Extended Warranty? 2015 4Runner limited
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Pkniland
Member
Most of the extended warranty's offered by the dealership are actually underwritten by a third party. I just bought a new trail and I am going to let my factory one run out than pick up an extended one from that third party directly. Like you said, any repair can add up in a hurry and its nice having that piece of mind, especially with some of the electronics on the Limited.
Whiplash Willy
New member
How long do you plan on keeping the 4runner? What kind of "Expensive Electronics" do you think will go out in that time.
Aftermarket warranties are typically a waste of money. You will be hard pressed to find many threads in this forum with expensive component failures under 100k miles.
I would worry about the Xreas suspension possibly failing before 100k miles, as it is expensive to fix with factory parts, however if I had Xreas, and it failed, I would just replace it with $400 worth of Bilstien 5100 shocks.
Aftermarket warranties are typically a waste of money. You will be hard pressed to find many threads in this forum with expensive component failures under 100k miles.
I would worry about the Xreas suspension possibly failing before 100k miles, as it is expensive to fix with factory parts, however if I had Xreas, and it failed, I would just replace it with $400 worth of Bilstien 5100 shocks.
Blitzkrieg
New member
When I bought my '15 Trail I got pre-approved from CU Direct.
The finance guy at the dealership got me Toyota Motor Credit financing at 1.2% lower than the best credit union rate (I have perfect credit) so I bought an 8 year bumper to bumper warranty and still came in under what I would have been at with my other financing.
I NEVER purchase extended warranties but I keep my vehicles for a long time and with all the electronics and KDSS and such this thing has, the $1800 for the warranty I feel was worth the cost.
That screen on the Entune goes out and you are looking at maybe $1000 alone.
Just my .03 (.02 adjusted for inflation).
The finance guy at the dealership got me Toyota Motor Credit financing at 1.2% lower than the best credit union rate (I have perfect credit) so I bought an 8 year bumper to bumper warranty and still came in under what I would have been at with my other financing.
I NEVER purchase extended warranties but I keep my vehicles for a long time and with all the electronics and KDSS and such this thing has, the $1800 for the warranty I feel was worth the cost.
That screen on the Entune goes out and you are looking at maybe $1000 alone.
Just my .03 (.02 adjusted for inflation).
Seattle206
Senior Member
Toyota with an extended warranty? Never heard of it...have a new BMW or Benz, that would make sense.
BlackWorksInc
New member
You can get an Toyota Extra Care Warranty, but usually they're pricey and you need to make sure you read all the exemptions, coverages, ect. for the level of coverage you are paying for (I believe it is Silver, Gold, and Platnium?)
I am on the fence about recommending it on a new Toyota or most Toyotas for that matter... but then again I got my '04 with 86k on it with a Gold Toyota Extra Care that ended up paying for itself over quite a bit; but that's not typical...
I am on the fence about recommending it on a new Toyota or most Toyotas for that matter... but then again I got my '04 with 86k on it with a Gold Toyota Extra Care that ended up paying for itself over quite a bit; but that's not typical...
I seriously considered the extended warranty when buying my '15 LE. Of course the business manager tells you that even though you're buying a Toyota, anything could happen and if the Navi goes, that'll pay for the warranty itself.
I was also given the choice of buying the premium return option (if you don't make any claims, you would get the full premium returned). That was ~$500 additional.
In the end, I decided to pass. I read the coverage details in closer detail and realized that there were actually a lot of exclusions. Basically, it's only the big items that are covered. Statistically, it was unlikely that we (toyota/4Runner) owners would use the warranty. I did some research and read (Consumer Reports, I think) that only 39% of Honda and Toyota owners made claims on their extended warranties and of that group, less than 50% made claims in excess of the dollar value of their warranty premium. So, odds are, you would do better off without....
I was also given the choice of buying the premium return option (if you don't make any claims, you would get the full premium returned). That was ~$500 additional.
In the end, I decided to pass. I read the coverage details in closer detail and realized that there were actually a lot of exclusions. Basically, it's only the big items that are covered. Statistically, it was unlikely that we (toyota/4Runner) owners would use the warranty. I did some research and read (Consumer Reports, I think) that only 39% of Honda and Toyota owners made claims on their extended warranties and of that group, less than 50% made claims in excess of the dollar value of their warranty premium. So, odds are, you would do better off without....
I agree, but the cost/benefit for me worked out in favor of a warranty. I got a good deal (as discussed elsewhere on the forum) and it has covered a few repairs that cost enough to make the warranty a good deal. I'm just back to the even point, but I have a few years of coverage remaining that are effectively free. Risk tolerance and cash flow could impact your warranty decision, but the reliability record should also be a big consideration.
Bay33saw
New member
I bought a platinum extended warranty from a Toyota dealership that this web site recommended for $800. I, like quite a few people on here bought it for piece of mind and because I don't have two or three grand laying around in my bank account for those unexpected repairs.
