Introduction:
Repair Costs &
Extended Warranties

Finding Providers & Types of Coverage
 
Auto Advantage Inc

Warranties 4 Wheels

Carsmith

Photo (RR 4.0 winching a Series III, by Gordon Kallio): Does that Rover have Roadside Assistance Coverage?

Rover Repair Costs and Extended Warranties

Range Rovers are complex, hi-tech, heavy duty vehicles, and the cost of maintaining them in good condition is high. Even basic replacement parts are expensive, and expert (ie expensive) labor is needed. In addition, the quality control problems we hear so much about in relation to Land Rover vehicles are unfortunately real, and result in additional expense. Range Rovers (especially 1993 and later models) are loaded with thousand-dollar parts, such as the ABS pump, windshield, air suspension valve block, power steering pump and BeCM. Even replacing a single air spring costs about $600 including labor. Unless you do all work yourself and shop the aftermarket suppliers for the cheapest deal (often penny wise and pound foolish in my experience, and not an option for newer models due to the electronic sophistication), you need to budget a realistic, substantial sum annually for service. I find annual repair expenses (exclusive of scheduled service items) average at least $2,500 a year. That's if nothing major goes wrong.

So, if you are buying a used Range Rover, Discovery, Defender or Freelander, or if your factory warranty is ending, an extended warranty is well worth looking into. I have heard so many owners lament: "If only I had gotten that (seemingly expensive) extended warranty..." The other day (Sept 2003) one of my friends said just that when he received a quote for $2,800 for a single repair -- the leaking evaporator on the air conditioning system in his 4.6 Range Rover. This type of story is repeated over and over again.

Finding Providers & Types of Coverage

Finding Providers Who Cover Range Rovers
Bumper-to-Bumper Plans
Listed Component Coverage
Powertrain-Only Coverage
When to Buy Coverage
Coverage for Other Land Rover Models
Companies

Finding Providers who Cover Rovers

Most warranty companies, including the most well-known providers, will not insure a Range Rover under any circumstances. I found this out to my cost when my Range Rover was just out of its factory warranty period. Since then, I have filled in many applications for quotes on the internet and almost without exception they come up with a message like "Sorry, we do not provide coverage for this vehicle". Even harder to find are providers who will give an extended warranty when the vehicle is past its factory warranty period. To cap it off, some companies in the auto warranty field seem to go in and out of business regularly, leaving their existing customers in an uncertain position -- witness the recent controversy surrounding the most well-known provider, Warranty Gold (which did not insure Range Rovers anyway) and the problems of another company that did insure them, VIP Warranty.

After considerable research including feedback from readers, I have located two providers, Auto Advantage, and Warranties 4 Wheels, who are in the business for the long haul and who go out of their way to deliver reliable, user-friendly and trouble-free plans for Range Rovers and other Land Rover models. Unlike some providers, I have yet to hear a single complaint from a customer who bought one of their warranties, and have heard many favorable customer comments. Also unlike other providers, they are able to arrange coverage for a Range Rover whose factory warranty has expired long ago. (To reduce their risk exposure, most companies will only issue you a policy if you are still under the factory warranty). Checking out yet another online provider recently (December 2003), I was not too surprised to find their quote form only goes back to 3-year old  models!

The sections below provide basic information on the type of coverage you can expect under the bumper to bumper, listed component and powertrain-only coverage plans used in the auto extended warranty industry. This is followed by more detailed information on  Auto Advantage and Warranties 4 Wheels.

Bumper-to-Bumper Plans:

These are the type of plans that dealers offer for a limited time on new vehicles. Also called "Exclusionary Coverage", this type of plan covers everything unless it is specifically "excluded" in the policy. Normally this type of coverage is almost impossible to get on vehicles that are already out of factory warranty, especially for Range Rovers. However, the providers below have gone to considerable trouble to negotiate with insurers to provide such extended plans for Range Rovers, whether presently in or out of factory warranty.

