wrcardon

So when finalizing my financing Audi offered several "maintenance/insurance" options including Lojack, Wear protection (wheels, tires, paint chips, dings, windshield), Gap insurance, etc.

The Wear Protection included wheels, tires, paint chips, dings, and windshield but individual items could be bought.

The only one I considered was Wheels and Tires as the 21" rims on the SQ5 are pricey. They quoted $1300 (i think, I didn't buy it but can purchase it at any time with a qualified inspection) for 5 years. It would take care of replacing the rims if there was a bent or damaged rim (no curb rash).

Has anyone purchased this and found it to be a good deal?

snagitseven

Not everyone will agree, but these types of policies are designed to make the provider (and the dealer) money. I've hit a few potholes in my time and only once did a wheel need replacement. The other four or five times over 14 years and three Audis, a wheel specialist was able to straighten the wheel for $100. A rash is about the same cost to repair.
Check the limitations in the policy - you may find deductibles, limits to how many claims can be made and tire wear prorations. $1300 will buy a lot of wheel straightening. As to tire road hazards, I recall purchasing one set from a tire dealer and paying about $39 a tire.
It's like Vegas - a few will win but most will lose and the house always wins in the long run.

NABS4

+1. And the coverage probably doesn't including curbing the wheels.

wrcardon

It does not... from my dealer "that is just bad driving, this plan is essentially for accidental damage"

snagitseven

Hmm. I guess curbing is considered deliberate vs. accidental. I'm wondering, is failure to avoid a pothole accidental or due to "bad driving"?
These are the kinds things that make me run, not walk, from all these add on policy protection offerings. Audi Care (purchased just before 15k miles service), yes. All other optional profit making schemes, not for me.

Q5 Bob

Same here for me. They certainly can't hurt, but I'd rather have the money in my pocket than someone else's.

wrcardon

Yeah, I passed on it. I live in Southern California where the road are pretty good given the good weather.

Regardless, anytime anyone tries to sell something to me in the last few moments of a transaction... I get nervous.

snagitseven

When I sit down to sign the papers, I look 'em straight in the eye and tell them "I've been through the drill and am not interested in anything else but the car so please let's not waste each other's time and get to it.Thanks".