Xtra Warranty Worth It?

[TeryT]

I was wondering whether or not to buy an extended after-market, bumper-to-bumper warranty for my 03. I got it used this spring, and it now has 34,000 on it. Haven't had to take it in for anything yet.

We will be towing a heavier trailer with it soon, but of course there is the Toyota major mechanical warranty for a couple more years.

Part of me is thinking that one reason I bought a Toyota was for the reliability so as not to worry about things like this. From what I'm seeing of other owners, there doesn't seem to be any trouble spots to get too concerned about. Another part of me thinks of the complex systems that could go out, and cost us a bunch of money - while I'm still making payments! Ugh!

An added bumper-to-bumper warranty will cost at least $1,000 - is it worth it?

 

[TeryT]

Was just reviewing a long discussion regarding purchasing auto warranties over on townhall talk on endmunds.com. There were plenty of bad stories about 3rd party insurance ("warranty") companies. Seems it's probably best to go with the manufacturer's warranty, as they won't give you as much hassle & won't go out of business suddenly, etc. & etc.

FYI: One person on the Edmunds forum found a Toyota dealer in Iowa City, Iowa selling Toyota warranties for basically wholesale, and looks more than competitive with the 3rd parties.

Their website is http://www.toyotawarranty.com/

 

[sharp4runr]

I'll let you know in a couple of years. I bought a 7yr/100K warranty when I bought the truck. I know first hand of the Toyota reliability but it eased my mind that I had another layer of help in case something happened.

 

[tkr128]

It's really tough. If you buy it and nothing breaks down, that's wasted money. If you don't buy it and something does break down, you're out of luck.

It usually is better to go with the manufacturer's extended warranty (not always). The third-party warranties tend to have a few more limitations and don't really like to pay out if something happens. My sister just got the transmission in her Accord replaced under Honda Care for a $50 deductible without any trouble.

I hope this was of some use to you.

 

[TeryT]

"Peace of Mind"

This may be what it's really about. The 4th gen is only a couple years old. There may be a rash of things happen to some expensive component on all our units around year 4 - who knows!?

Just because we see the sun doesn't mean that the sky isn't falling! LOL

 

[kglueck]

if you do decide to buy the extended warranty, don't buy from the website you listed...it's still $350-$400 over "invoice" or "wholesale"

instead check out the threads over on siennaclub forum. here's a thread for a Scott Moss and a Matt Bowen (at two different dealers) both have been verified by multiple people purchasing that the warranty they are buying is the genuine TFS (Toyota Financial Services) warranty. Here's the thread: http://www.siennaclub.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=5914

Cheers. I think the $800 the 7yr/100k/$0 deductible plan will cost is worth the price, especially since the 4th gen is still so new. I don't imagine many problems due to the reliable engine/powertrain that is in my V8, but it's nice to know it's covered. Yes, peace of mind, for sure. also keep in mind you can pick other plans too (with a deductible and/or shorter time/etc)

 

[TeryT]

Seems too good - but many testify!

WOW! That's an awesome thread! I wonder if he can offer 4Runner warranties as cheaply? People are picking up Sienna 84 month - 100k miles - 0 deductable for $776 + tax.

If I can get this any where near this price maybe it'll convince my wife that all the time I spend on the web is actually at least somewhat worthwhile!!! LOL

 

[<<<<]

Mine 2 cents: extended warranty is not good idea since most of things could be classified as "normal wear and tear" , thus not covered under warranty...

 

[Bluto]

I did not buy one.


If I did I would buy the official Toyota policy, or from an insurance company.

GEICO seems to have a nice deal. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance:
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm


My insurance company does not offer anything.

 

[TeryT]

Best & Cheap Warranty - FROM TOYOTA

Here's the hot skinny just off the press! A Toyota dealership in Richmond Virgina will sell us 4Runner owners a 7 year - 100,000 mile - $0 deductable Toyota Platinum bumber-to-bumber warranty for $876 + tax. This is a great deal, and is only $100 more than they are getting over on the Sienna club (a little more due to 4Runner's various sophisticated systems).

