Hey,

Does anyone know of any good extended warranty companies for my 2002 SSEi with 62,000 miles?

Thanks as always!

After market extended warranties are consider by almost every analysis as being a expenditure to avoid. The after market companies often go out of business, fight claims, make you wait days to approve a repair as they try and find a better deal on parts and/ or labor, making you have your vehicle brought to another shop. It never ends.

Your 2002 is a great vehicle. The only major repair I can think of is replacing the intake manifold gasket. Some other things you may see fail are the rear window motors (100 for a pair on Ebay). Thats about it.

Update your transmission fluid to Dextron VI right away. Your tranny will likely last through the life of the vehicle, and make sure you flush the coolant now and every few years. $300 for the fluid flushes at the dealer (you can have it done cheaper else where. Intake manifold. if and when needed about $600.

Extended warranty will not cover the flushes. Take the $1800 for the extended warranty, spend $300 on the flushes and buy $1500 worth of Exxon Mobile stock with dividends. Chances are you will come out way ahead, and use your stock money in case of a unexpected repair.

This board has a master mind of Bonny owners. Most repair issues can be identified, and done right and for pennies on the dollar. Your exposer to repairs is greatly reduced.

Just my two cents.....

Can you tell me what I would be hearing if I needed the intake manifold gasket replaced?

The cost is usually under $500 on the 3.8L, but every shop is different. If you live near Dan Thurs, might see if it is a side job he would do. Dan may have done more 3,8L LIM gaskets in Wisc than 90% of GM dealer techs.

The issues with the LIM gasket replacement is not the quoted cost, but the risk of a shop getting into the job and then calling you up and saying you need this or that as they are doing the lIM gasket. At that point, you are a hostage. You may or may not need these things, but you will be charged a super premium for the additional parts and labor. A $500 LIM gasket can easily cost 3 times that, replacing stuff that may not truly need to be replaced, and they already have it off the car so it is a cash cow for them to charge you parts and labor for a part they already pulled. An example of this could be a heater hose.

Good luck.

Can you tell me what I would be hearing, if anything, if I needed the intake manifold gasket replaced?

you wouldn't "hear" anything. you will notice a loss off coolant and possibly oil if you need it. you can come down to me and i'll do them for $300.