If you need the contract, you do NOT need the car.

The contracts are calculated to profit sellers, never the buyer.  I purchased a very expensive contract on a new car once, 20 years ago, and I'll never do it again.  It was for a car graded worse than average in reliability by CR and loaded with gadgetry new at the time (trip computer, etc), and unfamiliar to me, so with the comment by the salesman peddling the contract that this car was complex, I was spooked into getting it.  A few problems that occurred were covered by the standard (free) warranty, and the one repair that I could have used the contract for (a glitch with one of the trip computer's functions), the dealer weaseled out of even that, because they said it was not caused by the computer  specified in the contract, it was failure of an external sensor not specified.  Fortunately the repair was cheap, but my huge outlay for the warranty didn't even pay for that small thing.  Scam!

My situation s that I have been told that the engine will need to be pulled in order to change the timing belt on the PT Cruiser. It's like a $1,000+ job so there is some "justification" to the outlay for an extended warranty. Given that wife loves the car getting rid of it prior to needing the belt is NOT an option. We live in FL and will likely have the vehicle for 10 years if it won't cost us for big out of pocket repairs. Has CR actually ever expressed an opinion on the warranties or made a reco?

 

Timothy

First, get another quote on the timing belt. It's a tough job, but the engine does not have to be pulled. Also, keep in mind that usually the mechanic will suggest replacing the belt tensioner, water pump, other belts, etc. at the same time.

As for covering the cost with an extended warranty. It's unlikely that it would be covered. The belt replacement is a maintenance procedure.

From a prior forum answer:

Is an extended warranty advisable?

This is a tough subject, and it is hard to give a good answer. If you get one (normally $1,500 or so) and nothing goes wrong, you may get mad for spending the money. But if you experience serious engine or transmission problems you may regret not having made the purchase. The expected reliability of your car is a major factor. Check the CR comparative reliability Ratings. The less reliable a car is, the more likely you are to benefit from an extended warranty.

If you decide to get one, read the fine print on the warranty papers carefully. A common problem with extended warranties is that they are not as broad as the original manufacturer's warranty. For example, brakes may not be covered, so you would have to pay for that in full. Also, many extended programs have a $200 - $300 deductible. Normally a good portion of common repairs will cost less than the deductible. So you may end up paying $200 - $300 repeatedly before the warranty takes over. Again, read the coverage and fine print closely, and think of an extended warranty as catastrophe insurance.

Bingo, Jerry.  The timing belt is indeed a maintenance item, a lesson a lot of people had to learn the hard way.