purchasing a new Lexus IS350 and they would like to sell me tire and wheel road hazard insurance. Is it woth it?
Tires used to come with a road hazard guarantee, but I don’t think it is included in the price these days. I guess the question is this: How many times have you ruined a tire because of a road hazard and had to replace it?
My guess is that it is one more profit item for the dealer.
I guess it depends on how much they want. I just bought tires, and Road Hazard was $2.00 a tire. What is their asking price?
NO! This is just another profit generator. Of course they would like to sell it to you. I wish I’d thought of this back when I was selling cars. I could be retired, sitting on a beach somewhere, sipping a drink with a small umbrella in it. What a money maker! What a scam. Say, “No, thank you,” and save your money.
It is a profit maker for them. If you like to wear suspenders and belt, then maybe it would be worth it for you. It is really your choice. As a financial investment, it is a poor idea.
Don’t forget this is a tire and WHEEL insurance - and this vehicle comes with 45 series tires - which are known for their great steering rsponse and poor impact resistance.
So…It might be worth it, and it might not.
I think the key to this is: Are you willing to accept that you may have to pay hundreds of dollars to replace dented wheels simply because you’ve had bad luck - or - would your prefer to pay for the insurance, knowing you may never use it.
“Mrs. Johnson, you must have hit a pothole- your right rear wheel is badly bent and the tire has a bulge in the sidewall. You need to have these replaced and then a 4 wheel alignment needs to be done. Your car won’t pass state inspection without the new tire and wheel.”
“Oh, that’s OK. My car’s still under warranty.”
“But this is collision type damage.”
“No problem. I have collision insurance.”
“But the $854.27 cost may be a little under your deductable.”
“You gotta be kidding!”
I see this all the time.
It depends on where you drive. Rural roads and interstate you get few flats. If you drive in the city and the price is right, I would consider it.
When you buy a new car, it is a good idea to decline any extras. This includes clear coat for the paint, scotchguarding the interior, and anything else they try to sell you beyond the car itself. They all tend to be high-cost rip-offs.
Ask your dealer about the cost of a new wheel. A Cadillac CTS 17" wheel, for example, costs around $1000. If you buy the insurance, it will cover for you until the wheel becomes available from scrapyards; possible it already is. I would not buy insurance for tires unless yours are very expensive. $200 for a new tire will not ruin your day too badly but $1000 for a wheel might.