LAB3

I now own a 2013 RDX awd with tech, grey ext/black/ with roof rails, door guards and cargo cover. I love it, inside and out and appreciate the wonderfully-balanced driving experience (and I have been driving german lux cars for the past 14 years). I plan to keep the car for 5 to 6 years (financed it, not leased).

I live in the city (lots lots of pot holes) and park in the street. Are the extra packages worth it? I was thinking of the dent/ding and tire protection. If so, how much of a dealer mark up exists? I can not find actual dealer costs.

I am a motor-head mom of three kids who are willing to sit in the back seat of "mommy's awesome car".

Any advice and information would be so appreciated.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

find out and read the find print of what the dent/ding and tire protection entail.
Call up the dealer and having them send it to you in writing.
that way; you're protecting yourself if they ever renege

LAB3

Thanks, Justin, will do just that. Any sense of the mark up?

Mike_TX

Lab, unless you're having a real problem with "door dings" and similar small dents, it's probably best to deal with them as thy happen ... or maybe once a year as part of a sprucing up of the car.

Paintless dent repair places are everywhere, and they charge from $25-50 to remove dings and small dents. I generally don't believe in paying for something "in advance" that I may not even use, so I avoid these add-ons.

If I DID buy it, I'd also be sure I knew what is covered. These things aren't typically the best answer for big-city bumps and dings from careless parkers and garage attendants.

LAB3

Thanks, Mike. Do you feel the same way about the tire protection? I had an audi allroad and I am still smarting over all the blown tires I had to replace.

Mike_TX

Going back to my point above about dents, if you have lots of need for a particular coverage, it might be worthwhile for you. So if you're somehow blowing a lot of tires you might benefit from the tire protection coverage.

My position on these things is a result of 33 years in the commercial insurance business, where I developed a pretty thorough understanding of risk. I insure the things I think are likely to cause me loss and absorb the "little stuff". That means I don't buy service policies for my refrigerator or washing machine, but I do insure my roof and my car. By the same token, I don't buy coverage for "maintenance" items like tires and dents because I figure I can manage those losses more efficiently than I can insure against them.

Again, your situation might be different, so you have to weigh it for yourself. That said, I think the tire and wheel coverage is pretty pricey.

LAB3

Thank Mike, for the wise POV.