[zipper]

I just ordered a 2017 Volt with cloth seats, which I hope to keep for 10 years. I'm wondering if anyone thinks it's worth getting either of these dealer offerings:

• the "VSC" extended bumper-to-bumper warranty ($2913 for 6-yr/100k mi), or

• the Vehicle Appearance Protection package ($595, scotch-guard interior, exterior paint protection, with 5-year warranty).

I normally never buy extended warranties, since the providers obviously make money on them, so on average you lose money. But I never owned a Chevy or a Volt, so wondering if anyone's experience is that these might be worth it. Or if a cheaper 3rd party protection treatment might be worth it.
~~ Thanks

 

[wws]

Rather than having the dealer sell you the "Vehicle Appearance Package", find a good detail shop and have them do a "new car paint correction" and Opticoat. Opticoat makes the color pop and lasts for a couple of years.

Extended warranties are generally a rip off. The Voltec powertrain has a 10 year/100k mile (150k mile in California) warranty already.

 

[DonC]

For the protection plan you would want to stay with one of the two known plans. One is GMPP and one is GM. GMPP is offered by Ally and GM is offered by GM. In both cases you don't want to buy the plans when you buy the car. This is because the plans start when you buy them. Buy a six year plan the day you buy your car and you end up with three years of extended coverage. Buy it at one year and you end up with four years of extended coverage. The other trick is that the best times to buy are at the end of the first year or at the end of three years. You can buy one type of plan during the first year or 12K miles and a second type of plan during the first three years and 36K miles. The prices are higher for the second type but you're getting more years and miles. Just depends on what you want. However, after three years and 36K miles the prices to up much more steeply.

There are many variations with different times and miles. You'll need to look. If you drive a lot of miles then you won't care that much about the time. If you drive few miles you'll care more about the time. Just depends on your driving habits. Keep in mind the extended plans don't cover the drive train. This information may be out of date, and my memory may not be perfect, but I bought an 84 month plan with 75K miles at three years (10 years total) with a zero deductible for $2400.

Finally, know that any GM dealer can sell you a plan. Doesn't have to be the dealer you bought the car from or, for that matter, even a dealer in your state. Consequently it pays to shop around. If you do a search you'll find dealers offering much better prices than others.

 

[dmatt13]

I did get the appearance package, but more for the exterior paint protection. I had it on my 2015 Colorado and never had to wax it. After 2 1/2 years, it still shined like brand new when I traded it in for the Volt.

You can negotiate the price of these packages with the finance guy/girl. I got the appearance package for $399

 

[zipper]

Excellent, thanks for the advice in your replies - I'm going to hold off on these for now, but may consider a negotiated appearance package, or the 3rd party option.