’s reliability, your financial situation, and how long you plan on keeping your car. 

If you don’t plan on keeping your vehicle beyond the expiration of your Infiniti factory warranty, there’s little sense in purchasing additional coverage unless you’d like to increase your car’s curb appeal for the next buyer. However, if you’re banking on driving your Infiniti for years to come, an extended service contract is something to seriously consider.

Infiniti Reliability 

Another piece of the puzzle is your Infiniti’s dependability. RepairPal gives Infiniti a 3.5 out of 5.0 rating for its overall reliability, placing it 16th out of 32 car brands. This rating is based on the average annual cost of Infiniti repairs, how often Infiniti owners need to take their vehicle into a repair shop, and the likelihood of needing a major repair.

Infiniti Repair Costs

The average annual Infiniti repair cost is $638, which is slightly less than the industry average of $652 per year. Looking at average repair costs can help give you an idea of whether you could benefit from an Infiniti extended warranty. Here are a few commonly reported repairs for certain Infiniti vehicles and what they cost, according to RepairPal:

Infiniti Model Repair Estimated Cost
Infiniti EX35 Backup warning system sensor replacement $430 to $438
Infiniti QX60 Timing chain tensioner replacement $321 to $375
Infiniti Q70L Window regulator motor replacement $535 to $567
Infiniti Q45 Valve cover gasket replacement $320 to $413

If you wouldn’t be able to comfortably cover these repair costs out of pocket, an extended car warranty could protect your wallet in the event of an unexpected breakdown.

What Coverage Do You Already Have?

To make your extended warranty purchase more cost-effective, you want to ensure that you’re not paying for coverage that you already have. The Infiniti New Vehicle Limited Warranty consists of a 4-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

If you purchase a certified pre-owned (CPO) Infiniti, it will come with an additional two years of bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage.

If you decide you need additional protection, you can purchase an Infiniti extended warranty at any time, so long as your original warranty hasn’t expired.

Benefits of a Third-Party Warranty

Once your original Infiniti warranty has expired, you’ll need to explore third-party alternatives. Luckily, third-party providers offer more comprehensive, customizable coverage options than the Infiniti extended warranty. Plus, reputable extended car warranty companies offer flexible coverage options without compromising on quality.

Here are a few benefits of going with a third-party provider:

Multiple Coverage Options

Unlike the Infiniti extended warranty, third-party providers offer multiple coverage options. For example, our top-rated provider, Endurance, has five extended warranty plans to choose from with a maximum term limit of 15 years/200,000 miles. The provider also has four deductible options. If you’d like to learn more, read our full Endurance warranty review.

Repair Shop Accessibility

Third-party providers have hundreds of repair shop options across the U.S. Another top trusted provider, CARCHEX, allows its customers to have repairs done at a “local dealer, independent auto repair shop, or national chain including Pep Boys, Firestone, or Goodyear.” If you already have a favorite repair shop or aren’t keen on driving to your local Infiniti dealership, a provider like CARCHEX grants you flexible service. For more information, read our comprehensive CARCHEX review.

Cost

With a warranty company, you ensure you’re only paying for the coverage you need. However, there are some caveats. While third-party providers often have more coverage options, they’re more generalized than the Infiniti extended warranty. Manufacturers’ warranties are specialized for the car brand and the common issues they face, but they come with a higher price tag. 

Start getting free, personalized Infiniti extended warranty quotes from our top recommended third-party companies below.

Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 
Best Direct Coverage Best for Older Vehicles Best Prices
logo endurance logo logo carshield
Endurance CARCHEX CarShield
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(877) 374-1840 (866) 254-0205 (800) 563-2761
     

Original article: Should You Purchase an Infiniti Extended Warranty?



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Friday, 4 September 2020

Ram Limited Night Edition: These Work Trucks Get Some Extra Flair

Now, this is a work truck with a little extra flair! Ram is introducing a new Limited Night Edition trim for each truck in their lineup. The new Limited Night Editions differ from other Ram trucks in how the exterior goes for the monochromatic or “blacked-out” look. These days, this type of exterior design often originates out of popular demand. In other words, consumers love the look, and it’s no exception over at Ram.

