Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.
The Toyota name comes with recognition–drivers can rest assured that they own one of the most reliable, trusted brands on the road today. However, even the best vehicles will eventually break down with age and added mileage.
To help with potentially costly repairs, consider an extended warranty from Toyota or a vehicle service plan from a third-party provider like CARCHEX. With an extended warranty from a third-party provider like CARCHEX, you can save thousands on what would be expensive trips to the repair shop.
Read on to learn the difference between a Toyota extended warranty and a CARCHEX vehicle service plan.
How to Get the Best Coverage for Your Toyota
Buying a Toyota means you’re driving a new vehicle from one of the most trusted vehicle manufacturers worldwide. While Toyota is known for superior performance, safety, and lasting power, even the best vehicle needs repairs and servicing in their lifetime.
You may want extended coverage sooner rather than later. Toyota’s new car warranty only lasts for three years or 36,000 months. Rust-through and powertrain coverage lasts a little longer at five years or 60,000 miles. Since Toyotas are known for reliability, it’s likely you’ll want to keep your Toyota longer than that.
Once your original coverage expires, having an extended warranty or vehicle service plan in place means you’ll have peace of mind whenever a mechanical breakdown occurs.
Toyota Coverage Options
When it comes to selecting Toyota coverage, you can primarily choose from two different options: one of the manufacturer’s extended warranty plans or a vehicle service contract from a third-party provider, like CARCHEX.
Toyota Extended Car Warranties
Known as Toyota Vehicle Service Agreements, manufacturer-backed Toyota extended warranties come in three tiers. The company recommends coverage if your vehicle is less than three years old and has fewer than 36,000 total vehicle miles. Like many manufacturer plans, Toyota extended warranties can be transferred if you sell your vehicle before your coverage period ends.
Platinum Protection
The Platinum Toyota extended warranty provides coverage for nearly all parts of your vehicle, save a small list of exclusions. in different increments up to 10 years/125,000 miles. If your Toyota is used, term lengths aren’t as generous and max out at five years or 60,000 miles.
The plan comes with towing to the nearest Toyota dealership. You’ll also be reimbursed up to $50 a day (maximum of five days) for rental cars in the event of a mechanical issue with your car. If you’re more than 150 miles from home and break down, Toyota will pay up to $100 per day for your meals and lodging. However, this is limited to $500 over the life of your agreement.
Gold Protection
The Gold Toyota extended warranty also provides coverage to your vehicle in different increments up to eight years or 125,000 miles. Used Toyotas can only be covered up to five years or 60,000 miles.
Toyota’s Gold Protection covers everything under Powertrain Protection, plus the following parts and systems:
- Suspension
- Steering
- Fuel system
- Cooling system
- Air conditioning/heating
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Computers and electronics
- Hybrid/alternative fuel
The plan also comes with a towing reimbursement, and you’ll be covered up to $35 a day (up to five days) for rental cars and $50 for your meals and lodging (up to four days) if your car breaks down more than 150 miles from home.
Powertrain Protection
The Powertrain Toyota extended warranty also provides coverage for six years or 100,000 miles. A used Toyota can be covered up to two years or 24,000 miles.
As the cheapest of Toyota’s vehicle service agreements, the Powertrain Protection plan ironically covers the most vital and expensive-to-fix components of your vehicle. This includes the engine, manual and automatic transmission, and the axle assembly (front, rear, four-wheel and all-wheel drive).
The plan comes with towing reimbursement, and you’ll be reimbursed up to $35 a day (up to five days) for rental cars. If your car breaks down more than 150 miles from home, Toyota pays up to $50 for your meals and lodging (up to four days).
What Isn’t Covered by a Toyota Care Extended Warranty?
While the Toyota vehicle service contracts offer protection for your aging vehicle, the plans do not cover everything. Here are some parts of your Toyota that won’t be covered by the Toyota extended warranty:
Batteries |
Chrome |
Door trim |
|---|---|---|
Accessory drive belts |
Bumpers |
Glass (windshields and mirrors) |
Clutch friction disc and pressure plate |
Carpet |
Hybrid vehicle battery pack |
Body panels |
Filters |
Spark plugs |
Rotors and drums |
Fluids |
Tires |
Brake linings, pads, and shoes |
Dash cover and pad |
Door fabric |
Cover Repair Costs With Toyota Extended Warranties
According to RepairPal, Toyotas cost $441 per year to maintain and repair on average. Toyota is king of the road and continues to be ranked within the top three vehicle manufacturers by Consumer Reports, but certain models are prone to defects, service issues, and reliability issues that potentially need to be addressed. In a single visit to your mechanic, one issue could cost you thousands of dollars unless you have Toyota extended warranty coverage.
