Originally Posted by ECL

Many years ago, before Lexus even existed, my wife had a Mercedes 300E that was clearly a lemon. As the factory warranty was about to run out, after replacing numerous radiators, starters, alternators, water pumps, etc., etc,, we purchased an extended warranty. The cost of the repairs under the EW were almost identical to the price of the warranty. The people selling them are not stupid.

Originally Posted by Liferules

I paid $2,400 for 8 year, zero deductible. Not a great price but acceptable to me (~$500 off). I made it part of the car total OTD negotiation price. I tried to remember to buy just before the manufacturer's warrant expired with my last car (Audi) but ended up forgetting and then really regretted my delay. Wasn't going to get caught this time! Remember while the Lexus is reliable, it has lots of new electronics, any one of which would be more than a thousand dollars to repair. So a few of those over 8 years, and you are even or on the positive side... and worth the peace of mind.

Originally Posted by jj14

My $0.02
Prepaid maintenance - unless the cost you pay upfront will be at least 'x' % cheaper than what it would cost you if you pay for each service at the time of service, absolutely not. ('x' varies by person to person - I look for at least 15-20% discount by prepaying upfront). The dealerships that I visited offered a round figure that they couldn't justify when I asked them for actual service cost (if I paid at time of service). Based on the service cost for 2011 GS, the prepaid maintenance for my 2013 GS was going to be about 15% MORE expensive (instead of 15-20% cheaper) - so in my case, absolutely not.
Why would they expect me to give them my money upfront (are they going to give me interest on the amount? Do I save any money by paying them upfront? no and no. So, I said No)
Note: Even if the cost worked out the same, why pay for it upfront? (some dealerships occasionally have specials on oil changes - or a competing dealership may offer better prices - why tie yourself down to one dealership if there is no "significant" price advantage?


Extended Warranty - This is highly debated - and everyone has their opinion - here's mine.
I tend to keep my cars for a long time (compared to others who swap their cars before the factory warranty runs out). So, I buy the Lexus backed (not aftermarket third party) platinum warranty. (not from the dealership where I buy the car from - those are more than double of what it should cost. There are other Toyota dealerships that will sell you the exact same Lexus backed warranty for less than half the price (check the other threads for more info)
Note: Again, no sense in paying for that warranty right now when your factory warranty is still active. Just remember to buy the extended warranty before your factory warranty runs out.
My previous ES had some expensive problems that were addressed by the extended warranty at the dealership. Without the warranty, I'd have spent much more than what the warranty cost me. At the same time, I'm sure there are enough people who have bough the extended warranty, and never had to make a claim on it. I look at it as the comprehensive insurance coverage. Thank heavens I've never had to make a claim on my car - but yes, I always have comprehensive insurance on my cars (collision coverage is all that is "required" by law)
Yeah, I like the peace of mind

Originally Posted by Liferules

I paid $2,400 for 8 year, zero deductible.

Originally Posted by faifai83

My perspective here is to keep the extended warranty money in the bank (~$1,500-$2000) and let it grow ...or not grow...

If the repairs exceed $1500-$2000, detail the car and trade it in!

Prepaid Maintenance:

...I ordered parts for my 4GS upon delivery of my vehicle and the total for parts (air filter, cabin air filter, oil filter, drain plug gasket) up to 60k was ~$180.

Originally Posted by MY13GS350

I'm still thinking I'll feel better about the Extended Warranty but I totally agree with you on the maintenance. I actually priced out all the stuff online through Sewell yesterday.

Did you get the Lexus chromed oil canister wrench or the MUCH cheaper aftermarket one?

Originally Posted by MY13GS350

Sometimes I feel like I live with a cloud over my head... If I don't have the EW i'll need it, If I have it I won't... I'm fine with having it and not needing it.

Besides if I have it and want to private sell the car at 100k I'll feel good about selling a car that has transferable coverage and the buyer will probably feel better about buying it. Ive never sold a car privately but I'm sure I can get more than what a dealer will pay. I think 6 years from now this car will be an easy sale to a teenager (F-Sport). I'll just list it in the lunch room at the local High School lol The kids around here drive much nicer cars than the teachers.

Originally Posted by jj14

how many miles?

Originally Posted by Sevn86

I've sold two cars privately over the last two years and I got way more then what dealers were offering. My 2010 Chevy Camaro cost me 28,999 + TTL and I sold it for $27,500 a year later with 9k on the odo. I bought a 2011 Toyota Camry SE for 24,500+ TTL and sold it for 21,500 2 months ago with 28k on the odo. So private sales are the way to go.

Originally Posted by faifai83

My perspective here is to keep the extended warranty money in the bank (~$1,500-$2000) and let it grow ...or not grow...

If the repairs exceed $1500-$2000, detail the car and trade it in!