Consumers Reports generally says that extended warranties are not worth the price, based on the points already raised in this thread about the warranty costing more than the repairs in most cases.

That having been said, in general terms, I am actually off to buy a GMPP extended warranty today for my new to me 2007. Why? First off the HHR has not proven to be the most reliable model on the road and has a high rate of repair, especially the first few model years, and secondly the dealer offered me one for just $895 for the $50 deductible 3year/36k mile Master Guard - the best GMPP they offer. Another local dealer wanted $1800, so given what a great deal this is (they claim to only be making $20 in profit on it), I just can't pass it up. It also helps if you ever want to sell your vehicle later on down the road.

If anyone local still has at least a drivetrain warranty I can ask them if they would sell others at this price. They have to inspect the vehicle to issue it.

 

One can't put a value on peace of mind. Cars are often marketed (Porsche is famous for this) based more on lifestyle than their physical characteristics. If you feel better with an extended warranty, then it can offset the profits you are giving away. Remember, the dealer is getting $20 only to be a middleman and isn't the company issuing the policy, and may get paid to do covered repairs, if any.

With respect to insurance or anything that is statistically-based, individual experience is meaningless. Having said that, when I got my 2LT it needed sunroof repair, rattles fixed in the dashboard and hatch (I think this is a warranty exclusion), replacement of the remote mirror switch, new tires (would not be covered), putting a hose back on for the rear window washer, and replacement of the driver outside mirror due to a piece missing (again, not warrantable). My car was clearly neglected by its former owner. I suspect that nothing ever got fixed. However, since I bought the car last January, nothing else has broken. My only issue was from poor dealer installation of an aftermarket (TWM) shifter.

 

Bought my HHR Memorial Weekend 2008. I keep cars for a long time so I usually buy the extended warranty. I have an 84 month warranty (7 yrs) on the HHR. Only things not covered, tires and brakes. Have had 2 rear shocks replaced so far but that was covered under standard warranty.......seems to work for me but again to each his own....O.C. HHR

 

I bought my certified 2007 HHR with extended warranty for about $1,600 without deductible. I am very happy I did. At this point, it covered more than $1,000 repair, and I still have 3yr/30K before it expires.

 

I bought my 2010 HHR with the Extended 5 year 100k mile Bumper to Bumper Warranty, talked them down to $1700 from $2100. I didnt want to pay for anything breaking while I was paying for it. This is also why all my Engine mods are coming last.

 

one of the main problems with extended warranties that most people don't see is that it is usually added into your loan, which means you pay interest on your extended warranty. Depending on your interest rate and loan length, that can get rather expensive

Not saying that makes the extended warranties a bad decision, just something important to remember when doing your calculations.

 

your extended warranty starts when you buy it. so if you buy a 5 yr when you get the car. you only have 2 years after the factory warranty ends.

the best time to buy is at 23,900 miles or before the 3 years are up.