Platinum VSA on Used 4R?

[WillBill]

I've read most of the new vehicle warranty discussions but I'm thinking of buying used from a dealer. Specifically, I'm checking out an '08 Shadow Mica Limited, with 70K miles. Is the used warranty, Platinum VSA, a good idea? How much do the VSAs for used 4Rs usually run within that mileage range? The VSA is only good from the dealer at time of purchase of used vehicle, also.


Thanks

 

[IS_350]

I've always been tossed with the same question. I bought the Platinum VSA on my '06 Sport V8 as an add-on to the certified pre-owned when I purchased my 4Runner two years ago. Can't remember exactly what it cost, maybe around $1200 if I'm not mistaken. Wasn't sure if I'd ever use it...then this past week both front calipers froze. Took it into the dealer with 73k miles on it and without any question they replaced both calipers and bled the brake lines under the Platinum warranty. Would have have been at least a $1000 brake job with labor if I hadn't purchased the warranty so I've at least broke even.

You can't say for sure if you'll ever need it, it's just piece of mind. In other words, you don't need a warranty, until you need it.

 

[MikeInNH]

Extended warranties are nothing more then a very very very expensive insurance policy. I've never bought them...and NEVER EVER will. Chances are you'll NEVER need it. If the chances were good that you'd need it..then the company selling the warranty would be out of business in very short order. Not only are they very expensive insurance policies..they are also one of the highest profit insurance policies sold today. They are so profitable that companies like State-Farm, Liberty Mutual, All-State have created separate insurance divisions that only sell warranty insurance policies. And they've made HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS over the years.

 

[WillBill]

Went to the dealer today and I was a bit shocked at the price. Now, I have friends who have bought the Toyota Platinum Warranty on brand new vehicles, no miles, and paid less than $1K. The used vehicle I'm considering has 70K on it, is Toyota Certified, and they want $1,500. For 30K miles! (maybe an option for it to go up to 125K but that means it would be 55K miles total. Cost?). Test drove the '08 Shadow Mica Limited and it felt good until I had to stop - It shuddered like mad. Service manager said it was due to rust on the rotors and he'd grind them down. My question to him was, since it was Certified, why did that even happen? I'll probably pass on that individual 4R. I miss my '03 Limited more than ever. Damn that oak tree!