This type of plan is the most expensive, but offers the most comprehensive coverage. You will have to be the judge of whether the extra cost is worth it in your individual situation. 

Listed Component Coverage:

This type of plan covers all components and systems listed in the policy. It is slightly less comprehensive than the "bumper to bumper" type of coverage, but is also  significantly less expensive. Sometimes it can closely approximates the bumper-to-bumper coverage once all the exclusions are accounted for. In the case of Range Rovers, it may sometimes be the best deal, because it often covers the systems that are typically the big budget repair items on these vehicles, such as most air suspension components, ABS components, power steering and air conditionsing system components. 

Powertrain-Only Coverage

This kind of plan is usually the least expensive option for extended coverage. As the name suggests, it covers only the powertrain (engine, transmission, etc) which are usually pretty reliable in Range Rovers but when they do fail are very expensive to fix. If you feel you cannot afford the more comprehensive plans, the powertrain-only coverage can at least protect you from the major, expensive vehicle-disabling problems.

When to Buy Extended Coverage

Land Rover dealers usually offer some form of extended coverage that you can purchase before your factory warranty expires, but since dealers source their coverage from outside companies it is usually less expensive to obtain a policy directly from one of the outside extended warranty providers. No matter what the source, all other things being equal, you will save money if you buy your extended warranty while your vehicle is still under its original factory policy. (Even if you have just purchased a new Range Rover, you might benefit from checking out the very low cost options available to you from the providers listed here if you arrange extended coverage sooner rather than later). If your Range Rover's original warranty has expired, however, do not liose hope! Even though (as mentioned above) most of the well-known insurers will not cover Range Rovers at all, especially if they are out of factory warranty, we have found a few providers (listed below) who specialize in affordable high quality coverage for Range Rovers whether in or out of factory warranty.

Coverage for Other Land Rover Models

 
These companies have been identified after much research and satisfied Range Rover owner feedback. Please email me to let me know of your experiences with warranties from them, and let me know if you find any other providers who give you satisfying service. As always, we cannot be responsible for any problems encountered in dealing with companies listed on this site, so please do your own research and comparison shopping, and let me know of your experiences!

Auto Advantage Inc.

Company Commitment and Philosophy
This company offers extended warranties for Range Rovers of almost any age and mileage. Because it has established arrangements with 11 different insurance companies (all A rated or better), Auto Advantage is able to offer a range of warranty options for Range Rovers, and help find the lowest cost plan that meets your needs. Coverage varies from 3 months to 7 years and from 3000 miles to Unlimited mileage. Auto Advantage offers Powertrain-Only, Listed Component and "Bumper to Bumper" plans. All are top-of-the-line plans with unusually comprehensive coverage and hassle-free claim procedures.

Auto Advantage President Hal Moses has been in the auto warranty business for almost 30 years, and is in it for the long run. He works mainly with "dealer-based" programs which are not telemarketed like the typical hyped-up plans you will come across on the internet. He supplies warranties to over 1,000 automobile dealers, so he has established the buying power to get you the lowest cost deal available. In order to succeed with dealer-type warranties, the programs have to be unusually comprehensive, have simple, hassle-free claim procedures and be free of user complaints. Hal's business strategy is to deal only in trouble-free programs with solid companies -- he does not want to spend his days dealing with problems from customers instead of selling auto warranties!  He checks out the insurer's reputation, record, financial strength and many other factors before accepting business from them. He seems to have succeeded --  in eight years I have yet to hear a single complaint from any of the scores of customers who have bought one of his warranties through rangerovers.net.

To find out about the various options and settle on a plan that suits your particular situation,  Email Hal and tell him what Range Rover model and year you have, to get rapid quotes on the various plans available. Or, give Hal a call at (800) 933-9190 (please make sure you tell him you were referred by rangerovers.net  -- Hal has kindly offered to help sponsor this website based on the number of referrals he receives from us).

Typical Listed Component Coverage from Auto Advantage Inc on Used Range Rovers:
Email Hal for more detailed and current information. Or, give him a call at (800) 933-9190 (tell him you were referred by rangerovers.net).

