Extended warranty prices…what’s up ?

The prices on the Toyota extra care VSA’s are all over the map !
I’ve noticed on several auto forums (including this one) that some “new” forum members are private messaging great deals & the the thread eventually gets shut down. There’s an active one on the Tundra forums…those guys better get an extended warranty….lol

I can’t help but wonder if some of these generous pricing offers are indeed legitimate or even legal. Possibly third party warranties being presented as Toyota VSA’s ?
I’ve seen insane discrepancies in cost (3-4X).

Anyway, I’m looking to purchase a 10 yr. 100k platinum warranty for my 4Runner before I hit 36k. Started with my local dealership who simply said they don’t offer a 10 yr. warranty ??? Max of 8/125k at a cost of $1980. I left…
If anyone can shed some light on this game theory it would be greatly appreciated

 

I don’t think they are lying, when I was going through the process for mine I am pretty sure the highest I could go was 96 months / 125,000 miles. It adds a extra 5 years 89,000 miles to the 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty. And from the prices I saw, under $2,000 isn’t that bad. I paid $2,000 and that was a ‘deal’ apparently for all the bullshit I went through at my dealership. They were trying to get $3,000 +. Most think it’s a scam but I don’t trust new technology.

 

I just took delivery of my new 4runner on 6/30. Purchased a 10 year/125,000 mile/$0 deductible platinum warranty from the dealership. I walked into the F n I office with a quote from Jennifer, made negotiations real simple.

 

I would think the odds of you having to spend $1,980 to fix your forerunner in 100,000 miles is incredibly low. To me the reason for buying Toyota is to avoid this concern with catastrophic problems under 100,000 miles. I would definitely do it if I were buying Nissan Ford Chevy or stalantis.

 

Exactly why I switched brands to Toyota with the new 4Runner purchase. Hoping to avoid needing an extended warranty. Even more so, not needing to use warranty service of any kind is what I am looking forward to.

 

This 100%

OP unless you're really into burning money for peace of mind, you really won't need it.

 

When I went into the finance office to finalize my sale, I told the gentleman, “my salesman says this is a bullet-proof reliable vehicle, are you going to try to sell me a service plan implying that it’ll need a lot of work in the warranty period”

To my surprise he agreed and didn’t try to sell me any warranties.

 

When I purchased my 4runner last month, the dealership offered me a Toyota VSA 8 year/80k for around $3400 if I recall correctly. Similar to others, I told the business manager that you can't promote Toyota reliability in the sales conversation then try to sell me a VSA in the business office.

Also like others, I've spoken with Jennifer regarding her Toyota Platinum (zero deductible) VSA pricing. It is against the rules for her (or by proxy, us) to post their prices on a public forum but if you're legitimately interested in a VSA you should speak with her. She offers up to 10 year/125k miles at prices that will probably surprise you.

 

I wasn’t balking at the price so much as them not offering a 10 year plan. I’m retired & drive ~5-6k a year so it would be wise on my part to get the longest term extended warranty possible..
Also, those 10 year are all over the internet & lots of people have bought them. Is it only offered at “large volume” dealerships ?

 

I agree with you as far as the powertrain goes but these 4runners have a lot of new technology/electronics that their recent predecessors didn’t. Toyota built its reputation primarily with a strong business model & ethic over the years, along with sticking to the KISS principle.

The market in North America is demanding more & more amenities in vehicles these days, & that has come at a price regarding reliability. Toyota has to remain competitive with the big 3 & iMHO that has been a race to the bottom as far as keeping a vehicle LONG TERM goes. I won’t even get into EPA compliance….
For most folks that trade in their vehicles every 4 to 5 years this really isn’t an issue; buy whatever brand/model you prefer with all the bells & whistles & move along. I fully intend to keep my 4Runner for the long haul & an extended warranty is warranted in the current reality….

 

So you're expecting catastrophic failure costing more than let's say $2,000 within the first hundred thousand miles on your 5th gen 4Runner? In my opinion Toyotas current focus on the environment is causing them to stray away from the things that made Toyota 4x4s great, simple rugged off-road capability and dependability. Considering what I've been hearing on this chat room and the ones for Tacoma and tundra it seems that most folks these days like the more technical computerized off road features on their new Toyotas rather than simple mechanical four-wheel drive transfer cases and lockers. When I buy a new Toyota truck or SUV it's always the lowest trim level is that allows me to delete the majority of the computer gizmos and sensors. It would be awesome if Toyota would just put a track on all bottom trim four-wheel drives. That's the only tech that makes sense for me since it's free and has somewhat of a locker capability

 

Same type of deal here. I asked one of my local dealers about it,... and he just sat there blinking for a second, then said "why the hell would anyone want that?" . I just gave him the "atta boy, and what i wanted you to say" look back at him. Then he smiled (it clicked), and spun off to take care of someone else.

 

I dont want any of that shit either. Im picking up what your layin down my friend.



But,... Id lick a butthole for a front locker tho..... The one thing, i wish they came with. (besides the ole, MORE POWA baby !!!, and a few more gears.)

 

Not expecting a “catastrophic failure” but a problem with electrical, safety sense etc…is a real possibility. Especially 10 years out. Again, in my case, (5-6k driven per year) it’s a no brainer. Heck if the radio head unit went out, it would cost more than anyone paid for an extended warranty. My logic is apparently different from a lot of folks & that’s fine…

 

Another issue I’m taking into consideration is the supply chain/chip shortage problem.
Practically all manufacturers are affected & many have been forced to use Vendors they ordinarily wouldn’t & are forced to use inferior parts to keep the ball rolling.

