Which is better, a Toyota Platinum or aftermarket platinum warranty?

My truck's warranty is about to end. I'm interested in purchasing an extended warranty to protect my investment.

I've seen some good deals for the Toyota Platinum on TW and a few other sites.

I've gotten prices from my credit union and they aren't too bad either. They offer a platinum warranty from Members Choice. Anyone have any experience with them?

Toyota warranty has to go through a Toyota dealer. Member's Choice can be serviced at any authorized center. They both seem to offer similar coverage too.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences. Thanks.

 

I always go with the factory warranty. Dealers charge Toyota for your repairs and that's that. You're covered everywhere in the US too. 3rd party warranty could be problematic, some shops may take it but may not be completely happy with it.

 

I work at Lexus and we sell Zurich extended warranty and they are great. They cover everything Lexus Extra Care does except shocks but generally costs a lot less

 

What's the catch? Do they pay the repair shop less than Lexus?


http://www.angieslist.com/articles/get-extended-auto-warranty-without-getting-scammed.htm

 

Don't even bother.... Its a toyota not a chevy

 

They pay 100% of repairs if you go to the dealer you bought the warranty at or you have a deductible of $50 or $100 if you go to a different shop. If it is a leak or a mechanical failure (timing cover, window motor, door lock actuator, wheel bearing, ect). No warranties cover rattles or trim pieces if you break the trim around your radio or something. I've referred a lot of people to our finance dept to buy a warranty and I'm in service so make no money off of it. Granted, new Lexus cars have a lot of things on them and problems that a Toyota doesn't have. I don't know if ill get one for my truck. I'll decide after I see how factory warranty plays out.

 

there is nothing better than a Toyota Platinum....but Zurich is a very close 2nd. i work for a Toyota dealer in service...Toyota Platinum is the closest thing to the factory 3/36 that youre gonna get. ive dealt with plenty of Zurich contracts as well and never had an issue. on covered components they pay full boat to.

 

I'd take the cost of the warranty, bank it as an emergency fund and drive the truck.

When (actually IF) you have an issue that would be covered under the warranty, use those funds to pay for it.

The vast majority of repairs later in life is wear item based, not warranty.

 

thats all good and well but if you all of a sudden have a string of bad luck and have multiple things happen within months of each other, you'd wish you had a warranty there. itll happen at the worst possible time too....like right after you paid for a vacation or something...lol.

 

I am glad i went with toyota platinum. Got it on my 2012 and just had to use it. Truck started limping along...through CEL and got codes P2440 and P2442. Issues with secondary air system switch valves being stuck open. Obviously something I could fix myself. Took it into toyota with the platinum warranty. They fixed everything gave it back and didnt have to pay a dime. About 1000 dollars in parts and labor.

 

nice...just about paid for that warranty in one shot!

 

Toyota's quality has dropped(Gasp, did I just say that) and with more and more emissions and electronics being added plus the quality of parts from suppliers dropping an extended warranty may not be a bad investment-for the right price. Shop around. I would stick with the Toyota Platinum warranty. Email your local dealers and see what kind of prices you get.

 

Already covered in the following topic for Toyota Platinum. Compare with the Zurich mentioned above for best deal.
I went with the Platinum last June. He may negotiate same price for 4x4 as Prerunner and has other cost/duration packages for the asking..

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/327547-2014-extended-warranty-prices.html

 

Thanks for all the help so far. Yes, I agree, normally I'd say who needs an extended warranty for a Toyota, but I agree that their quality is not the same as in previous years. Still overall better than most brands IMO.

Yep, thought about just putting the money aside and using it towards repairs if anything should go wrong, however, what if I get a run of bad luck and some expensive items start to break?

So, I'm figuring for around $1000 give or take, it might be a safe bet to just cover some parts for a few years. The cost could easily be made up on most repairs. Looking for an 8 year warranty, 75,000-100,000 miles. Obviously higher mileage would increase the likelyhood of repairs. I won't be adding miles quickly, so I can go with less mileage to save $$$.

Haven't heard of Zurich. Can it be purchased for a Toyota or just Lexus? Anyone have any experience with Members Choice?

Checking around for some prices on a Toyota Platinum too.

Thanks all.

 

Zurich can be purchased at a Toyota dealer if they offer that warranty. you can also call them directly and purchase from them...no need to purchase from a dealer.


i have never heard of Members Choice. i can tell you that working in a service department, ive dealt with some shitty extended warrantys. if you decide to go after market on a warranty just get confirmation that they pay 100% of the shops labor rate. ive seen some just cover as low as 50% of the hourly rate...no bueno.

 

Toyota VSP, Platinum coverage with $0 deductible:
6 yr / 75K - $610.00
6 yr / 100K - $835.00
7 yr / 75K - $680.00
7 yr / 100K - $950.00
8 yr / 75K - $785.00
8 yr / 100K - $1050.00
8 yr / 125K - $1365.00

[ 4x4 will be a little higher ]

 

I stand corrected.

 

Thanks for all the input. I'm leaning towards the Toyota Platinum. I like the price for a little extra peace of mind. Only thing I am worried about is if they try to get out covering things one way or another. Hopefully it'll be a non-issue but I can't say I trust them totally either, if they can get out of paying they will.