Is Extended Warranty Worth Getting?

I'd recommend reading the discussions on the following threads:

• Input from you folks on extended warranties
  [*]The PriusChat Extended Warranty offer thread
  These threads discuss the pros and cons. It generally comes down to how comfortable you are with the risks.
  
  The good news is: you can buy the extended warranty anytime before the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of the car.

 

There have been a significant number of failures of the MFD. So far, all were covered by the original warranty. Suppose yours went out just after the 3 years / 36,000 milestone.

The part alone costs more than the premium for the extended coverage.

Another expensive component that has yet to stand the test of time is the variable speed electric air-conditioning compressor.

 

considering that the oldest Prius on the current model run is just hitting 1½ years, its gonna be tough to say. but going by the Prius line as a whole, i think you will find that in most cases, Toyota will make out like a bandit on the extended waranty. after all they dont sell em to break even on them.

but repair costs also say that even the minorest of repairs will cost what you are paying in premiums. i think you need to look at your personal track record on how well you maintain vehicles, how many do you keep for that length of time? nowadays, cars are better built, so keeping it 10 years isnt that much of a stretch any more. i can remember when nearly everyone got something new after 3-5 years. (before the american pos fell apart that is...)

 

Also, your calculations use years, yet you will be burning miles faster than years (like I do).
They assume 10K-12K driven per year. You are driving almost double that, so go by miles, not years.

So the extended warranty you got would cover non-drivetrain, non hybrid from 36-60K, start covering the drivetrain from 60-100. Hybrid would be covered completely by the factory.

If you didn't get extended warranty, Brake system (quite complex, even without VSC), Power Steering, body electronics, SKS, NAV, Radio, cooling system, A/C, etc. Quite a bit. That's why I opted for it, though I too should have gotten 6/100/0 rather than 7/100/0. I'll probably use it all up in 3-4 years, unless I move closer to work/friends.

 

Right now, I don't believe anyone on this board has passed the 3yr/36,000 mile mark.

However, if you're uncertain about it, nothing says you can't wait a year. I've had mine just a year now myself and I'm at 24,000+ miles. There are plenty of people in the same boat as you and me who drive 20k+ a year, so within a year's time, when you're at 20k, a good number of us will have surpassed the 36,000 main warranty. However, I doubt you'll see much difference as far as problems. Personally, I picked up the extended warranty at the dealer because I didn't know about the one here discounted. I'd say give it some time, also see if you find your car has more problems than average, and see what people are saying here - and then go from there. Enjoy the drive!

-m.

 

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Does anyone know if this is true in Australia.. the sales guy said he didn't think that was right when I asked him.

 

Speaking of ext war has any one on an 04 passed 43,000 miles yet.. Just about to hit 43 and was wondering who has the highest total miles on the board?

 

Elbowes,
I have 33k on my 04 and I'm driving about 1000 miles/week. I'm going to skip the extended warranty based on excellent prior Toyota experiences( yes I know this entire car is new and different).
My only complaints so far are bad cross wind stability (better with front spoilers moved to front bumper), 2 dash rattles on pass. side and occasional fast idle.

 

based on my time of ownership and current mileage plus anticipated increased driving for summer, i will average about 16-18,000 miles a year.

one of the biggest reasons why i bought the Prius is Toyota's reputation. therefore i am not getting the extended wuarantee either.

i have never purchased it in the past and the only cars i would have needed the wuarantee was two GM's and a Datsun... both Toyotas i had (including one that is now in my nephew's possesion that still runs good) never needed it.