             1. ENGINE:
                  Cylinder Block Cylinder Head(s) and all internally-lubricated parts contained within the engine including: Pistons, Piston Rings, Connecting Rod Bearings, Crankshaft, Crankshaft Main Bearings, Camshaft Bearings, Cam Followers, Timing Chain or Belt, Timing Gears/Guides, Tensioners, Rocker Arms, Rocker Shafts, Rocker Bushings, Cylinder Head Valves, Valve Guides, Valve Lifters, Valve Springs, Valve Seals, Valve Retainers, Valve Seats, Push Rods, Water Pump, Oil Pump and Oil Pump Housing, Harmonic Balancer, Oil Pan, Timing Chain Cover, Intake and Exhaust Manifolds, Valve Covers, Engine Mounts, Seals and Gaskets, Factory installed Turbochargers/ Superchargers, including Housing, Internal Parts, Seals and Gaskets.

          2. TRANSMISSION:
                  Transmission Case and all Internal Parts plus: Torque Converter, Flywheel/Flex Plate Vacuum Modulator, Eectronic Shift Control Unit, Transmission Cooler, Transmission Mounts, Oil Pan, Seals and Gaskets.

          3. TRANSFER CASE:
                  Transfer Case and | All Internal Parts, Seals and Gaskets.

          4. DRIVE AXLE:
                  (Front and Rear) Drive Axle Case, All Internal Parts contained within the Drive Axle, Locking Hubs, Drive Shafts, Universal Joints, Constant Velocity Joints, Axle Bearings, Four-Wheel Drive Actuator, Differential Cover Seals and Gaskets.

          5. COOLING:
                  Engine Cooling Fan and Motor, Fan Clutch, Belt Tensioner, Radiator, Heater Core, Thermostat, Blower Motor, Hot Water Valve.

          6. STEERING:
            All Internal Parts contained within the Steering Box, Rack and Pinion Gear, Power Steering Pump, Power Steering Hoses, Steering Knuckles, Pitman Arm, Idler Arm, Tie Rod Ends and Drag Link, Upper and Lower Steering Column Shafts and Couplings, including Internal Tilt-Wheel Mechanism, Steering Box and Rack and Pinion Gear Housings, Seals and Gaskets, Rear Wheel Steering: Rear Steering Shaft and Couplings, Power Cylinder and Pump, Electronic Control Unit solenoid, Phase Control Unit, Stepper Motor, Steering Box, Control Valve, Rack, Tie Rod Ends, Seals and Gaskets.

          7. BRAKES:
                 Master Cylinder, Power Brake Cylinder, Vacuum Assist Booster, Hydro Boost, Disc Brake Caliper, Wheel Cylinders, Compensating Valve, Brake Hydraulic Lines and Fittings, Hydraulic Control Unit, Seals and Gaskets. The following ABS Parts are also covered: Electronic Control Processor, Wheel Speed Sensors, Hydraulic Pump/Motor Assembly, Pressure Modulator Valve/Isolation Dump Valve, Accumulator, Seals and Gaskets.

          8. ELECTRICAL:
                  Alternator, Voltage Regulator, Starter Motor, Starter Solenoid and Timing Control Unit, Electronic Ignition Module, Crank Angle Sensor, Knock Sensor, Ignition Switch, Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder, Front and Rear Window Wiper Motor, Washer Pump and Switch, Stop Lamp Switch, Headlamp Switch, Turn Signal Switch, Heater/A.C. Blower Speed Switch, Manual Heater/A.C. Control Assembly, and Horns.

          9. FUEL SYSTEM:
                  Fuel Pump, Fuel Injection Pump and -Injectors, Vacuum Pump, Fuel Tank, Fuel Tank Sending Unit, Metal Fuel Delivery Lines.