“Buyers demand a good-looking truck with easy-to-use features,” said Mike Koval Jr., Head of Ram Brand. “They tell us that their Ram trucks are an extension of their personality, and they want to stand out from the crowd. The stylish Limited Night edition offers another way for customers to do just that with the most capable light- and heavy-duty trucks with features and durability that continue to win over more and more buyers.”

Ram Limited Night Edition Treatments

Drivers of these Ram rigs will stand out from the crowd for sure. Ram Limited Night Editions include a black R-A-M grille and grille surround, black badging, black aluminum wheels (20- or 22-inch on 1500 models), and black exhaust tips. The headlamps and taillights feature dark bezels, while the power mirrors are finished with black caps. 1500 models even receive a performance-inspired hood.

Ram Heavy Duty Limited Night Edition trucks have two different wheel sizes, depending on the model. Single-rear-wheel trucks ride on 20-inch black wheels, while dual-rear-wheel models come with 17-inch black wheels with machined pockets.

Ram Limited Night Edition 3500.
Ram Limited Night Edition 3500. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Ram Limited Night Edition: Pricing & Availability

The Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty Limited Night Edition trucks are available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Limited Night Edition trucks are available as Crew Cabs and Mega Cabs (on HD models) with all Ram powertrain options.

The 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Night Edition has a starting MSRP of $60,045 (plus $1,695 destination). By contrast, the Ram Heavy Duty Limited Night Edition starts at $62,930. The trucks should reach dealerships late in the third quarter of 2020.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Original article: Ram Limited Night Edition: These Work Trucks Get Some Extra Flair



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Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker & T/A 392 Receive The Widebody Treatment

The 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392 are getting the widebody treatment! The cars are among the latest to receive the special Widebody Package from Dodge, which other Challenger models and the Charger both have. The Widebody Package isn’t just about looks either.

“The Widebody on Charger and Challenger continues to gain traction, making way for wider wheels and tires, which means more grip and faster times at the drag strip,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Bringing that Widebody capability to the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392 allows us to stick to that successful formula and offer more performance to more members of the Brotherhood of Muscle.”

Widebody Performance Upgrades

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392 both share the 6.4-liter Hemi V8. The naturally-aspirated engine creates 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers can pick between a Tremec six-speed manual or the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.

Opting for the Widebody Package on either car will translate into an improvement of close to two seconds per lap, or 12 car lengths compared with the standard R/T Scat Pack. According to Dodge, in a quarter-mile comparison, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody gains .2 seconds, running a 12.1-second ET at 112 mph.

The Widebody Package adds 3.5 inches of overall width to accommodate the Pirelli tires (305/35ZR20) and 20-by-11-inch wheels. As is typical with Dodge muscle cars, the latest Widebody variants ride on an SRT-engineered chassis with an SRT-tuned adaptive damping suspension. 

2021 Dodge Challenger TA 392 Widebody
2021 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 Widebody. All Challenger T/A models include a satin black, NACA ducted hood, T/A and 392 decals and graphics, and black upholstered performance seats with signature Houndstooth cloth inserts. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Going For Grip

A robust chassis and suspension, and tires that grip like glue, are central to Dodge’s muscle car strategy. Kuniskis spoke to journalists about the new Challenger SRT Super Stock on July 30th during an event hosted by the Midwest Automotive Media Association. During the virtual session, he explained how “spinning isn’t winning,” and talked about how all Dodge muscle cars going forward will have a renewed commitment to tracation and handling. 

“Tire grip for our Dodge/SRT cars is incredibly important,” Kuniskis said. “There are a million jokes about bright colors, loud exhausts, and racing stripes that make your car faster, but there is one sure thing – your car is only as fast as your tires.”

Without question, the Widebody Package for the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392 live up to this motto. 

2021 Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack Shaker Widebody
2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody. The functional Shaker hood comes with a Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter, and a unique air box for improved airflow and performance. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Pricing & Availability

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody starts at $47,690. The order books are open now, with vehicles set to arrive in dealerships in early 2021.

The Challenger T/A 392 Widebody has a starting MSRP of $49,090. Dealer orders for the T/A models will open later this year, and the cars are expected to arrive in the spring of 2021. For both Challenger Widebody models, add an extra $1,495 for the destination charge.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Original article: Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker & T/A 392 Receive The Widebody Treatment



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