daryll40

OK, here is something I've been chewing on. I currently own a "WARRANTY DIRECT" extended warranty on my wife's 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. I have about 9 months left on the 7 year warranty. It's been excellent and, unfortunately, I've had to use it a number of times. It's more than paid for itself. I found this online and have recommended it to others who have been satisfied. It's easy to use too, any licensed repair shop, including the dealer, will get credit card authorization for the repairs. All of that being said, I have ZERO connection with the company, other than being a satisfied customer, and am not endorsing the product and have no hidden agenda.

My agenda is whether to buy the product for my 2007 LS430. The cost is about $2800 for a total of 7 years/100,000 miles. In my case that would be more than enough miles and 7 years is actually only three years of coverage beyond the 4 year bumper to bumper Lexus warranty.

What do you folks think? Assuming 12 to 15 K miles per year, I'll have say 50,000 miles at the end of year 4 and three more years will be in the 85,000 miles range. Is it worth $2800 to insure against repairs for that 35,000 mile window? What are the odds of needing expensive repairs at that stage?

Please let's NOT turn this into a "buy the Lexus warranty" discussion. I am satisfied with the product and only need help determining the cost/benefit ratio, not the validity of the product. It covers almost bumper to bumper although excludes brakes, battery etc and obvious wear and tear items.

What do you guys think?

kalvano

You should be able to get a Lexus warranty for that same price which will include loaner cars and everything else. Other than that, I am never in favor at all of aftermarket warranty companies.

daryll40

Is that true? Can I really get a Lexus warranty for that price? And if so, what are the exclusions/weasel clauses?

And my original question is still open...does the risk/reward of expensive repairs between 50,000 and 85,000 miles justify an almost $3000 insurance policy, either thru Lexus OR anyone else?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

2800, you can definitely get it from dealership, i think i was offered quite a bit less. ask your dealership for particular details

kalvano

Yes, you can absolutely get it for that price. It's pretty much a Lexus factory warranty, so whatever is normally covered is still covered.

As to "worth it", that depends on you. To me it is, just for the peace of mind. The nav system alone is almost $6K if it breaks.

Is it likely to happen? No, not really. But it's always possible, and I prefer to be covered on things.

kbinfl

Daryll

I too went through your dilemma. What I ended up doing was to go to the LS430 forum to see what problems people were having on '01-05 models. I even posted your current question there. To be honest there was very little to report, so I have opted to self insure and hold onto the $$. Those that did have extended coverage did not use what the warranty cost them. The most I saw was $750 worth of covered repairs.

Also, back in August I was quoted $2,180 for Lexus Platinum 7 year-100,000 mile with zero deductible.

Hope this helps.

Happy New Year to all!

luxury1

What I am planning on doing is waiting until I approach the 50k mark and then deciding if I am going to spring for it. My gut says no since my RX now has 70,000 miles and hasn't had any issues.

terrain

Sounds too high for a warranty direct - no reason I can think of to go with an aftermarket warranty when you can get Lexus warranty for less.

bikerneil

I am not buying an extended warranty for my LS. If I had bought a Mercedes, BMW or Audi I would have. I don't think you will get the payback for the $$$ spent. IMO.

DEREKC

Side question. Can extended warranty be purchased on a LS430 (04, 12K miles) that has its original warranty expired already? I believe not but with 12k miles, would Lexus make an exception?

Craig B

I think you will have to get an after market warranty. That is unless you can get a dealer to certify your car and then you can get a Lexus warranty...

Craig

terrain

Derekc - side side question - 12k 430 must be MINT - was it in storage? The Lexus warranty can only be purchased on a vehicle that is still under the Lexus warranty - once you go beyond you must go with a 3rd party warranty. Have not heard about execptions but I'm sure you can call any Lexus shop and they would give you a quick answer.