 

I was in the middle of penning a response when you posted this, and your post mirrors what I was going to share. Power window motors, air conditioning compressor, a random ABS sensor repair, radio failure ($3k+ just in parts)... Labor rates in my area are around $150/hour. You can burn through $2k pretty easily across a ten year period.

 

Don't we buy Toyotas to NOT need extended warranties?

I just laughed when they tried to sell me one.

Save your money.

 

Looks like you're coming up on 10 years on that 2013. How much money have you had to put into it fixing stuff?

 

I bought it in early '19 with 79k on it. I'm just under 140k now. Other than routine maintenance, I've spent exactly $189 to have the AC serviced when it was blowing cold in 2020.

According to the Carfax, which I know isn't necessarily all inclusive, it only had scheduled maintenance performed on it before I bought it.

As far as the Toyota ext warranty, aren't there a bunch of stories about them NOT honoring it? I had gotten the impression Yota was terrible with warranty work.

Somebody mentioned "new" tech on the 4Runner. Isn't it only new on the 4R, while being available on other cars for the better part of a decade now? I'll wager Toyota has worked out the bugs by now.

 

Appreciate all the responses, but the original thread is becoming derailed from a question of warranty cost to warranty justification…

I realize the 2 kind of relate to one another but my original question pertains to the discrepancies in the cost of an extended warranty across different dealerships.

 

Im hella close to 100k miles on my 18,.... 2 sets of rubber (when i first nabbed it, and then recently) and oil/filter changes is all here.

And everything mechanical (lockers,4wd, abs stuff, window/door workings all that shit) runs like the day I brought it home. I love this thing and am going to keep running it, till the wheels fall off. Ill never get rid of it. Ever...

 

Warranties don't have MAP pricing, they can charge whatever they desire in my experience. Especially if it's not a toyota branded warranty.

 

Here's your answer.

Toyota corporation has an extended warranty program consisting of different levels, gold, platinum, ect.

Toyota dealerships also sell third party extended warranties.

There's no ryhme or reason to who they sell, besides money of course, and what deal they've worked out with the warranty provider.

The dealership is under no obligation to sell you a Toyota or otherwise warranty for any specific price. They may want a little more off the top than another dealership.

While this answer sucks, it's on you to find out what the coverage is, and see if that's the best coverage and price for your needs.

While you seem to have your mind made up that you want one, and a bunch of random internet personalities will not sway you, you really don't need to waste money on these extended warranties.

Edit to add: You'll probably have to dig a little to see if a dealership is offering an actual Toyota warranty or third party, regardless of what their brochure says, not that it really matters if the coverage is good for the price.

 

Try the famous Jerry Johnson of Midwest Toyota in Hutchinson KS. His number is 620-664-8844. He is not a relative nor a friend. I got his name from my RAV forum and I think info is on him here as well. He's been beating everyone for a couple of decades. Call the main number at Midwest if you want to verify he's legit Toyota. He sells only Toyota warranties. I think you're getting the heck overcharged out of you. I just bought one from him and my dealership, Gullo, was grossly overpriced.

 

A big failure in my books is a whole new front differential @ 100 miles that will cost me $2700 out of pocket if it happens after 3 years / 36,000 miles...

 

I do about 20k miles per year and I plan on keeping the 4Runner about 5 years. I got a Toyota platinum 5/100 for $700 just before I hit 36K and it's already paid for itself. Torn CV boot and a wheel bearing replacement, both covered and got a free loaner both times, and still 30K to go on the warranty. Yes, Toyotas are generally reliable but repair costs are so expensive now that if you can get the warranty at a good discount it makes sense. It's an incredibly good warranty, although I wouldn't have paid anywhere close to the retail price.

Edit: I forgot that I had my front diff replaced under the powertrain warranty, but if it starts making noise again I'll be very happy to have coverage for it.

No car, including our 4runners, are bulletproof.

 

After several phone calls & e-mails with dealerships across the United States I have come to the conclusion that extended warranty prices vary across Toyotas various regions (gulf states, SE etc…). Some dealerships are marking them (way) up but that’s just game theory at work. Ask for the “warranty manager” & not some random salesperson. Also, ensure you are quoted the “class III” prices which our 4Runners fall under.
I ended up purchasing the 10yr/125k from Jerry Johnson at Toyota Midwest superstore in Hutchinson Kansas. Great guy to chat with & as good a pricing as I was able to find. Substantially less than my local dealer.
Thanks to everyone on this thread for sharing…it saved me money !!!

 

Well, how much was it?

 

According to every e-mail I received from various dealers, it is against Toyota policy to disclose prices on the web & I was asked not to advertise the price lists given. Having said that, most asked to freely spread their contact info to get future business. I’m down with that !


jerryj@midwestsuperstore.com
Jerry Johnson Toyota Midwest Hutchinson Kansas

 

I can only go by my experience here, as I bought from the dealer and got hosed. I should have remembered my 14 VW Jetta TDI. When I bought that thing, I didn't buy any warranties. Then I found a guy in one of their big VW TDI forums who worked at a dealer in Jersey. He was offering warranties at next to cost. After vetting him, it was completely legit, and I bought one. I should have done the same here. I thought that I got a Toyota warranty, and instead ended up with the "Auto Nation" warranty......