More specifically, here are costs Toyota Camry drivers most frequently pay for repairs, according to RepairPal.
Toyota Camry Repair |
Cost |
|---|---|
$123–$159 |
|
$269–$325 |
|
$314–$463 |
|
$1,023–$1,088 |
|
$2,084–$2,466 |
CARCHEX Vehicle Service Plans
If you’re considering an extended warranty from Toyota, compare the company’s coverage options against third-party vehicle service plans before committing to a contract. Many drivers find budget-friendly, flexible vehicle coverage through companies like CARCHEX.
In fact, drivers of new, used, and certified pre-owned Toyotas can benefit from an additional 10 years of protection with a CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan.
Here’s a look at the five levels of coverage available from CARCHEX. We offer many protection plans within these five levels, so you can further customize your coverage to get the vehicle service protection you need.
- Titanium Coverage—Our highest level of coverage, with protection for most vehicle parts and systems
- Platinum Coverage—Our highest level of stated-component coverage
- Powertrain Plus Coverage—Our plan that’s perfect for vehicles with high mileage, covering all major systems of the vehicle
- Powertrain Coverage—Our plan that protects you from expensive engine and transmission repairs
- Extra Car Coverage—Our plan plan that enhances existing powertrain coverage to add protection for parts in additional systems, such as suspension and steering
Choosing a Third-Party Vehicle Service Contract
While Toyota Vehicle Service Agreements may seem appealing, know there are other options available that put more power in your hands. When you purchase coverage from a third-party provider like CARCHEX, you gain the following:
- No interest—When you buy a vehicle service plan from a third-party vehicle protection plan provider, you are buying a separate product. If you were to purchase a Toyota extended warranty and had an auto loan, Toyota may roll the warranty price into your car purchase, so you end up paying interest on the contract. At CARCHEX, we believe in low monthly payments with no interest attached.
- Flexibility—With a CARCHEX plan, you won’t have to take your vehicle to the Toyota dealer for repairs and be limited to using their parts. You can choose from our network of more than 30,000 mechanics.
- Custom plans—Only pay for the coverage you need. With 21 contracts and optional add-ons, you can customize your coverage, even if your Toyota is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Why Choose CARCHEX Vehicle Service Plans
Choosing to go third-party when it comes to your Toyota vehicle coverage is a good idea, and it gives you covered repair options beyond what the dealership offers. However, not all of these options are the same. See how CARCHEX stacks up against the competition:
- CARCHEX has over 20 years of experience in the vehicle protection business. That’s more than most other third-party providers.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives CARCHEX an A+ rating for customer satisfaction.
- CARCHEX has trusted partners and endorsements throughout the industry, including Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and CARFAX.
Different vehicle service agreement providers offer different perks. At CARCHEX, our VSAs cover these basic benefits:
- Affordable payment options—Save money through our flexible, low monthly payment plans. What’s more, we offer a No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™, so you don’t have to fight for savings.
- Thousands of repair shop options—You won’t have to use a Toyota dealer to get your car fixed unless that’s your preference.
- 30-day money-back guarantee—Was your vehicle service plan not what you expected? We promise to give you your money back.
- Vehicle service plan extras—Going with CARCHEX comes with services that provide peace of mind, like free roadside assistance, and benefits for rental cars, gas deliveries, tows, and travel protection trip interruption.
- Claims paid directly to the repair facility—You won’t have to wait around for a reimbursement check.
Exclusions, restrictions, and deductibles apply. Consult your CARCHEX contract for more details or reach out to our team with your coverage questions today.
Protect Your Toyota Today
Find a protection plan to fit your budget the easy way with CARCHEX. Our dedicated team can match a personalized plan to any used or new Toyota model and year for complete coverage of your car, truck, hybrid, or SUV.
At CARCHEX, we’ve spent every one of our 20+ years in business dedicated to “Customer Service Above All.” Our auto coverage company can help you cover the cost of car repairs and much more.
Sources:
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/toyota
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/spark-plug-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/brake-pad-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/ignition-coil-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/exhaust-manifold-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/head-gasket-replacement-cost
Better Business Bureau:
https://www.bbb.org/us/md/hunt-valley/profile/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-0011-23015869