          10. AIR CONDITIONER:
                  Condenser, Compressor, Compressor Clutch and Pulley, Air Conditioning Lines and Hoses, Evaporator, Idler Pulley and Idler Pulley Bearing, High/Low Compressor Cutoff Switch, Expansion Valve, Pressure Cycling Switch, Seals and Gaskets. The following parts are also covered if they are required in connection with the repair of a covered part listed above: Accumulator/Receiver Dryer, Orifice Tube, Oil and Refrigerant.

          11. FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION:
                  Front and Rear Suspension: Upper and Lower Control Arms, Control Arm Shafts and Bearings or Bushings, Upper and Lower Ball Joints, Radius Arm and Bushings, Torsion Bars and Mounts or Bushings, Stabilizer Bar, Links and Bushings, Struts, Spindle and Spindle Support, Wheel Bearings, and Seals and Gaskets. Variable Dampening Suspension: Compressor, Control Module, Actuator, Solenoid, Height Sensor, Mode Selector Switch, Seals and Gaskets.

          12. ENHANCED ELECTRICAL:
                 Automatic Climate Control Programmer, Electronic Instrument Cluster, Mileage Computer, Distributor, Ignition Coil, Electronic Combination Entry System (Does Not Include Transmitters and Receivers for Remote Locks), Cruise Control Module, Transducer, Servo and Amplifier, Powertrain Control Module, Headlamp Motors, Power Window Motor, Power Seat Motor, Power Mirror Motor, Power Antenna Motor/Mast Assembly, Convertible Top Motor, Power Sunroof Motor, Power Window Switch, Cruise Control Engagement Switch, Power Seat Switch, Power Mirror Motor Switch, Rear Defogger Switch, Power Door Lock Actuator and Switch.

Company Commitment and Philosophy
Warranties 4 Wheels is an independent broker for a number of auto warranty insurers, allowing them to shop for the best program for your particular needs. They have historically specialized in warranties for the hard-to-cover Land Rover models, including Range Rovers. They are most known for the comprehensive "bumper to bumper" coverage that is normally so hard to find for Range Rovers, but they also specialize in other forms of Range Rover coverage. They have at least 12 different plans with literally  hundreds of different options available. Even vehicles up to 20 years old can qualify if their mileage is low.

To zero in on the options for your particular needs, email Wayne at Warranties 4 Wheels with the details of your Range Rover. Or, go to the Warranties for Wheels website   and fill in their very easy quote form.   Mention Rangerovers.net or the code number "0423" in the comment field of the form to receive a special discount. Alternatively, call them toll free at (877) 844-7283 and mention you saw this information on Rangerovers.net.

Typical Coverage Options
A selection of the plans available from Warranties4Wheels for Range Rovers with up to 125,000 miles on the odometer appears below.

1. Most Vehicles 5 Years Old or Newer with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer whether they are under the original factory warranty or not, can purchase up to a 6 Year policy and out to 100, 125 or 150,000 miles on the odometer. This is Exclusionary Coverage (a.k.a. Bumper to Bumper) available with a $0.00 Deductible.
2. Most Vehicles 20 Years Old or Newer with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer can purchase up to a 5 Year or 50,000 policy. This is Exclusionary Coverage (a.k.a. Bumper to Bumper) with a $0.00 Deductible.
3. Most Vehicles 10 Years Old or Newer with between 50,000 and 80,000 miles can purchase up to a 5 Year or 50,000 mile policy. This is an Excellent Listed Component policy that provides coverage for all the major components and systems, including seals and gaskets, available with a $0.00 Deductible per visit.
4. Most vehicles 10 Years Old or Newer with between 80,000 and 100,000 miles can purchase up to a 3 Year or 36,000 mile policy. This is a Listed Component policy that provides coverage for all the major components and systems, including seals and gaskets, available with a $0.00 Deductible per visit.
5. Most Vehicles 10 Years Old or Newer with between 100,000 and 125,000 miles can purchase a 2 Year or 24,000 mile policy. This is a Listed Component policy that provides coverage for all the major components and systems, including seals and gaskets, available with a $0.00 Deductible per visit.