Lifetime Powertrain Warranty

[Grizzld]

How many of you purchased your T4Rs from a dealer that offered the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty? Is there any real value in it, or are Toyotas so reliable that it's almost just a gimmick? I've had a few frustrations with the dealership I'm working with, but I kept coming back to them because of the Lifetime Warranty. I'm getting the deal I want, but their customer service has been less than stellar (I keep telling myself the results will be worth the few hours of dealing with the sales staff).

There probably aren't too many 5th Gen owners out of their warranties yet, but maybe those who've owned Toyotas in the past can comment.

It's only available on vehicles purchased from certain dealerships, but it's supposedly honored at any authorized Toyota service center. I searched in the 5th Gen, Maintenance and Warranty forums and didn't find any feedback.

 

[jhebert9]

Lifetime Power Train Warranty

Grizzld,

My dealer tried to sell me an extended warranty-very expensive. I usually go through an insurance company and get Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. It covers your vehicle bumper to bumper for up to 100K miles (depending on which option you chose) with a small deductible (usually $50), for much less.

 

[Grizzld]

jhebert9,

The Lifetime Warranty I'm referring to is just for the powertrain, for unlimited miles and is advertised as "no extra charge."

If you Google "Toyota Lifetime Warranty," you will see a bunch of dealers who offer it. They all seem to be the same.

 

[FJCRUZR]

I purchased a new 2012 Fiat 500 sport, I paid an extra $3000 for a lifetime bumper to bumper warranty.

I had an extended warranty on my FJ Cruiser for 80000 miles and used it plenty, like 3 rear diff and much more.
And that was my main reason for switching truck when I went for my 85000 service since they gaveoffered me a very good amount of $$ on my FJ for buying the 4Runner.

Now the 4Runner came with a lifetime power train warranty as you mention at no charge...if you modify your truck, you may or may not be able to use that extended warranty.
It's up to you how fare you go with mods!

Lots of people will say it's a ripoff, I used mine many times and it helps me sleep better at nite because I have it.

That's my story and opinion and hope it helps :cheers:

 

[ant-ny]

if you are already getting the deal and options you want from this dealership that offers the warranty, why not go for it? like you said, the main reason you are re-thinking about this dealer is simply because of a couple hours of grief. if it were me, and i liked the vehicle and bottom line price, i would take it. just my $0.02.

 

[Grizzld]

if you modify your truck, you may or may not be able to use that extended warranty.

Oh yeah, that's a very good point. Had not thought of that. I don't plan on modifying it too much -- other than tires, stubby antenna and nerf bars...possibly a leveling kit.

 

[Grizzld]

if you are already getting the deal and options you want from this dealership that offers the warranty, why not go for it?

I definitely intend to, unless they pull something when I take delivery. Just wondering how much more b.s. to put up with in the event that it occurs.

 

[FJCRUZR]

Another point also is that if the dealership installs bigger tires, a lift or anything else for that matter...It makes Toyota responsible if you have any problems down the road under the lemon law (in Florida anyways).
Not that you would expect to go there but you never know!
It may sound a little ridiculous to pay all that money to have your dealership install an ARB bumper for example, but if you ever ran into steering problems they would automatically blame it on the bumper.

Just my $0.02 backed by experience with another car company...

 

[Pensacola33]

Grizzld:
Yes, I purchased my 4Runner from a dealership(Eastern Shore Toyota) in Daphne, AL, and they advertise the lifetime warranty. The lifetime warranty is only good for the original owner and is not transferrable. I made sure to make copies of the "Lifetime Warranty" document just in case the original fades. The lifetime warranty, plus the 75,000 mile maintenance package and 125,000/8 year warranty I purchased from Jerry in Kansas(on a thread here), I think piece of mind is an understatement for me. I'll be sure to post if I ever use the lifetime warranty package and report my results. Until then, sorry, but the vehicle only has 8,900 miles on it. lol :fishing:

 

[bofa]

It is a gimmick mostly for the average consumer. Figure Toyota covers the car for the first 3/36 on everything. Then the Toyota powertrain is for 6/60. Most consumers will get rid of their car by this point. The dealer warranty is basically an extended powertrain warranty, is not transferable, and aftermarket modifications will void it. There are also steep requirements for maintenance and service documentation, which they are banking on you going to their dealership for.

That said, if you play their game, it's a great benefit should you keep the car and have an issue beyond 6/60 and have powertrain issues.

But, like posted above, if you can get them to price your 4R right, why not? I have a smaller dealer close by that doesn't offer this and a "superstore" dealer about 30m away that does. My first call will be to the latter once I'm ready to make my purchase, and they will get my business so long as the numbers are right.