Correct me if I'm wrong: free lifetime powertrain warranty requires you to do all maintenance at the dealer? However I'm a little confused by your word "offer", is it something you need to accept in exchange for what, since it's free?
And since nothing is for free I would imagine the dealer would expect to make enough money somehow (oil changes?) to pay for occasional repair under their warranty, after 60k factory expires? Interesting.
Another thing about Chrysler lifetime warranty: does not include diesel engines?????? My understanding was the diesel engines can last much longer than gas, due to fuel lubrication, why would they be excluded?? They can last too long???

The average diesel truck owner runs them for 200,000 + miles, and there are not too many transmissions that can last that long especially when you tow a decent sized trailer with them.

I had a '93 dodge that had at least 4 transmissions in it between 0 miles and 60,000 miles. It was the most fragile transmission I have ever seen. i don't know how they are going to get a car trans to last as long as some people will keep them.

Got free lifetime powertrain warranty from my dealer in Central Fl. Nothing in it about having to have them do the mtce work on it. Speaking of Chrysler, I have a '98 Concorde LXi with 3.2 V6. Bought it new and now have 123k on it. Taking it Sunday to my granddaughter to use in Denton Tx where she goes to school. May be the best car I've ever owned. Limo like rear legroom, trunk a family of five can live in and 29 MPG hiway. Did all called for mtce and no major problems to speak of(knock on wood). Traded in '05 300C on my loaded TCH. Miss the killer looks but love the MPG gain I got.

No you don't have to have your oil changes or other work done at the Toyota dealer, you just need to keep your records. Sorry I guess offer wasn't the best choice of words, you don't have to exchange it for anything, its just something they give you.

I also owned a 2001 Concorde LX for my wife. Agree 100% with your assesment. And brand new it was only about $21500. A real value for for the money. And the dealer was a real joy to work with.

I was so happy with Chrysler that I had considered doing a repeat, this time a mid size SUV. But Chrysler's offerings right now are simply too fuel thirsty. If I'm going to drive an SUV it had to be the best in F/E.

So I looked into the Highlander Hybrid. Also on the Pilot, which is not offered as an hybrid but has a good ICE fuel management. But both Toyota and Honda dealers down here know that they have got a hot-selling product on their lots. And they treat you accordingly.

And the original Chrysler dealer is now also selling Hyundai. Took a look at the Veracruz and positively loved its fit and finish, all the included features, its price, and (you know it is coming) the 100k warranty.

So guess what? I ended up with a Hyundai Veracruz. To be perfectly honest, I was somewhat concerned with its reliability, warranty notwithstanding. But a friend of mine who is a sales rep and logs at least 60k miles a year, has had a Santa Fe and he is very satisfied.

The bottom line:
1) Word of mouth advice does sell cars
2) A good dealer does sell cars
3) Good initial overall price/performance, does sell cars, although there could be some features one has to compromise (F/E in this case).

The true smart man is the one who appears to be dumb in front of dumb man who appears to be smart.

Were you aware that Toyota has had more recalls and crappy cars roll off their lots than ANY other manufacturer in the last few years? Go look at any consumer report website and see the user reviews of the camry, then look at something like the chrysler 300. Get back to us and let us know which one is more highly rated and trouble free. Anyway, here's an article detailing the precision manufacturing of your precious toyotas.
http://autos.aol.com/article/general...20141809990001

We had a Dodge Caravan (can't remember the year...late 90's) that dropped its tranny after 42,000 miles. The thing never towed a trailer, we never abused it, it just decided to give up the ghost. Chrysler acknowledged the problem but refused to fix it or pay for a portion of the impending $2000 overhaul. When a company can't stand behind a transmission at 42,000 miles, I will reciproate by not buying from them again. Ever.

Not just Super White...Super Duper White...

I also think that it's funny that a lot of you are blaming things like this on the auto manufacturer when it comes to warranty issues. It's all about the dealership, not the manufacturer. For example, my last car was a 2005 dodge SRT-4 with a LOT of mods (ran a low 12 sec quarter all day long). One dealership practically laughed me out of there when I had a TPS wiring issue. Went across town to another dodge dealership and they turned a blind eye to all of my mods.

Thanks for the schooling! I'm not that smart, but it seems like Toyota does preemptive recalls on parts such as motor mounts that could have a potential for failure.

Reading more from that riveting Pulitzer piece you cited, perhaps I would have been better served by an automaker whose recalls are involuntarily driven by NHTSA mandate for such 'bugs' as fractured ball joints and spontaneous combustion.

I've had my "Precious Toyota" for 8 months already. The dealer called me last week to check if everything was alright since I have never been back. In the first 8 months I owned my last car.... a right, proper "MurCan Brand" POS it had been back to the dealer 8 times for defects with 2 visits from a factory tech rep and lemon law attorneys calling me weekly.

Granted, my anecdotal evidence pales in comparison to a fluffy AOL hit piece, but I think I'll stick with what works for me.

Enjoy your Escort, or Caravan or whatever... Somebody has to be buying them.