I have a 12 LE with 45k miles on her, I took her in for the 45K service which is a very basic service, only to have the service adviser (who is a buddy of mine) come over to me while I was waiting and told me that two of my shocks were leaking....He walked me into the service bay and showed me the two shocks that had leaked.
He said because the LE has the linked suspension it's going to cost around $2900 with parts and labor.......He then checked my folder and noticed I had the extended warranty and said oh! no problem it's all covered under this, and then said what type of rental car do you need............
He said it was rare to see a car with very little off road use to see the shocks leak.
So am I glad I had the extended warranty? Absolutely and I feel smug that I am $2100 ahead of the game.
I have a 12 LE with 45k miles on her, I took her in for the 45K service which is a very basic service, only to have the service adviser (who is a buddy of mine) come over to me while I was waiting and told me that two of my shocks were leaking....He walked me into the service bay and showed me the two shocks that had leaked.
He said because the LE has the linked suspension it's going to cost around $2900 with parts and labor.......He then checked my folder and noticed I had the extended warranty and said oh! no problem it's all covered under this, and then said what type of rental car do you need............
He said it was rare to see a car with very little off road use to see the shocks leak.
So am I glad I had the extended warranty? Absolutely and I feel smug that I am $2100 ahead of the game.
Ron4RNevada
New member
I bought the 100K 7 year comprehensive. First time I've ever bought an extended warranty.
My perspective:
1. I'm a retired mechanical engineer. A pretty competent one to boot.
2. I'm a pretty good shade tree auto mechanic.
3. The 4Runner is probably going to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.
So why you say:
1. I'm now 74 years old - not as capable crawling under a vehicle anymore.
2. This rig is full of more electronic gadgetry than anything I've ever owned.
3. I've no good reference material (Shop computer and software).
4. I wheel the hell out of it regularly.
5. I'll probably keep it forever.
6. The truck should hit 100K and 7 years about the same time as I turn 82.
They keep telling me that these things are good to 200K - I hope so....:bravo:
My perspective:
1. I'm a retired mechanical engineer. A pretty competent one to boot.
2. I'm a pretty good shade tree auto mechanic.
3. The 4Runner is probably going to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.
So why you say:
1. I'm now 74 years old - not as capable crawling under a vehicle anymore.
2. This rig is full of more electronic gadgetry than anything I've ever owned.
3. I've no good reference material (Shop computer and software).
4. I wheel the hell out of it regularly.
5. I'll probably keep it forever.
6. The truck should hit 100K and 7 years about the same time as I turn 82.
They keep telling me that these things are good to 200K - I hope so....:bravo:
Don't forget- you can buy the extended warranties ANYTIME before your standard 3/36,000 expires. I got the 8 year, 125,000 mile for peace of mind, also at a great discount from a dealer found thru this forum. Do I expect to use it? Nope. I've had Toyotas in my family for decades and they've all been bulletproof, including our indestructible '82 Tercel.
Will I be happy to have it if my xreas fails? Absolutely!
Will I be happy to have it if my xreas fails? Absolutely!
DannyLlama
Elite Member
This ^
They have replaced my shocks twice, changed out one of my head lights (due to fog issues), replaced lift gate shocks and thats about it... but do the math.
Get the warranty, one repair will pay for itself.
Not to mention they off free car rental if they have to wait for a part.
NoDak
Senior Member
2014 4Runner : platinum, $0 deductible, 7/125 for $1350 = $192 yr
2014 Rav4 : platinum, $0 deductible, 7/100 for $1050 = $150 yr
2015 Camry XSE : platinum, $0 deductible, 7/100 for $1000 = $142 yr
now compare this to the GEICO MBI :
edit : forgot to add, read the fine print, you have to get it before 15months/15k and can only go to 7yrs/100 and you have to pay a $250 per incident.
also you have to pay for the first 3 yrs for free since it only kicks in after the 3yrs/36k manufacturers warranty runs out. so your are paying them free money.
2014 Rav4 : platinum, $0 deductible, 7/100 for $1050 = $150 yr
2015 Camry XSE : platinum, $0 deductible, 7/100 for $1000 = $142 yr
now compare this to the GEICO MBI :
edit : forgot to add, read the fine print, you have to get it before 15months/15k and can only go to 7yrs/100 and you have to pay a $250 per incident.
also you have to pay for the first 3 yrs for free since it only kicks in after the 3yrs/36k manufacturers warranty runs out. so your are paying them free money.
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philsey
New member
Strictly MHO, but I do not agree with ^. I have had, and have read too many unfortunate experiences with 3rd party warrantees. NO way would I do this. You want a TOYOTA warranty - good at any TOYOTA dealer, anywhere.
I bought the Gold VSA for $675, which is 6ys 75k, 0 deduct, and I've already recovered that cost 2X over. It is also transferrable.
The VSA can be had for ~half of msrp, if you shop. ESPECIALLY possible if negotiated WITH the new purchase.
It's just insurance, but at full msrp is a questionable value.
