If they changed the name from "extended warranty" to "pre-paid repairs", I think people might have a different perspective on the purchase.

 

I am enjoying it, but we bought it to replace my wife's 2000 Volvo S70. She's a bit nervous about all the new technology in the hybrid and hasn't driven it yet. I've told her that all she has to do is depress the brake, push the start button and pretty much forget about the rest of it. (I'll have to give her a quick tutorial on how to operate the moonroof and the headlight switch.) But I'm going to sell the Volvo today, so she'll have to start driving the Camry and once she does, I probably won't be able to get her out of it.

 

I remember back when the extended warranty cost about $350 to $450 and was usually purchased when buying a new car. I thought to myself the car is warranted for a good while, I only drive to work and back and for shopping with a few trips. The auto transmissions in the Chevy's were having problems for a few years. For the price of the extended warranty I could have it repaired if needed. If no major problems I could use that money to buy gas. I was lucky and had no transmission problems with the few Chevy's I bought back then.

haroldo, your pre-paid repairs was some my thinking in those days. It's like pay in advance for your repairs, if it don't need repair, then the dealer made a nice profit.

 

I think Toyota maintenance Plan is only available for 5 years which would be good at any toyota dealership. Also be sure that whatever prepaid plan your dealer offers is good at other Toyota dealers, and not just at that location or dealer chain.

 

My understanding is that they're only good in the state where you buy them. For example, the plan I bought -- and am trying to cancel -- says it's for California only. Toyota's extended warranties, on the other hand, are honored anywhere.

 

I bought the year 3-4-5 plan for $730.

I'm happy I did. Peace of mind for the next 5 years.

 

I called Toyota customer service yesterday and canceled that plan that I bought at the dealership that sold us the car. Once I get a refund check from Toyota, or I'm assured that it's being processed, I will go to the local Toyota dealer and try to negotiate a better price for the 5yr/75K plan. Midwest Toyota in Kansas is selling them for $980. Stacked against more than $3,000 for all the scheduled maintenance after the first two years, that's definitely a good deal.

 

I do my own oil changes with toyota parts. This car is SO EASY to change.

It has not seen the shop for anything else.

 

They should list it as "Additional Dealer Profit"

 

I think retail is close to 100% over dealer cost. And that's all profit. So there's clearly room to bargain. Since I like to do all the scheduled maintenance on our cars, and usually do it at the dealer, if I can get the prepaid maintenance for around $1,000, I'll come out significantly ahead after five years. Of course, I could do better price-wise with an independent mechanic, assuming I could find a good one that can work on hybrids around here.