Topic: should I get Lincoln Maintenance Protection Plan (LMPP)?

[bullshark]

OK, I bought the 2011 MKX earlier this year, and so far I like it, and plan to keep it for maybe at least 4-5 years. I'm thinking about the Lincoln Maintenance Protection Plan (LMPP), is it worthy? My dealer quote me $200 off from the regular price, so here's the price I will get:
3 yr/60 K  -   800
4 yr/80 K  -   1,275
5 yr/100 K  -  1,460

I usually won't consider anything dealer offer, but i know if I bring the MKX back to dealer for service it might be quote pricy. What do you guys think? Can anyone do the math for me? Any MKX owner bought it?

 

[Railton]

Unless you were considering purchasing a Land rover usually these maintenance plans are just a money maker for the dealer.
Railton

[bullshark]

Thanks Railton, that's what I thought. However if the plan included like break pads and rotors, it might worthy, but I'm still not quite sure. I was worry about the dealer might find excuses to refuse changing those consumable parts.

[Cord]

However if the plan included like break pads and rotors, it might worthy,

It does cover brake pads and rotors.

http://www.ford.ca/partsservice/pdf/ESP_LMPPBrochure_EN.pdf

I don't know about the Lincoln version, but the Ford version is purchased by almost every one of our dealership employees that buy a new vehicle (especially those that work in the service department). In fact, until recently, our service manager suppressed the sale of this product because he felt it cost his department revenue. The real money maker is getting the people to pay for this maintenance out of their own pocket.

[bullshark]

I don't know about the Lincoln version, but the Ford version is purchased by almost every one of our dealership employees that buy a new vehicle (especially those that work in the service department). In fact, until recently, our service manager suppressed the sale of this product because he felt it cost his department revenue. The real money maker is getting the people to pay for this maintenance out of their own pocket.

I guess your employees can get awesome deal of the plan...

[2latecrew]

OK, I bought the 2011 MKX earlier this year, and so far I like it, and plan to keep it for maybe at least 4-5 years. I'm thinking about the Lincoln Maintenance Protection Plan (LMPP), is it worthy? My dealer quote me $200 off from the regular price, so here's the price I will get:
3 yr/60 K  -   800
4 yr/80 K  -   1,275
5 yr/100 K  -  1,460

I usually won't consider anything dealer offer, but i know if I bring the MKX back to dealer for service it might be quote pricy. What do you guys think? Can anyone do the math for me? Any MKX owner bought it?

 

Well if you know your driving patterns it should be pretty simply to estimate what you'll spend on maintenance over the life of the plan. Find out the retail price of the required services (oli changes, inspection rotation etc)

These are the only wear parts covered:

• Brake pads and linings
• Brake rotors   
• Light bulbs (excluding headlamps)- non headlight bulbs are cheap and easy to replace
• Shock absorbers- These should not wear out. They should easily last the 4-5 years you own the vehicle if they fail they likely will be under warranty
• Clutch disc -Not applicable with MKX
 • Spark plugs -Required at 160 ,000km So NONE of those plans actually cover plugs based on a normal maintenance schedule
• Engine belts and hoses - See above belts are not recommended to be replaced before 160,000
 • Wiper blade- Not sure if the MKX requires special blades. If so that can be pricey. If you can replace your own blades then you might go though a set a year or so.

Basically you need to do the math keeping in mind some of the wear items that are "irrelevant" like plugs but also the many "filters" the MKX requires I count 2 cabin air filters
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WOCMKX/~MUS~LEN/41/12mkxog1e.pdf

Add up your projected costs are. Compare it to the discount you get by "prepaying".

[Cord]

I don't know about the Lincoln version, but the Ford version is purchased by almost every one of our dealership employees that buy a new vehicle (especially those that work in the service department). In fact, until recently, our service manager suppressed the sale of this product because he felt it cost his department revenue. The real money maker is getting the people to pay for this maintenance out of their own pocket.

I guess your employees can get awesome deal of the plan...

There is only about $150 markup on a 36/60 plan.

BTW, it looks like your "special" prices are about $100 higher than MSRP.

[bullshark]

There is only about $150 markup on a 36/60 plan.

BTW, it looks like your "special" prices are about $100 higher than MSRP.

Really? How can I find out the MSRP? Thanks!

[Gardiner Westbound]

OK, I bought the 2011 MKX earlier this year, and so far I like it, and plan to keep it for maybe at least 4-5 years. I'm thinking about the Lincoln Maintenance Protection Plan (LMPP), is it worthy? My dealer quote me $200 off from the regular price, so here's the price I will get:
3 yr/60 K  -   800
4 yr/80 K  -   1,275
5 yr/100 K  -  1,460

I usually won't consider anything dealer offer, but i know if I bring the MKX back to dealer for service it might be quote pricy. What do you guys think? Can anyone do the math for me? Any MKX owner bought it?

 

Not to bruise anybody's sensibilities, but if a car salesman told me a new car will require $800 worth of maintenance in the first three years when most things are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, I would be concerned if it's made of very good stuff.