This is a better price, to my knowledge, than you can get ANY 3rd party "insurance" policy through!!!!

According to the Sienna website, several people have bought this from this dealership, have checked them out with Toyota, and they are 100% legit.

Call John Ward (who I talked to), or Scott Moss at 800-586-9682. They are in the Finance Dept.

I will be picking up this extended warranty soon, as my 03 only has 2,000 left until 36,000. Let's give John & Scott some business!!!

YEE - HAWWWWW!!!!!:awais: :awais: :awais: :awais: :awais:

 

[smckinsey]

FWIW...

For what it's worth...

I haven't heard any other "options" mentioned with Toyota's program. For instance, they have a 6yr-75kmi bumper to bumper, 6/100, 7/75 & of course the 7/100. My question is, if you're going to get one, why pay more for something that you don't need; if you're putting on more miles, why pay for 'xtra' time? Get a 6/100 or a 6/75 or vice versa, you arent putting that many miles on, but you plan on keeping it for a while, do a 7/75 or a 7/100 and keep some money in your pocket.

I've been here for a year now, but haven't posted. (I do alot of reading... ) I also am the Business Manager at Palmiero Toyota. If anyone interested, I can do the following...($0 deductable for all of the following)

6yr/75kmi Bumper to Bumper... 450+tax
7yr/75kmi Bumper to Bumper... 480+tax
6yr/100kmi Bumper to Bumper... 700+tax
7yr/100kmi Bumper to Bumper... 825+tax

Just mention that you saw it here on this site and you got the deal.

Also, if you have any questions, feel free to call anytime or email.

800-331-5056 or [email protected]

Shaun McKinsey
Business Manager
Palmiero Toyota

 

[TeryT]

Good Deal!

FYI: I have talked to Shaun, the Toyota dealer GM in above message. He sounds like a good guy, and I will likely be giving him a call next week to get one of these warranties!

Also, as makes sense with him being on this forum, he is a 4Runner owner as well - one of "us"!

 

[Lone Ranger]

Wait, didn't we all pay for our extended warranty when we paid $3-4K or more over the cost of a comparable Explorer? And now you want to pay another $800-1,000 for yet more peace of mind? Somehow, I can't see it.

 

[TeryT]

Wait, didn't we all pay for our extended warranty when we paid $3-4K or more over the cost of a comparable Explorer? And now you want to pay another $800-1,000 for yet more peace of mind? Somehow, I can't see it.

So that's the only reason you bought a 4Runner!?

 

[abin]

I am one of the person against buying extened warranty for Toyota vehicle, based on reliability statistics. What is the chance to have a Toyota brokedown between year 3 and year 7. If you finish 100K at year 6, you are done.
Also, there can be something categorized as not covered because they are "normal wear and tear", which may incurr additoinal labor and tax. May be the Toyota manager can explain if nothing is excluded.

People buy auto, health, and home owner insurance for peace of mind when the claim can be huge.

 

[CuzzinOlaf]

I am one of the person against buying extened warranty for Toyota vehicle, based on reliability statistics. What is the chance to have a Toyota brokedown between year 3 and year 7. If you finish 100K at year 6, you are done.
Also, there can be something categorized as not covered because they are "normal wear and tear", which may incurr additoinal labor and tax. May be the Toyota manager can explain if nothing is excluded.

People buy auto, health, and home owner insurance for peace of mind when the claim can be huge.

My moonroof system just went bad and they ordered almost $2k in parts.... the warranty would have paid for itself twice.

 

[TeryT]

My moonroof system just went bad and they ordered almost $2k in parts.... the warranty would have paid for itself twice.

The 4Runner has a lot of pretty sophisticated systems on it. One of them going out could easily justify the $825 (for the 100k mile factory warranty).

 

[CuzzinOlaf]

I followed that link from an earlier thread and spoke with Scott Moss at a Toyota dealer in Richmond VA. The warranty is the Toyota Platinum with a $0 deductible. Here is what he said.

Scott Moss
Tel: 804-755-9228 or 804-755-9220
Fax: 804-755-9239