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Extended warranty on heavy use Prius C

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JoyrideFlatout, Aug 3, 2015.

  1. JoyrideFlatout

    JoyrideFlatout Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2015
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Very excited to get my Prius C this weekend! I know that warranties are generally bad ideas, and especially on this forum where there's a lot of confidence in the car, so I was prepared to pass. But then, I signed up for both the "Toyota Extra Care" ($1795 for 8yrs/75,000mi) & "Toyota Care Plus Maintenance" ($1050 for 5yr/55,000mi)! Yikes!

    As soon as I walked out of the office, a sinking feeling came over me, so I returned and asked to cancel. The finance guy said he couldn't cancel at that moment, and for me to return Monday before 4PM. I financed 10K, and paid $14.5K . . he just called and said the refund ($2,845) will go against the loan vs. me getting money back (which I'm pretty sure he's wrong on that one too).

    I've since researched it and see that I have 60 days to cancel, which I will probably do, but now I'm wondering about my particular driving habits and if either warranty could be a good idea.

    I'm a pet sitter, and my car gets loads of city use: I stop/start my car on average 15 times a day (holidays about 30+ times a day). So everything gets much more use than the normal driver: locking/unlocking the doors, turning car on & off, opening/closing windows, etc. etc. I drive mainly city streets, so I'm braking a lot throughout the day as well as I drive up and down several steep hills or driveways daily.

    Any input?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 JoyrideFlatout, Aug 3, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! cancel it. and if you carry pets, build a pre filter for your battery vent. all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 3, 2015
  3. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I'm going to blanket statement this. There are NO situations where buying extended warranties will be a good idea in any way. No matter how you intend to use your vehicle, an extended warranty will be bad idea. The only reason to get extended warranty is for peace of mind. If you are someone who worries a lot. If you are not mechanically inclined living all by yourself with few people to rely on in case of car troubles, sure, get the warranty. Just know that the warranty is priced so that the company supplying it makes money. It's like gambling at a casino. A few of you will come out ahead. For the rest of us, the house always wins.

    To address OP's situation specifically, this is a Prius. The car is designed to start and stop to save fuel. Your use adds no extra stress. I drive mostly freeway and I doubt my car starts and stops less than 15 times a day, probably more like 30 times.

    I rarely see doors or knobs fall off from excessive use on any cars. The ones that do are far past 10 years and any warranty periods.

    Auto door locks can be bought online and replaced yourself for some $35. Expect to pay the dealer $250 with labor. You can absolutely live with this impairment as the other 3 doors still work and the car drives fine.

    Opening and closing windows, same as above except a DIY window actuator can be difficult DIY so you'd have to pay the dealer. A failure will not leave you stranded. If you are concerned as I am, use the AC more often as not only will it cause less stress on the power window motors but it's better for your hybrid battery life as well.

    And finally steep hills. Yes. This is more stress on your Prius. Will this decrease the life of your Prius. Maybe. Will this cause your Prius to fail abnormally during the extended warranty period? I'll let you answer that question
     
    #3 mmmodem, Aug 3, 2015
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