VIP program. Who has it? How much did you pay?

[LEM]

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I've tried to make a search but I couldn't find anything.

 

I'm considering doing this, but I am still not sure. If I understand correctly you pay $800 and then you have

all those lifetime services. It sounds good, but I was wondering what's your experience with this or if there is

something hidden or exceptions that they don't mention.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[jeff_h]

I think you're talking about the VIP program that's offered through the dealer chain where both you and I bought our cars... it may be worth it over paying for each visit separately, just read the fine print.

 

There are also Ford prepaid maintenance plans which I think are along the same lines, you may also want to research those at the same Flood site as the extended warranties and see if that might be a better deal?

[LEM]

oh, Jeff. I thought that all the Ford dealers offered that plan! That's why nobody knew.

I'll check more carefully about what you said.

Thanks!

[hybridbear]

Remember, too, that the hybrids need less routine maintenance than regular cars. If this program covers things like brakes and oil changes those are things you don't need as often with a hybrid.

[LEM]

That's a good point. Thanks, hybridbear.

[acdii]

In 44K miles I spent under $100 for maintenance on the 2010 FFH. This included tire rotations.

[LEM]

In 44K miles I spent under $100 for maintenance on the 2010 FFH. This included tire rotations.

 

That's pretty good!

I was thinking of taking my car every 10k for service, so they could see if everything is ok. Do you think this is not needed?

Edited October 17, 2013 by LEM

[acdii]

I just got the oil changed every 10K, they do their little check and rotate the tires. $25 a pop, and the 5th was free. I think I replaced the wiper blades once. I still have that 5th oil change credit. So maybe it was $120 with the wiper blades.

[LEM]

Sounds great. I'll do the same then. My car has now 5100 miles and zero problems so far. I got it in June.

[acdii]

Those programs are cash cows for dealers. Years ago when you needed to change oil 3K miles, something like these did pay off, but today's cars go 10K+ between changes, and hybrids dont need brakes done every 30K, plus their are fewer fluids that need changing, like transmission, power steering, etc. The only thing the Hybrids have that normal cars dont is the additional cooling system.

 

The thing that is a much less riskier purchase is an extended warranty, all it takes is one component to go poof and the warranty is paid for.

[LEM]

Thanks for that information. Actually I was just looking for an extended warranty. Do you think it's worth it to get the one that covers the maximum? There are so many components on this car...

[thavil]

Thanks for that information. Actually I was just looking for an extended warranty. Do you think it's worth it to get the one that covers the maximum? There are so many components on this car...

IMHO, yes, get the PremiumCare ESP. Probably the best coverage that any manufacturer has. Flood Ford has great prices that you can print out and see if your dealer will match. Initially, my dealer charged me $2150 for 6 years, 100,000 miles with a $100 deductible. I found out about Flood Ford's website and went back to my dealer to cancel my plan through them. My dealer ended up matching Ford Flood so now for the same $2150, I now have 7 years, 125,000 miles and $0 deductible.

[acdii]

Yes! Knowing how many miles you drive a year can determine which plan to get. Considering in 4 months 11 days I put 10K on mine, I purchased a 4 year 125K mile plan. I will blow through it in that time period. My dealer matched Flood Ford too, so I only needed one payment on the car and not one for the car and the ESP. Only made a $5 difference too.

Edited October 18, 2013 by acdii

[dkegel]

I just got the oil changed every 10K, they do their little check and rotate the tires. $25 a pop, and the 5th was free. I think I replaced the wiper blades once. I still have that 5th oil change credit. So maybe it was $120 with the wiper blades.

That's exactly what we did with our 2010 except we had put 72k on ours. Brake pads still looked like new. These cars are amazingly low maintenance.

 

Dave