Prepaid Maint

IMO the prepaid maintenace plan is not worth it, but if you REALLY want it you can get it through this site cheaper than what you paid at your dealer (probably).

 

It took a while for my coupons to come too. It was closer to 3 months than 6 though. I just used my last coupon (55k), and I'm glad to be done with it. The only problem is, I'm still paying for it because it was rolled into the loan. I didn't do my research before I bought it, so I can't blame anyone but myself. Although, the dealer did tell me I had to purchase it at the time I purchased the car, which isn't true. Oh well. I'm done with it now.

 

Just wanted your opinions on why it isn't worth it? From the first charge for the 5,000 mile service of $139, I would think after 10 of them (up to 50,000 miles) the last one would be free -- assuming you plan to keep the car that long (we do). Any other hassles or downsides to the prepaid maintenance plan that I don't know about?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Skwyre7 @ Jan 15 2007, 01:07 PM) [snapback]375904[/snapback]</div>

We just bought our 2007 Prius with the prepaid maint in late December and I love the car; I'm not so sure about the prepaid maint . I didn't do my research either and now I regret buying the prepaid maint. It looked like a good deal and it still does if you figure all the charges, but only by a little. The dealer also told us it had to be purchased at the same time. I wonder if there is anything that can be done about the dealer lying about when we had to buy the plan.

I hope it doesn't take 6 months to get our coupon and I hope it lasts longer then 4 years. My wife and I just moved to downtown, within 1 mile of work, so we don't drive a lot. I don't think I will be able to drive 55,000 miles within 4 years. When I get my coupons, I'll let you know what they say. If they have to be used within 4 years, I'll be asking for a refund. I might go ahead and ask for the refund anyway...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stomsf @ Jan 15 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]376015[/snapback]</div>

Since the 5,000-mile check is basically just an oil change and tire rotation, I don't see how it could come to $139. Heck, they don't even have to inspect anything under the car until 15,000 unless you drive in the desert or on dirt roads! For rotation and balancing of tires, I went to Discount Tire when I first bought my car and paid them $10 per tire for their rotation/balance plan. I was able to go in every 5,000 miles and have them service the tires for free. If you don't have Discount/America's tire in your area, surely you have a Wal-Mart or a Goodyear dealer who would do the same thing.

Any competent mechanic or DIYer can do an oil change--if you didn't have an independent mechanic you trusted for your previous car(s), they get recommendations from friends or co-workers. I used to take my Camry to Wal-Mart for oil changes, but I stayed away from places like Jiffy Lube. If you want to go to synthetic oil, the cheapest way to do that is to buy your own oil and take it with you to your oil change. Wherever you take it should give you a discount off of the original price of the oil change. You can also buy oil filters in the Toyota parts department and give it to your independent mechanic for a further discount.

If you still want to go to a dealer for your maintenance, definitely get your tires done elsewhere. Take your maintenance book to the service desk and ask them how much it would cost to do just what's listed for the conditions you drive in. I'd think that in itself should be cheaper than the coupons you bought.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(toad @ Jan 15 2007, 04:48 PM) [snapback]376021[/snapback]</div>

Actually, I just looked at the "application" and it says under the terms, 4 years 55,000 miles. I think I'll be asking for a refund. Wish me luck having to deal with the manager.

 

Extended warranties may make some sense, but prepaid maintenance makes absolutely no sense to me. It must be big business for the dealer, though, given the little maintenance needed by 55,000 miles. Someone mentioned in another thread potentially expensive maintenance due at 60,000 miles... could this explain why prepaid maintenance ends at 55,000 miles?

 

Well, I asked for a refund and it was a real pain...

First of all, Toyota wanted to prorate my refund. The thing is, I haven't even gotten the coupons and have never used any of the services. How can they prorate my refund for something that I've never used?

Second, the dealer wouldn't give me the sale tax back. Tax on $975 (how much I paid) is a lot of money!

I called Toyota and insisted that I get the entire refund. They agreed they would give me the refund as long as I sent in the cancellation letter before 30 days.

I then called my dealer and insisted they give be my tax back. This was the hard part. The guy that sold it to me was a total jerk. He said there was no way I would get my tax back and that was that. After I kept calling him back he told be the only one that can do that was the general manager. The GM didn't want to give me the tax refund back either but I insisted and told him how I was pressured to buy the prepaid maint. After much insisting, he said he would have to give me the tax from his own expense account.

I would like to warn everyone to not get pressured to buying this. If it's a good deal for you, then get it. But, don't be pressured since you can buy it at anytime up until 6000 miles (according to Toyota). I think it's total fraud that they mislead you by not telling you about the 4 years and pressure you to buy it that day.

And, btw, even though the coupons expire in 4 years, Toyota said they would honor them until 5 years but I would ask for that in writing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(toad @ Jan 15 2007, 01:48 PM) [snapback]376021[/snapback]</div>

you have 30 days to cancel