Topic: Powertrain warranty up - recommendations?

[jtmann]

Hello. I have a 2007 Camry - the powertrain warranty is up next month.

I maintain it well (have had it for about two years) and, fingers crossed, have not had any problems with it so far.

I last had it inspected/regular maintenace service (per Toyota manual) about six months ago (at a reputable shop, not the dealer - don't get me started on dealers....mine in particular, who seems to be little more than a cash grabber....).

Given the powertrain warranty is about to expire is there any merit at all in bringing it to the dealer for one "last inspection" before the warranty is up. Not even sure what they would inspect or whether they'd just do a regular maintenance/oil and filter.

Thoughts and suggestions welcome...
Thanks!

[aquadorhj]

i think for that year, camry, be it 2.4 I4 or 3.5 V6, both are rock solid motors, i think.

only thing i would look into, if anything, is how the transmission is behaving.  if it's normal, i wouldn't worry about it.

if it feels weird in any way, maybe have a qualified mechanic take a look at it or have it noted at the dealership.

[ovr50]

We have a '05 Highlander V6 with about 93K on it now. It has been out of warranty since April of 2009. No issues other than normal operating items, eg brakes.

I see no point in rechecking it or buying any extended warranty, given the great reliability record on those cars. Put the warranty money aside for possible future repairs, and don't worry about it.

[No H2O]

Hello. I have a 2007 Camry - the powertrain warranty is up next month.

Its only 5 years old. You remind me of someone who always traded their car before the 3 year warranty expired because they were paranoid of the thing breaking down. I told him...stop buying domestic cars.

My Honda, now in its 13th year, is 7 years out of warranty. I sleep well at night.

[DKaz]

I've driven Hondas and Toyotas with over 300,000 km on the clock regularly between Vancouver and Edmonton. Never had a worry I would somehow get stranded on the highway.

My Mazda 5 with 155,000km, not quite as confident.

To answer your question, you have a 96,000km service coming up? Get them to fully inspect everything. Get everything that needs to be replaced replaced. Get a second opinion if you feel like it. You shouldn't have a problem though.

[articsteve]

Get them to fully inspect everything. Get everything that needs to be replaced replaced.

Such as 


I maintain it well (have had it for about two years) and, fingers crossed, have not had any problems with it so far.

I last had it inspected/regular maintenace service (per Toyota manual) about six months ago (at a reputable shop, not the dealer - don't get me started on dealers....mine in particular, who seems to be little more than a cash grabber....).

You're already out of warranty.  Receipts from your reputable shop are worthless on a major powertrain issue.  In addition, if the first 3 years aren't in the Toyota system then you've always been out of warranty since you've owned it.

Your air bag system et al is still in effect as are some evap systems/PCMs.

Just keep on as you were.

[No H2O]

You're already out of warranty.

When did they reduce the 5 year major components warranty?

[articsteve]

When did they reduce the 5 year major components warranty?

They didn't.  The owner did that.  No Toyota services in Toyota system no engine warranty.  I'm not going to bother to look, but I think tranny service is at 96K km.  Could be 48K km, not sure.  Do it yourself or gt it done at Jiffy Lube; worthless for warranty purposes.

OP has no concerns with this vehicle. 

He has no relationship with the dealer so this might not work out, but if he wants a free water pump and drive belt there is a TSB out for 2007 Camry: "weeping water pump".  Of course it would need to have "evidence"  of such.

What the OP should do is KROWN IT.

[No H2O]

No Toyota services in Toyota system no engine warranty. Do it yourself or gt it done at Jiffy Lube; worthless for warranty purposes.

Thats what dealers try to make you believe.

The fact is, the servicing has to be done...it can be done by anyone, but it has to be done.

[johngenx]

I've NEVER had trouble getting warranty service at a dealer despite not have the car serviced by a dealer.  Even servicing my own cars, I've never had problems.

[articsteve]

Stop living in the past. 

Read your new car warranty limitations.  It's right there in black and white.  In Toyota's case; warranty only valid when genuine Toyota parts are used (all companies have same warranty language).   Fluids are parts.  If you can find any language in the warranty section that says otherwise please post.

We are not talking about a failed windshield motor.  This is service directly related to a specific warranty claim.

If you find your Toyota or Nissan for that matter has no service record in either company's system then you are now in "goodwill" territory.  There is no slamming your fist down on the counter waving your Jiffy lube receipts in the air threatening legal action because you have breached the terms of your warranty contract and legally you are SOL.

