Is the Toyota Certified Used deal worth anything?

[BamBam]

I am looking at an FJ that is "Toyota Certified". Is that worth any sort of a premium over buying an FJ from an individual? I know it says the powertrain warranty goes to 7/100,000, but I must ask about this.

I had a Nissan Certified Pre-Owned that had the same deal and they didn't cover jack crap. I completely broke down in Baker, California and was given the tough crap treatment (which is why I sold it and am looking for a Toyota). I just thought I'd ask the experts here.

Thanks for any info.

[BendFJ]

It is if you have to use it. I used my warranty when my 100 series had a faulty cracked manifold. The repair would have cost over $800, but with the coverage...$50.
BendFJ

[FJCamel]

Well, i think that getting from a certified dealer allows you to go back and fight
Abdul

[BamBam]

Not sure I follow. Do you mean fight when you have a problem and need it repaired? I am just wondering if the list of exceptions is so long that they don't cover anything because they claim everything is a "wear part" or that it was due to neglect. That is the crap Nissan pulls, even on things that have TSB's on because they were a design defect, but they still refuse to pay for them.

The exceptions they have make it nearly impossible to get anything paid for. I was just wondering if the Toyota certified pre-owned warranty was all lip service as well.

[1911]

I'm shopping for a late-model Corolla for one of my daughters right now. The "Certified" ones I see on the dealer's used-car lot have prices very close to a new one. Of course, they say they'll come down but not how much. As far as I can tell, the 7/100,000 power train warranty just means you're buying an expensive extended warranty insurance policy (that they make a huge profit on) folded into in to their inflated price. The whole process/deal irritates me, but I don't like and don't buy extended warranties on anything. Not sure what I'll do to get that Corolla, but I'm thinking about trying a buying service just so I don't have to deal with used car salesmen. Anyone have any comments about those?

[uphill]

1911 previously said:

I'm thinking about trying a buying service just so I don't have to deal with used car salesmen. Anyone have any comments about those?

I recommended that to BAMBAM a couple of weeks ago when I heard of his trouble. I've used carsdirect.com with good results (for a daughter's Honda Civic) and more recently I've used my credit union's buying service to purchase the last 3 cars I've bought including the Toyota FJ. I will do it again on ANY NEW CAR PURCHASE.

Buying Service: No hassles, good price, and the people I deal with are nice. At the end of the experience I don't want to rip somebody's arm out of the socket and beat them to death with it. I'm not a fan of dealership sales people. The last car I bought from a dealer was through my next-door-neighbor who owns the local Toyota Dealership - that was in 2002. He sold us their newspaper loss-leader for my oldest daughter (a Camry). But that wasn't from a sales person.

BAMBAM - I have not had good luck with extended warranty programs from anyone - unless it is a FACTORY warranty directly from Toyota Corporate. I had one of those some time ago, the engine in my Supra blew up and they put in a new one along with associated stuff to the tune of $13,000. In situations where the dealer sells their policy, my experience is all less than happy.

[1911]

uphill previously said:

Buying Service: No hassles, good price, and the people I deal with are nice. At the end of the experience I don't want to rip somebody's arm out of the socket and beat them to death with it. I'm not a fan of dealership sales people. The last car I bought from a dealer was through my next-door-neighbor who owns the local Toyota Dealership - that was in 2002. He sold us their newspaper loss-leader for my oldest daughter (a Camry). But that wasn't from a sales person.

Thanks L., that is encouraging. I will check out carsdirect on-line, assuming they work in Texas too. If not there are local ones advertising here.

The one other thing I will probably try is the Lexus dealer where I bought a car for my wife last year - that was the most astounding new car transaction I have ever had. No histronics, no BS, no nothing. Armed with inside information from someone here on this forum, I told them what I would pay for the car and why and they said OK on the spot with no counter-offers or meeting the sales manager, etc. That was it - I picked up the car a week later (it was at a different dealer) again with zero pressure for financing or extrended warranty. I said "no" once and that was all it took. So I guess I will call that salesman back (if he's still there) and see if they have any Corollas or Civics on the used car lot.

[neworleansparrothead]

Never heard of a buying service guys. I think I could do well in that job!!!!

[BamBam]

My problem is that I've figured out prices that work with dealers on new ones.... it's just that nobody has the vehicle I want in stock. They are all overloaded with options that I don't need. I have done a good job negotiating. I could easily get one for invoice (or extremely close) from a dealer here at this point (found two dealers that are moving and are more motivated to move a vehicle).

I just can't find anybody that has one with all-terrain, convenience package, and in the right color (sandstorm or Voodoo blue). That is why I'm looking the used route now. It seems a bit easier to find the right options for the price. Then again, the problem is that it's used and that should take a bit off the top right there, but there isn't much of a price difference between brand new and a one year old Toyota on pricing unfortunately.

If it were a Ford Explorer it would be like $13,000. Unfortunately.... then I'd be stuck with a Ford Explorer... so I guess that's the way it goes when you buy a Toyota. You get what you pay for!

[RocketJohn]

My issues with so many "Certified" cars and trucks out there being peddled by dealers is their past history... many are rental cars... you really have to do a CarFax to understand its history... shady ****e out there... be careful...