Got it covered? You need coverage, but how much? Find out which warranty or service plan fits your business best

Entrepreneur, Dec, 2004 by Jill Amadio

AMONG THE BUNDLE OF brochures in your owner's manual package are various full and limited warranties that cover everything from your tires, brakes and transmission to roadside assistance. Most warranties limit tree replacement of parts to manufacturer defects or poor workmanship. Powertrain warranties are generally for one year and l0,000 miles longer than basic warranties.

Warranty periods of time and mileage have increased over the years but remain static for 2005. Chrysler/Dodge, Ford and Toyota offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. On its powertrains, Toyota warranties are five years/60,000 miles; Chrysler/Dodge are seven years/70,000 miles. Toyota's warranty includes corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation. GM and GMC vehicles are covered for three years and 36,000 miles.

If you've neglected scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, the dealer can refuse warranty repairs unless you foot the bill. Note: You needn't go to a dealer for service to qualify for warranty repairs, as long as you have records of the work performed.

To supplement warranties, you can purchase service programs, which run the gamut in price, depending on the kind of service and length of time. Ford's PremiumCare plan for four years/ 48,000 miles costs $965 for an E-Series cargo van and $765 for the F-150 pickup. The company's Extended Service Plan and Business Preferred Network provide ways to budget monthly expenses to fit your cash flow by prepaying for maintenance. GM's Goodwrench program covers repairs, or sign up for its Protection Plan and Mechanical Repair Protection. Costs depend on the age of the vehicle and its mileage. If you have a fleet, GM's Fleet Service Card offers help in managing costs. Ford's Quality Fleet Care cards preset spending limits for drivers and track driver activity.

Extended warranties are great if you plan to keep your vehicle longer than the life of the original warranty, but buy the extension early because the older the vehicle and the greater the number of miles on it, the more the warranty will cost. Shop around, and compare at websites that offer warranties for parts, service and roadside assistance: www.accesswarranty.com, www.carwarranties direct.com and www.e-warrantysolutions.com.

JILL AMADIO is Entrepreneur's "Wheels" columnist.

Crossing Over

WANT THE SOUL OF A TRUCK WITH THE COMFORT OF AN SUV?
THESE CROSSOVERS GIVE YOU THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

               BASE ENGINE AND MAJOR
MODEL          STANDARD FEATURES

BUICK          3.5-liter V-6 VersaTrak AWD, air conditioning,
Terraza CX     cruise control, automatic level control,
               OnStar, ABS, HomeLink, overhead storage,
               50/50 fold-flat third-row seats

CADILLAC       3.6-liter V-6, OnStar, stability/traction
SRX RWD/AWD    control ABS, fold-flat seats, rear cargo
               storage bins, roof rails

CHRYSLER       3.5-liter V-6, ABS, four outlets, power
Pacifica FWD   eight-way driver's seat, cruise control, tilt
               steering column, knee bolster, remote entry

FORD           3.0-liter V-6, ABS, traction control, remote
Freestyle SE   entry, roof rails, fold-flat second and third
               rows, three outlets, extra storage bins

SATURN         3.5-liter V-6, ABS, OnStar, 50/50 split folding
Relayx3 FWD    third-row seat, overhead rail/storage, second-row
               foldable bucket seats, remote entry

VOLVO          2.5-liter, ABS, stability/traction control,
XC70 AWD       air conditioning, tilt-telescoping steering
               wheel, cruise control, side air bags

                MAX. CARGO
MODEL             VOLUME           DOORS       SEATS    PRICE

BUICK          136.5 cu. ft.    Dual power       7     $28,110
Terraza CX                     sliding doors

CADILLAC       69.5 cu. ft.      Four-door       7     $38,340
SRX RWD/AWD

CHRYSLER       92.7 cu. ft.      Four-door       5     $27,845
Pacifica FWD

FORD           91.7 cu. ft.      Four-door       6     $24,945
Freestyle SE

SATURN         136.5 cu. ft.   Dual sliding      7     $23,770
Relayx3 FWD                        doors

VOLVO          71.5 cu. ft.      Four-door       5     $34,810
XC70 AWD