alissa

In 2004, and after several months of researching extended warrantys, we picked an aftermarket company for our non-Lexus (Prius) car. Don't wana say WHO the company is, for fear of sounding like a commercial plug. Anyway, we also inquired of folks on another car forum. The consensus was that you can save hundreds & hundreds by NOT getting it via the dealer. Doesn't that simply make sense? Gee, I can let the DEALER put in a cabin air filter for about $80 ... or do it myself for $16. You do the math. Similarly, the consensus for WHEN to buy, was that there's NO reaon to buy, until you get near the end of the factory warranty, as the price is unaffected. Our Prius warranty paid for itself in the first 3 years ... and THEN some. The MFD alone is about a grand, REBUILT.

Then there was our '01 Range Rover. The RR warranty paid for itself as well. One example was the little yellow light on the RR's dash. It said something like "Service Required" I'll say !! Mind you, no symptoms ... just a little 'service required' light. BAM. New tranny. $6,000 ! ! Yes, the Lexus is no unreliable Pig, like the RR, but you get the point. Again, the aftermarket RR warranty was HUNDREDS less than what the dealer would do.

Some of Lexus' hybrid technology is pretty new. New stuff isn't necessarily proven up yet. So we're getting an exteded warranty for the 400h. So far, like with our other cars, we'll be saving hundreds by going with the aftermarket guys. Their service and payment reimbursements have always been accepted at the dealer in a nice quick manner. In fact, just about 4 weeks ago, a wheel stud cracked, down in the hub. Bumper to bumper, 5yr/100K miles. The bill for the Prius' stud? Paid in full. Another $45 back into our pockets. Very happy.

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Hi - Can you please advise which company you used? I'm searching for an extended warrenty currently - and could use some advice. Thanks.