After much debate, I did it! 2012 Prius (Extended warranty, replacement key)

I wish I had an option of a warranty that covered the hybrid components for $2,500. I would have purchased one- assuming it covers the traction battery. Just make sure it covers as many traction batteries that you need, in case they give you a rebuilt battery that doesn't last long.

The IPM (Intelligent Power Module) has been the weak link among the components, imo. And that will likely have a 15 year/unlimited miles warranty attached to it.

 

The usual majority general consensus is to NOT pay for an extended or extra warranty.
BUT?
You're buying a 5 model year old Prius, if it gives you peace of mind? $2500 more isn't that bad an investment IMO.
Just make sure you know EXACTLY what is covered and for how long.

But at $2500, one failure of a major hybrid component could have that warranty easily pay for itself.

I myself have never bought a extended warranty, but it all comes down to what you want to do, I don't think it's unreasonable to keep the warranty.

Another aspect to evaluate, is if it's a dealership based warranty, how confident and happy are you with the dealership service department. If the warranty locks you into dealing with a service department you may not like?

 

The key would be more like $450

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Ah, okay. If the additional $2500 covers all the hybrid components for as long as you own the car, then it very well could be worth it - especially if you're planning to keep the car for a while.

 

Toyota Platinum Warranty (from Toyota Finance Services): $2k. Kicks in primarily from years 4 to 8 or 125k miles, whichever comes first. Doesn't cover traction battery.

Anticipated Walser $2,500 Warranty: $2.5k. In this case, covers years 6 through the life of the car under single ownership. Unlimited miles. Covers traction battery. Plus, the engine/powertrain is also covered for life, IIRC.

If this is a real offer, I'd definitely sign up for it.

 

For a 2013 Prius, got the key for $98 off eBay. Dealer programmed the fob key for $125 and laser cut the key for additional $40. My dealership had no trouble doing it even though I got it elsewhere.

 

I like the sound of that. How long have you got before you can't back out? Don't leave it too late.

All of these warranties, regardless of the up front math and viability, I'm always wondering: if and when a problem arises, are they going to come through, or is there going to some weasel-out clause, or the company has folded, or??

 

slow down there hoss. It all depends on your dealer. I got quoted approx $280ish for a replacement key, and then i decided to "find" the techstream application, and buy a key on ebay for $80, and get a vci cable for about $30 and bam $110 replacement key.

 

Thanks for the update. I was about to pm you about contact info for the insurance provider, until I saw your post. Although I'm hoping to be proven wrong, I don't think there is a reputable outfit that will offer a lifetime warranty on the traction battery for roughly the cost of replacing it. With that kind of policy, in theory, a company can only hope that you'll sell the car or total the car before the battery dies.