I recently purchased a 2006 Prius with a little under 37,000 miles. The car looks and runs like a 2009 and I'm very pleased with it. I do have one concern, and that's with all the electronics on the car. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing an extended warranty but I don't know if it's necessary. Has anyone ever had ANY problems with their Prius, electronics (or otherwise)? I'd like to know the likelihood of problems I may face at a later time. Thanks from the Newbie, Joe1987
Yes, there are a very few people that have had problems with the electronics. Same as any car, or electronic device. That being said, the Prius is overall one of the most reliable vehicles out there. The general consensus is that the extended warranty is not worth it, unless you have some reason to be suspicious about the background of your particular vehicle. If you don't trust the dealer or previous owner, it will give you piece of mind. Statistically, however, you will be better off saving your money (if the warranties actually paid out more than they collect, they would not be in business.
If the car has never been in an accident then I wouldn't bother with an extended warranty. If you don't know, or if it has, then I suggest getting one (this is the only time I would buy one).
Thanks for the reply. The CarFax states that the car has never been in an accident. I am definitely leaning towards not buying an extended warranty, but I must confess that all the electronics has me a bit concerned. I can't imagine how much a dealer would charge to make things right it ever goes black. Joe1987
Joe, problems with the electronics with the Prius are very rare. However, the 2006 has had a lot of problems with the HID headlights, both bulbs and controllers. The extended warranty does not cover lights. But Toyota has been pretty generous in covering the high costs of HID component replacements due to the high rate of failures, but you need to call Toyota corporate as the dealer won't do anything without Toyota telling him to make the repairs.
I think 36k miles is the end time to buy a Toyota extended warranty. Other brand EWs are probably not a wise investment.
Joe, as stated, you can't buy an extended warranty from Toyota. I've got 36,200 on mine and the only electrical problem was a blown fuse on the dash's aux power port from an air compressor.
