Posted on 07/28/2007 5:40:56 AM PDT by Erik Latranyi
DETROIT --- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group on Thursday launched a lifetime warranty on major "powertrain" vehicle components, such as engines and transmissions, as it seeks to give consumers another reason to visit its showrooms.
Chrysler Sales Chief Steven Landry said during a conference call that the warranty is an "unprecedented" offer in the industry and it promises to "raise the consideration" of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in the marketplace. Mr. Landry said the offer could eventually allow Chrysler to lessen its reliance on high-dollar discounts and rebates as a way to lure new buyers.
"We don't want to match everybody, we want to go way beyond that," Mr. Landry said, referring to the length of the warranty. Auto makers typically limit the amount of years that a vehicle and specific parts are covered under a warranty plan.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Whose lifetime? The original purchasers? The cars? After 12 years do they get to say "sorry, your car's dead; its lifetime is over"?
;^)
Fine print is important. A friend on mine had a jeep. The engine was a cold pour when they cast the engine. That means the metal flowed to the bottom of the engine mold and never flowed completely together. The engine broke one week out of three years. They would not cover it.
Breaking free from Daimler is a good thin IF the new owners are committed to building a long lasting company. The problems I see for Chryslers are that they're locked into buying tools and parts from European sources and will most likely be the first to sell a Chinese car here.
In that last case it's more of a cooperative thing as I understand it. Chrysler ties up with Chery...helps them iwth some drivetrain issues and gets the rights to build a few of the small cars. It's even possible - but not probable - they'd be built here or in Canada.
Of course the ongoing contract negotiations are aslo a factor. This awarranty announcment may be a move to put public opinion on the company's side.
prisoner6
They better start making thier power trains better then.....if they continue with the way they build the 2.7 v6 they willo bankrupt fixing them.....
My wife is addicted to Chrysler mini-vans. She’s had 4 of them despite the fact that she has had transaxel problems in each of the first 3 when she reached approx. 70K miles.
Supposedly Chrysler beefed-up the transaxels (they were a carry-over from the old K-Car, as I understand it). We shall see.
Chrysler must feel they’re ready for it. I’ve seen a couple of smokin’ tailpipes lately. I’m not convinced.
A lifetime warranty at the same time they announce they’re going to manufacture and sell Chinese cars under the Chrysler name? There’s a recipe for bankruptcy if I ever saw it!
The fine print will be interesting. Any bets that all routine maintenance must be done by the dealer in order to keep the warranty in effect?
Also, will there be a deductible?
Chrysler Offers Lifetime Powertrain Warranty..
but the doors break....the electrical systems fry easily...brakes are weak...
sounds like the wheels are falling off for chrysler....
but everything will be fine when they sell chinese cars....most likely at walmart!!!!
How many new car buyers hold on to a car for 12 years? Generally enough other things go wrong to make you want to get that "new car" feeling again. This offer is almost meaningless. I doubt they'll have to increase their "warranty reserve" (imputed cost of lifetime warranty service a manufacturer builds into a price) by one percent. My company routinely adds 15% to production cost for warranty reserve. Now warranty reserve goes from 15% to 15.15% Meaningless.
BTW, my daughter's Corolla's engine blew up because of a leaky oil pump (Yeah, she probably drove 65 mph for 15 minutes with the red idiot light on.). We had a good relationship with the dealer. But you need to document all required maintenance or you're SOL. So 12 years hence you go into your local Plymouth dealer with a warranty claim and guess what? You need to document that you've had every single item of scheduled maintenance performed for the last 12 years. What, you didn't have the door hinges lubricated? Too bad, you pay.
Thanks for posting.
It was just last night that I noticed this “lifetime guarantee” for
drivetrains on one of the Dodge commercials.
This is certainly an interesting development.
Since Chrysler was just on the block and reportedly sold, will the new owners honor this?
The new owners came up with the idea.
Old, outdated information.
Good.
Now if they’ll also lower their prices back to reality.
Ignorant of history? Made In Japan meant junk ---- at one time.
How much do you want to lose?
Or are you too lazy to read the terms of the warranty before opening your mouth?
Maybe you’re the one who’s ignorant. Made in China still means junk.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.