Viewers Respond: Are Extended Warranties Warranted?

Last week, we told you about a warning from a consumer’s group on buying extended warranties this Christmas.

They basically concluded it was not only a waste of time but a waste of money, arguing that if an electronic item is going to malfunction it will happen in the first year that you own it.

They also advised the cost of getting the device repaired is usually about the same as buying the warranty itself, so you might just as well roll the dice.

We asked you for your experiences with extended warranties and you ‘guaranteed’ us your responses.

While many of you echoed the sentiments expressed in the article, a surprising number of you like the idea of buying the extended protection and have found it’s actually worth the money.

Here’s some of what you had to tell us.

“I purchased a laptop last year and recently had problems with it. I was shocked and appalled to discover that a simple repair could not be completed under my warranty.

The description from the sales associate made the warranty out to be a marvelous solution if anything were to happen, yet this was not the case. The description of what is eligible for repairs is very subjective – and left to the discretion of the repair associate.

In addition to having to pay for the repair that was beyond my control, the manager informed me that I would have to leave my laptop for 3-4 weeks.

As a student taking Distance Education courses to obtain my degree, this would create a significant problem.  I will never shop at this store or purchase an extended warranty again.

This store received over three hundred dollars for a warranty they will not fulfill. After discussion with several store managers I am left with a defective two thousand dollar laptop and a useless warranty.”
Stephanie

“In addition to extended warranties, consumers should be aware that there are different warranties offered with the new product. 

In my case, I purchased a new “brand name” refrigerator from [a national chain]. At the time of purchase, I declined the extended warranty, but was assured that the product came with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

When the product arrived, I was unhappy with the door which was not straight and I was unable to align it properly. I contacted the manufacturer and explained the problem, who then offered to send a replacement door, until he asked about the store where it was purchased.

At this point I was told that this store was able to offer low prices because it did not include manufacturer’s warranties, but insured themselves and they could not help me.

I then called the store and a service man said that I was being unreasonable and that the crooked door would not affect the proper operation and there was nothing that could be done!
 
The point: BUYER BEWARE!”
 Jörg K.

William L.

“I ended up buying an extended warranty package last weekend for a 37” LCD TV … The salesperson did  not exactly pressure me to buy but put enough words that made me think what if it breaks down a few years down the road, it will cost an arm and a leg and I would have to buy another TV. 

So, I was little bit scared and brainwashed to purchase a 4 year package – which cost me around $350.  

I really don’t ever buy the warranty but this time I did. If  I would have read your article last week I would have definitely not purchased it last Saturday.

Oh well … too little too late.  Next time.”
Bama R.

They sent it away for repair, and when this company came to the realization that it couldn’t be repaired, they sent him a brand new 4 GB black iPod Nano worth almost double the price. His extended warranty definitely benefited him!”
 Samantha S.

The Microsoft Xbox360.

Since this console is basically just a packaged computer, it can break at any time.  They offer only a 90 day warranty on it, and that is not near long enough of a time to determine whether it’s going to work properly or not.  I bought one in March of this year, followed all the instructions for safe-keeping, and would barely let anyone besides myself touch it, but despite these measures, mine stopped working in October …

They originally had me shipping it down to Texas for repair, and with me having to pay shipping, that was $35 out of my pocket.  This, of course, doesn’t include the flat fee of $170 they charge you for repairs, without even diagnosing it. 

Further to this, they charge Canadians approximately $15 more than Americans to have their consoles repaired, even after factoring in exchange rates. I wrote the Better Business Bureau in regards to this and other matters, but got nowhere with them.

I have not gotten one word from them since I returned my console over 2 weeks ago. I registered a complaint on their website only to have each and every issue ignored, and replied to with a canned apology.

I believe our government should step up, much like they did in the U.K. and force retailers of electronic devices to offer one year warranties.”
Craig B.

“Three months ago I returned a DVD player which had an extended warranty (two months left until it expired) the store supplied me with a new DVD player. The DVD player was worth $69.00 and I paid $20.00 for the warranty. I felt the warranty was useful in this case. I am assuming it would have been too costly to fix, cheaper to replace.
 
Also, returned another DVD player last month, a much cheaper one, but it had an extended warranty.  Different store – but they also honoured the $10 extended warranty that I had purchased.
 
For some items warranties are okay.”
 Eccleston T.

“I originally bought a warranty on this very computer. It cost me over $200. I read the fine print, and understood that I could return the warranty. So I did. And I got my money back.”
J.D. H.

“When purchasing a laptop or PC (more importantly the laptop) the stores will offer an extended warranty. Never take their warranties because you can often purchase the manufacturer’s extended warranty for the same or lower price and you will get better service.”
Travis Dafoe

“I purchased a PC (complete system) about six years ago from a major retail store and with it I’ve purchased an extended four year warranty. Was I ever glad that I did!

In the first year I had to replace the motherboard which simply got fried, so that was covered by manufacturer’s warranty.  Then, everything was fine for the next few years, until the printer started to break down repeatedly. I had it repaired by the company, had it exchanged at the store in question and after five incidents of malfunction I received a brand new and better model.

In the fifth year, PC needed repairs yet again and was I ever so lucky my extended warranty wasn’t up yet. I’m not computer illiterate and these problems were legit glitches, meaning not happening by my fault.

Thus, I say ‘yes’ to extended warranties. This one saved me a lot of money and headache.”
Andrea

 “We never buy the warranty. I forwarded the article to all my friends. Thanks for the information.”
Olga N.