If circumstances are such that a customer had purchased a Toyota, but lived in an area not serviced by a Toyota dealer, then knowing Toyota and how lenient they are on warranty claims, they would honour the repair with some reasonable documentation.  Transmissions are covered no fault until the first service at 96,000 km so that not an issue.

As for the Big 3; just forget it.


As for the OP, he can, like anyone else with a car, request an inspection of the entire vehicle, but he'll pay for it.  Pointless if vehicle is running OK.

 

[bridgecity]

 Fluids are parts. 
 

What about if your own Toyota dealer doesn't use Toyota fluid.

Case in point.  I went to my local dealer for diff fluid for my Tundra.  I thought I'd use Toyota fluid while under warranty.  Guess what?  None in stock.  They stated they use bulk Esso fluid, semi-synthetic.  The parts guy recommended I go elsewhere to purchase, which I did.  I then called over the service manager and questioned him on warranty, etc.  He said there would be no problem with warranty, as long as I use fluid as spec'd in the manual. 

Another example.  My low km Tundra had no previous service history whatsoever.  I bought from a dealer but called the previous owner.  Previous owner did fluid changes himself.  After my first oil change at the dealer (I normally do these myself but the dealer price is dirt cheap and don't want problems with warranty) they pointed out to me that my waterpump was leaking.  They booked me in and the pump was replaced under warranty.  Shouldn't my powertrain warranty been void if what you say is true Steve? 

[johngenx]

Maybe Toyota and dealers in Ontario are not interested in repeat business, but we haven't used dealers for servicing for a long time, and as I said, never had any issues regarding warranty work.  Now, I do use OE filters and parts and keep receipts and carefully document the services, just in case.  OE filters are one area where the OE part is generally of much better quality anyway.

The Mercedes dealer did note once that my slightly oversized non-OE alloy wheels might cause me problems if steering or suspension parts failed, but otherwise, not being dealer serviced has never been an issue.

I'd be interested to know what warranty costs are for different manufacturers.  Mercedes spent over $10K on warranty repairs on our C230, and probably close to $10K on our E300.  The Forester had one front O2 sensor replaced, for a total of ~$500.  The Corolla had an issue with a variable timing gear oil supply that caused a lot of racket at start up, and that's been it.  Of course, we should have been denied that coverage, not having using Toyota oil (Amsoil, OMG) and not have used a Toyota dealer for oil changes.  Interesting that we weren't even asked about oil change history...

[airbalancer]

I find pricing for service for the local Toyota deal to be reasonable

[No H2O]

Read your new car warranty limitations.  It's right there in black and white.  In Toyota's case; warranty only valid when genuine Toyota parts are used (all companies have same warranty language).   Fluids are parts.  If you can find any language in the warranty section that says otherwise please post.

I wasn't talking about parts. I was talking about servicing.

During the warranty period (and thereafter by choice), I use genuine parts and keep the receipts. I do all the work...that way I know it is done right.

As for engine oil, I use whatever specification they state...I do not have to buy it from Honda. I do get my tranny and dual pump fluid from Honda though.

[No H2O]

Fluids are parts.

What about if your own Toyota dealer doesn't use Toyota fluid.

And they don't! They pump it from drums.

They do sell Toyota fluid at the parts counter, but that is about it.

[No H2O]

Now, I do use OE filters and parts and keep receipts and carefully document the services, just in case.  OE filters are one area where the OE part is generally of much better quality anyway.

The Japanese OE oil filter that came on my Honda was light years ahead in physical quality (I can't comment on filtration qualities) than the cheap Honeywell - Made in Canada Honda oil filters I get from my Honda dealer.

I guess Honda Canada can choose what they sell, since they are covering warranty. But I'd sooner pay a bit more and have the filter that came with my car originally.

There is a world of difference in oil filters, at least physically.

This is an OEM BMW filter made my Mahle...


This is a "pay me now or pay me later slogan" FRAM oil filter for the same vehicle...


Yeah, I really want to install that one ^. 

[airbalancer]

but the top is made to last 25,000km and bottom 5,000 km
over 5,000 km there will be no difference

[dr_spock]

I have used FRAM in my Honda since they came free with the jugs of oils I bought at CT and PartSource.  I guess the next owner of my Civic will find out if that was a good idea.   



Does size matter?   The VW has a change interval twice as long as Honda. 

[bridgecity]

I know for my Pilot, Honda has two part numbers for oil filters.  One made by Honeywell, the other by Nippon(?).  Lately I've been buying Napa filters, which I've read are made by Wix.