1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

International Warranty issues

Discussion in 'International Owners' started by JohnRobinson, Feb 22, 2010.

  1. JohnRobinson

    JohnRobinson Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    99
    29
    0
    Location:
    Norway
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Hi there

    Firstly thanks for this site and all the help I have already received by reading the thread. Alot of info in here! :)

    So here goes.

    I recently bought a 2005 Prius after searching the internet for information and advice. Thing is that I bought a 2005 prius from a guy in Norway who had imported it from the US. He was so happy with it that he had to bring it back with him.

    Anyway there is nothing wrong with it what so every, best car I have ever had by all accounts. However there is a problem that does concern me. The warranty. When I was searching the internet the warranty always showed up as 8 years on the hybrid system. That was one of the reasons I bought the car as I though it still had a few years left in case something went wrong. Now after contacting my local garage they said that the car was only covered with a three year warranty on the hybrid system because it was imported from the US. TBH Im gutted as if something was to go wrong it would cost ALOT over here to fix it. Take whatever it costs in the US and tripple it.

    So does anyone have any information or advice to offer as I really am worried, not only about if something goes wrong but if I was to sell it. I really thought a warranty was a warranty as Toyota had received the money for the car. What does it matter where it is in the world.

    Thanks again all and I look forward to your assistance.

    John
    Proud 2005 Prius owned (34000 miles on the clock)
     
    #1 JohnRobinson, Feb 22, 2010
  2. JohnRobinson

    JohnRobinson Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    99
    29
    0
    Location:
    Norway
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Had hoped someone had exported a Prius from the US. Anyone had issues with the warrenty from Toyota or any good example of Toyota helping out the customers?
     
    #2 JohnRobinson, Feb 24, 2010
  3. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2009
    6,722
    2,121
    45
    Location:
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Not sure but I know the warranty changes depending where in the world you are. I know here in the UK we only get a 5 year warranty. I believe the warranty is invalidated if moved from the country of purchase.

    We get many imported Japanese RHD cars here and I know they have very reduced or zero warranty.
     
    #3 GrumpyCabbie, Feb 24, 2010
  4. JohnRobinson

    JohnRobinson Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    99
    29
    0
    Location:
    Norway
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Ah ok then. I really thought a warranty would be valid in all countries. Its a real shame as know I have gone from being very happy and content to just worrying about this warranty. Guess it maybe time to try and sell it. :confused:
     
    #4 JohnRobinson, Feb 26, 2010
  5. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2009
    6,722
    2,121
    45
    Location:
    North Yorkshire, UK
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III

    It depends on whether you want to risk it or not. I understand that the car can be expensive to fix if it goes wrong but it is a Toyota so should be reliable and only has a low mileage.

    I always find that a car looks after you if you look after it. Keep it serviced and keep on top of maintenance and you should have many years of trouble free motoring. Neglect it at your peril though.

    I would also get a second opinion about the warranty from another Toyota dealer, or maybe email Toyota head office in Norway and see what they say.
     
    #5 GrumpyCabbie, Feb 26, 2010
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2005
    15,232
    1,563
    0
    Location:
    off into the sunset
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Generally, they're pretty reliable cars, and that's relatively low mileage for a 2005. Is there anything actually wrong with it at the moment, or are you mostly concerned with what could go wrong? Not that it matters now, but why did the previous owner say he was selling it? Obviously he failed to mention the warranty was up. :rolleyes:
     
    #6 hyo silver, Feb 26, 2010
  7. JohnRobinson

    JohnRobinson Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2009
    99
    29
    0
    Location:
    Norway
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I agree that looking after it usually pays you back but what if the battery needs replacing. I really cant afford that. So for risking it, Im not sure its worth it. I wrote an email to Toyota US about a week ago but with no reply as yet. If I dont hear anything soon Ill contact the norwegian office.

    No the car is perfect but yes there is the concern about the hybrid parts. Not like being able to buy the bits and fit them yourself to save cash.

    Yeah concerning the previous owner, he lead us down the path but never actually said that the car wasnt covered by the 8 year hybrid warranty. He had it serviced in his local garage and obviously never passed the information on to us. Grrrr.

    Ah well I will have to wait and hope that some really kind person in the US will deal with my mail and say its still covered or else I think that selling it (but at a highly reduced price) may be the way to go.

    Thanks alot for the information and advice guys. Much appreciated!!! :cool:
     
    #7 JohnRobinson, Feb 27, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)