[BoDiddleyLV]

First, I'm not a "car guy", so bear with me, but I love my QV. 2018 with 48,000 miles. Owned it since January of 2022. Purchased Max Care when factory warranty expired in Nov. 2022.

Took a road trip and got "Coolant Temp High". Checked coolant and it was very low, which was a problem because it had just had a dealer service 2 months prior. Topped up and drove home, lost coolant on the drive.

Dealer inspected and can't find coolant problem, but saw white smoke from exhaust and he dug deeper and found "scoring", says I need a new engine. I like the tech, but don't trust the dealership.

Warranty request now in progress and MOPAR is requesting an engine tear down for in person inspection. If the claim is denied I'm out about $4k for the teardown. The total claim paperwork form the dealer is $67k, because the claim also stated the "differential is leaking". I am heading in to see the manager and tech shortly.

Anyone have thoughts on the likelihood of the claim passing? Dealer also casually mentioned that MOPAR will only cover parts up to the value of the car, which is around $50k. I can't find anything in my warranty that validates that stipulation. My gut is that the dealer is trying to make an extra $17k, which isn't going to happen.

Off to the dealer now, any info is appreciated.

 

[ducky]

Who here could possibly predict the outcome? They'll want to see a complete maintenance history, etc.

Some Porsche's have a history of bore scoring, primarily in colder climates, due to Alusil coatings wearing prematurely on the aluminum bores. My understanding is the 2.9 uses steel sleeves which should hold up better. But no piston engine is immune to it, and the cause can come from quite a few things.

Good luck! Pls keep us posted with the findings.

 

[XR4Tim]

Most contracts do have a "limit of liability" which typically does not exceed the value of the vehicle. If they can show cylinder bore scoring with a borescope, you don't have much to lose by authorizing teardown. The discussion you need to be having with the dealer is how they can get the cost of repair down. It should not be anywhere near $67k, and really can probably be done for well under $50k.

 

[factoryhack]

The key thing is do you have buttoned up maintenance records, all within the factory recommended intervals and with the factory correct fluids? Oil changes in particular are going to be highly scrutinized all the way back to before you owned the car to the original in-service date.

If you have paper copies from the original owner, or there's good documentation on CarFax, they'll have a hard time turning you down. If not, they will use that against you and try to get out of the repair citing "lack of maintenance".

Also, be extremely precise with what you tell them about when you noticed the " coolant high temp" CEL. Tell them you pulled over immediately, waited until the car cooled off, saw low coolant level, added the proper amount, drove home with no issues or additional heat warnings or CELs, and called the dealer for help.

Don't give them any opening to challenge the claim.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[ALFAOFFROAD]

"I saw the coolant temp light come on and Immediately shifted into neutral and coasted to the side of the road and shut off the engine. "

That is the story.

 

[Article_Automotives]

Following for more info. I pray your case gets rightfully resolved without any out of pocket expense. Is your car completely stock?

 

[Kannassee]

well man, If the warranty will pay you 50K for the car, take it and get something else or a new one.
When I traded mine for a 2022 they only gave me 41K for my 2018 with 42K miles.....actually they listed it for around 48K. I did not want to part with it but the misfires decided me to do it. I like the 2022 much better.

 

[Bladecutter]

There is a huge difference in the costs through warranty that MOPAR will pay the dealer, and what the retail costs would be to you if you were paying for an engine replacement out of pocket.
There's no way that an engine replacement and a differential replacement will cost MOPAR $67k.

Besides, those are two separate repair claims.
You're probably getting charged for two co-pays/deductibles.

It's probably closer to $20k for a QV engine replacement.

 

[BoDiddleyLV]

There is a huge difference in the costs through warranty that MOPAR will pay the dealer, and what the retail costs would be to you if you were paying for an engine replacement out of pocket.
There's no way that an engine replacement and a differential replacement will cost MOPAR $67k.

Besides, those are two separate repair claims.
You're probably getting charged for two co-pays/deductibles.

It's probably closer to $20k for a QV engine replacement.

I agree, and am fairly confident that the "cost" of the engine to the dealership is $25k (plus tax). Obviously that doesn't include labor and other additional smaller parts/items. With that said, I think MOPAR is responsible for paying a predetermined or contracted retail price to the dealership.

While these are two separate issues, they were submitted together and, if approved, would be more than the value of the car at the agreed upon dealership cost to MOPAR.

I'm still in a holding pattern as the dealership was consulting with their Alfa rep on next steps. They too, want to avoid an engine teardown.