Extended warrantys can be help ful on certain models of cars , how ever they are legal contracts and should be read very carefully for example if you have major engine or drive train failures you better have all written maintence records history available a lot of warranty companies do not actually just pay the bill they just issue a dollar amount based on cost of the parts example factory transmission may cost $2000.00 the warranty company will find a used one with a 1 year parts and labor from a junkyard for $700.00 if you want the factory transmission you will have to pay the difference . Also failed means failed , noisey bearings or noise from a part before it fails they will not cover until it fails. most do not pay for bolts or clamps, hoses,wipers, inside trim , if a part $100.00 and they can find after market from parts store for $25.00 they will authorize that dollar amount only and tell your mechanic where he can purchase it Bottom line do not just go by the brochure to purchase a plan tell them you will neeed to read the contract coverage biik before you buy . The best way to buy a warranty as far as i am cincerned is to buy drive train only to cover major drive train componets .Also try to buy only direct car factory warranties eg Ford motor co, GM, Chrys,etc. and when your mechanic calls in the claim its very important for him to say it has failed, not noisey, not loose , not it is going bad, the altenaor is whineing, it has stopped locked up , other wise they will not cover untilit fails. Those famous words you have a bumper to bumper warranty is first clue read contract close because ther is no warranty out there that covers bumper to bumper