How to Add a Warranty on a Used Toyota

The best time to get an extended warranty for your used Toyota is the day you buy your car. A warranty will never be as cheap, because as mileage goes up, so does the warranty cost. If you buy a used Toyota from a dealership, you can purchase a Toyota service plan (good at any authorized Toyota dealer in the nation) or an after-market, off-brand warranty, allowing you to use an independent repair shop. You can also independently locate and purchase an extended warranty, but be very careful if you go that route. Make sure you do your research before purchasing from an independent company.

Instructions

Dealer Purchase

1

Discuss extended warranty options while you're in the finance office purchasing your used Toyota. The finance manager will offer you warranty options. Dealers usually offer different brands and coverage, but do ask about the Toyota extended plans if you are not offered one.

2

Discuss your annual mileage and intended length of ownership with the finance manager. Go over your options and prices based on your needs. For example, if you intend to keep your Toyota until it dies, a Toyota brand warranty offers coverage for up to 125,000 miles or eight years, whichever comes first.

3

Determine if you'll need a bumper-to-bumper warranty or just powertrain coverage. If you have a base model without power features, a bumper-to-bumper warranty may prove more costly than it's worth. The Toyota brand warranty offers only three levels of coverage, while many after-market brands have five or more different levels. Be sure to discuss all of your options.

4

Review the "covered repairs" list, which the finance manager will provide for your review, to confirm that the coverage is adequate. Ask about the deductible, the money you have to pay out of pocket for repairs. This is an important consideration in choosing warranty coverage. Some warranties have no deductible, while others require hundreds of dollars for each occurrence.

5

Find out where each warranty is accepted before making a decision. Discuss the price. If financing your Toyota, it's possible to add the cost into your loan. If not, pay cash or work out a payment plan with the finance manager, if the warranty company allows it.

6

Sign the paperwork for your warranty. Keep a copy of your paperwork in the glove box in case you need the information.

Independent Purchase

7

Check with your insurance provider to find out if extended coverage plans are offered. GEICO is one insurer that offers one. Search online for other extended-warranty companies (see Resources for a recommended list), but proceed with caution. Some warranty companies have bad reputations.

8

Review the coverage options for any possible warranty purchases. Call if you have any questions, such as whether or not your car is approved for extended coverage. Some companies, such as GEICO, require that the vehicle be fairly new, and do not provide coverage for older cars.

9

Find out if the warranty company requires an inspection before extending coverage. Go to the Better Business Bureau website to review extended warranty companies (see Resources). It may prove difficult to purchase a warranty once your Toyota is outside of the manufacturer's warranty coverage, although you may find some. Make sure you have spoken to someone and have verified all information.

10

Contact a representative to purchase the warranty you want. Inquire about payment plans or pay with your credit card. If required by the company you've chosen, have the vehicle inspected.

11

Keep your warranty paperwork and important phone numbers in your glove box.