[bullshark]

Well if you know your driving patterns it should be pretty simply to estimate what you'll spend on maintenance over the life of the plan. Find out the retail price of the required services (oli changes, inspection rotation etc)

These are the only wear parts covered:

• Brake pads and linings
• Brake rotors   
• Light bulbs (excluding headlamps)- non headlight bulbs are cheap and easy to replace
• Shock absorbers- These should not wear out. They should easily last the 4-5 years you own the vehicle if they fail they likely will be under warranty
• Clutch disc -Not applicable with MKX
 • Spark plugs -Required at 160 ,000km So NONE of those plans actually cover plugs based on a normal maintenance schedule
• Engine belts and hoses - See above belts are not recommended to be replaced before 160,000
 • Wiper blade- Not sure if the MKX requires special blades. If so that can be pricey. If you can replace your own blades then you might go though a set a year or so.


[/quote]

Thanks for the details. I usually only drive around 15,000KM per year, I guess the benefit of the plan besides regular maintenance is the break pads and rotors, since it should be replaced around 50K-60k? Do you know how much Ford charge for those parts?

[ktm525]

No

[bullshark]

Not to bruise anybody's sensibilities, but if a car salesman told me a new car will require $800 worth of maintenance in the first three years when most things are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, I would be concerned if it's made of very good stuff.


[/quote]

I also thought about it, but I assume they only use ford certified parts?

[Cord]

There is only about $150 markup on a 36/60 plan.

BTW, it looks like your "special" prices are about $100 higher than MSRP.

Really? How can I find out the MSRP? Thanks!

PM sent.

[Gardiner Westbound]

I also thought about it, but I assume they only use ford certified parts?

Skip the Lincoln Maintenance Protection Plan (LMPP). It's not good value. We all know what warm, loveable, people car dealers are. They're your BFF until they have your money, then they don't know you. He will be the sole judge of what is required. If the minimum is the maximum, what then?

Other than a $50 oil change two or three times a year I would be surprised if you will need anything. The only OEM parts you're looking at are oil filters. Don't get sucked into $200- $300 phoney-baloney dealer inspections. The only thing that really gets inspected is your wallet - for loose change.

Any good independent repair shop will do an oil change, use an OEM filter, and give the car a quick check-over while it is on the hoist for the price of the oil change. Once a year flip him an extra $50 for a more thorough look-see.

[bullshark]

I also thought about it, but I assume they only use ford certified parts?

Other than a $50 oil change two or three times a year I would be surprised if you will need anything. The only OEM parts you're looking at are oil filters. Don't get sucked into $200- $300 phoney-baloney dealer inspections. The only thing that really gets inspected is your wallet - for loose change.

Any good independent repair shop will do an oil change, use an OEM filter and give the car a quick check-over while it is on the hoist for the price of the oil change. Once a year flip him an extra $20 for a more thorough look-see.

I kinda agree with you, that's exactly what I did with my previous malibu. The only thing concerned me is the break pads and rotors, I don't really care too much about the oil change thing.

[Gardiner Westbound]

Your brake pads aren't going to wear out for the first couple of years unless you ride them or the calipers seize, unlikely in salt-free Vancouver.

Have your mechanic eyeball your brakes when he does the oil changes. No need to pull the wheels. The inner pads are usually visible with a dentist's mirror. Catch them before the rotors are scored and all you're looking at is the brake pads and installation labor, about $300 for each end of the car for top quality, lifetime guaranteed, aftermarket pads. Next brake job you pay for labor only.

OEM brake pads are rarely top quality, there's no lifetime warranty, and the dealer will goose you for new rotors every time.

[AP]

Somewhat off topic comment: I did not think it was a good practice to replace brake pads without at least machining the rotors.  Apparently, OE rotors are too thin to machine, meaning you either put new brake pads on unmachined rotors or buy new rotors.  I only replaced my brakes myself once and upgraded the rotors to slotted and drilled ones.  Suprisingly easy job.

[USAFANG67]

In general these Maintenance Plans are not worth it because they still try to weasel their way out of paying for repairs.
This is my first hand experience when the transmission on my 2004 Honda Accord failed.

[safristi]

  Yup x30...........stay very very FAR AWAY......now I have a deal on
 a Senatorial seat...to "QUALIFY".....

  1) ya must be dumber than 13 PLANKS.

  2) Like blondes and payola

  3) Have a"concerned" look on TV interviews.

  4) All the REST IS GRAVY.............

 Apply at Saf Senatorial and Carpetbagging
 c/o Us Elections Nov 5 2012
  K STEET.
  Wash yer Tings,MD

[richink]

Short answer, NO.

Long answer, coming from a guy who used to make a fortune off extended warranties, they aren't worth the paper they are written on. They are a rentention programme that forces you to maintain your vehicle at the dealership in question at higher costs that would offset the benefit of the plan. The dealer/warranty company will weasel themselves out of coverage at every opportunity if you don't. Exclusions are the things that typically go with wear and tear. The plans now include wear items such as brake pads and shocks yes, but brake pads are cheap and shocks shouldn't let go.