Datguy

Hello,

I just purchased a 2013 GS350 with 98k miles, high mileage but this car has had every service done since it was purchased. I have an opportunity to purchase an extended warranty (Route 66 - Main Street) through my credit union for $2100 that will cover the car for 4yr/48k miles. The Route 66 Main Street Warranty covers: Engine, Transmission, AC, Steering, Brakes, Cooling, Fuel Delivery, Electronics(minus radio), and I've dealt with them before so I'm happy with their service. So the question is...given this car's service history, mileage and Lexus reliability, would it be wise to purchase this warranty or set the $2100 aside for any would be repairs.

TIA

MustangSal

Check the limits of the warranty and by that I mean, even though they say they cover this that and the other, there is still a financial limit. Ultimately it's the value of the car. Like an insurance claim, they definitely won't go over the estimated value of the car. Then it's really just a math problem of parts and labor cost vs the value of the car.

You roll the dice for that four years of the probability of something going bad and then how bad that damage might be. If the peace of mind knowing you're covered for that extra four years is worth $2,100, then do it. You'll hate yourself later for not and then potentially having an issue.

Just remember that if you do end up using it, they can't total your car out. Only give you the max value in repair cost.

Good luck.

*edit* and for 2100 I think I would. 13' isn't exactly new and I don't know enough about Lexus long term reliability. If it's going to sink your finances though maybe I'd just risk it without. 4 years is a good long time though.

AJLex19

As long as you are comfortable with the level of warranty and service the credit union will provide then I would say go for it. Although Lexus/Toyota has a great long-term reputation for reliability, 100k miles is when things start to age and have been used quite a bit. Your car has been driven at least 18k-20k miles a year which is significant wear-and-tear.

I almost bought a 2008 GS with 86k miles but only considered it because I could've purchased an extended warranty from lexus for a nice packaged price. I didn't buy that car, but with my previous experience, I would not have bought a high mileage GS without a warranty - more expensive repairs come in with sensors, exhaust, suspension and heating/cooling systems once the car has higher mileage. Plus, if you've ever gotten a quote for certain labor/mechanic services at the Lexus dealerships themselves, i'm sure you know it can get really pricey, really quick...

Dallasguy1

Depending on how good of a deal you got 2100$ is not bad for a peace of mind for next 3-4 years.

Datguy

Thanks! I'm going to go ahead and buy the warranty, having the peace of mind is well worth the money.

iJDMTOY

iTrader: (5)

Good choice of purchasing it. It's better to be safe than sorry later on.

RA051823

Do you wrench on your own car? Lexus cars are known for their long term reliability and at 98k miles its barely broken in. Sure for a 2013 its considered "high mileage" but for a Lexus that is nothing.

AJLex19

It depends on how you want to roll the dice....when I had my '01 GS430, I had a check engine light come on right around the 100k mark (no warranty of course). After getting it checked, it had a bad catalytic converter. Luckily, I only had ONE bad catalytic converter because the GS 430 had 3 cats (1 middle, 2 in rear). The converter itself cost like $1000 from the dealer. My mechanic put it in for $150 bucks. I spend around $1100 and my car felt awesome after that and had no more CEL/error codes...but I had to come out of pocket quite a bit.

A similar job from the Lexus dealer would likely cost $2000 in parts/labor...having platinum warranty coverage makes so much sense when these types of things start happening...

RA051823

True its all about risk vs reward. If I was the buyer, I would take that extra $2k+ and put it in the bank and self insure myself. If this car was a european car like BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche by all means get the warranty as it will pay for itself 10 fold.

JWBlakk

I would get a warranty as long as I read all the fine print and was happy with what was covered and the limit...at the very least you'll have piece of mind. I made this mistake in the past by not getting a warranty on a known reliable brand and by some crazy luck ended up coming out of pocket to replace an engine on an 80,000 mile European car! Learned my lesson and now I sleep better at night as all my cars have warranties no matter how old. At the end of the day, your decision...just stand strong by whatever you decide and do research on all ends!