bcrl,
Welcome to the incredible world of Viper ownership! And hopefully to the VCA as a member as well. I am a retired Dodge dealer and I just put a Chrysler 7/50 Maximum Customer Care service contract on my '99 Prowler. If my memory serves me correctly, you can only put a "new car" service contract on a previously enjoyed (used!) vehicle within 3 years from the "original in-service date" so be sure to act fast if you are getting close to that cut-off date. Up to one year from the original I.S.D., there is no "surcharge". From one year up to the the end of the second year, there is a $100 surcharge and a $200 surcharge after the second year but before the end of the third year. Check with your dealer for the accuracy of these figures please! I would recommend that you go and purchase the Chrysler service contract from the dealer where you intend to have your service work done and especially where warranty/service contract work will be performed. It makes for better feelings all around. Check with various dealers for comparison prices to work with your dealer with but remember he is a businessman and has the right and the need to make a profit as any businessman (or woman) would. The important thing is to make sure that Chrysler is going to pay for the repairs and not you, especially when you see the prices of the parts and labor for these low-volume cars! You will need to pick your level of protection desired...I highly recommend the "big" one, the Maximum Customer Care S.C.! Then choose your deductible...$0, $50, $100, etc. and compare the price for each. My dealer just had to replace the left door interior trim panel on my Prowler under warranty because the radio speaker grille had a little rust on it and the grille was not serviced as a seperate unit and they had to replace the entire panel...retail price $700!!! WOW!!! Glad it was Chrysler's nickel and not mine! Just an illustration why you need as much protection as you can get for as long as you can afford. Up to 50,000 miles seems to be a good value as the prices move upward steeply above that but if you are going to be putting on the higher mileage, get the higher mileage protection. "Pay me now or pay me later!" These contracts are also a great hedge against ever-increasing prices of parts and labor as well. Other than having to pay for these contracts in the beginning, there is no downside! Even though I was a dealer and sold them to make a profit and protect my customer, I am also a believer and have them on all my vehicles! I hope the foregoing is helpful to you and if I can be of any assistance, email me and I will try to be of service if I can. Enjoy the experience you are about embark on...the wonderful world of Viper ownership!!!!