Extended warranty exclusions

[lcpriusclub]

I purchased mine from the dealer because I had heard that batteries blow up right after the standard warranty runs out. My tires keep losing air does that mean they are defective or what?

[Bob64]

... The batteries don't blow up (as in explode). Unless your talking about those batteries in your laptop.

There have been only a FEW reports of prius battery failures after warranty, but there have also been more documented entries of WAY MORE people still running on orig batteries even AFTER 200k miles. The only cases of premature battery damage/replacement that were not under warranty are due to user neglect (driving with no gas in the car and completely depleting the battery).


Depends on how much air your losing. If your tires are FLAT after a week, then you have a problem. If your losing 1-5 psi every month, then its normal.

[Winston]

Originally Posted by lcpriusclub

I purchased mine from the dealer because I had heard that batteries blow up right after the standard warranty runs out. My tires keep losing air does that mean they are defective or what?

Your batteries will blow up only if you forget to use a surge protector with the Prius extenstion cord.

[mdough]

I am reading all of this info related to extended warranties and I just finished reviewing the new Consumer Reports article on extended warranties. Given the reliability of the Prius, is this expense warranted or should I just put the money in savings and use it in case of catastrophic problems as CR recommends?

[Betelgeuse]

Originally Posted by mdough

I am reading all of this info related to extended warranties and I just finished reviewing the new Consumer Reports article on extended warranties. Given the reliability of the Prius, is this expense warranted or should I just put the money in savings and use it in case of catastrophic problems as CR recommends?

I think it's an individual decision. On average, you (as the consumer) are going to come out "behind" on the extended warranty. In other words, the dealer is going to make money on the warranty overall (otherwise, they wouldn't sell it). However, any individual person may come out ahead if they have some major thing that goes wrong with the car.

Basically, think of it as a form of insurance: in general, the company selling the insurance is going to come out ahead, but the consumer is paying a small (or moderate) amount now to guard against potentially having to pay a large amount later.

Many of these same points (along with more debate) are discussed in this thread.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

Originally Posted by mdough

Given the reliability of the Prius...

While the reported problems have been few, they have been quite expensive to repair.

[rudiger]

Originally Posted by mdough

I am reading all of this info related to extended warranties and I just finished reviewing the new Consumer Reports article on extended warranties. Given the reliability of the Prius, is this expense warranted or should I just put the money in savings and use it in case of catastrophic problems as CR recommends?

The latter. Although there's always a chance of a major problem occurring after the warranty has expired, Toyota is very conscious of the public's perception of hybrid reliability and will likely go to extraordinary lengths to cover a major out-of-warranty mechanical problem, particularly one having to do with battery life.

In fact, there was a case reported here on Priuschat a while ago in which a battery failed on a Prius either after the warranty had expired or it was determined to be the fault of the owner (I think it might have had to do with the installation of an EV switch).

Although the local Toyota management declined to cover it, as it progressed up the hierarchy, Toyota corporate eventually relented and covered it, realizing they'd be better off in the long run by avoiding the negative publicity.

[Rangerdavid]

I've got an '06 and am now at 34,000 miles. I figure if I keep the car another two years, at this rate i'll have almost 70,000 miles on it. its a cheap insurance policy to buy the extended warranty, when a new MFD alone would exceed the cost. Plus, if I trade in with any warranty left, that should be an added factor.

[scoop]

I just picked up my Prius. Dealer sold me EW for 795. I was going to turn it down but my wife suprised me and said get it. On my F-150 I had a digital trip meter/odo that went out at 80K. Cost me 400 just to fix that. Wife took one look at all the digital read outs and the big screen and decided while realiability is on record, you buying into catastrophic insurance for the big ticket items if they fail.

Three things to pay attention to. It really does not matter when you buy the insurance, it starts the time and milage count from the day it goes into service so your not really getting more by waiting till the last minute and if you get a good deal, take it as 3 years from now who knows how expensive policeis might be.

The other thing is maintenance. Whether you have the dealer, friendly shop, or do it yourself , keep all maintenence records and schedules up to date. The EW administrator can and will if they can, try to refuse coverage based on lack of documented, on scheduled service, on items the might try to say failed due to owner negligence.

Last, follow the rules to the letter on getting approval before anybody repairs anything and make sure you document who authorized the repair.
Also for emergency repairs, they reserve the right to inspect the failed parts so dont let anyone throw away anything and while you can authorize a "tear down" to inspect, if the failure is determined to be not covered or the failure results in damage to a collateral item your on your own on the first and u will get stuck for repair on the second.

Bottom line is read the mice type and document everything.

New Owner 2008 in Atlanta

[cobraz]

I just got a quote for my EW 8 year/120K miles He asked for $ 1668.00 - I read that their mark up is 40% so I told him that and he dropped it to $ 1468.00 is that a good deal where I see others paying just below $ 990 but what were those terms for ?

My Silver Touring PK#2 will be in May 22nd... can't wait ... I just filled my Jeep up $ 70.00 for 20 gallons.. ouch !!!