I would agree that Toyota has a great reputation. However; the TCH like any other car is a machine with parts that can malfunction. Most conventional cars can be fixed by a competent mechanic and there may be systems in the TCH that a regular mechanic can fix. When it comes hybrid sytems the coventional mechanic has not yet had the experience to fix that. Although there may be some that do.

The reason I purchased the extended warranty is that I can take it back to Toyota and have their factory trained mechanics diagnose and fix any potential problem. I know you'll say that the neighborhood mechanic that you've been going to for the past 10, 20 or whatever years is way better than some fo the manufactueres mechanic. That also may be true. However; the Toyota mechanics have the resources of Toyota behind them

The other thing the extended warranty give me is that parts and labor will be paid for. The local mechanic will have to charge me for any work or parts. In the event that the diagnosis is wrong there may be a second or subsequent trip to the local mechanic and the meter keeps ticking. Toyota will continue to correct any potential problem and will cover it under the warranty.

It's an insurance policy. My extended warranty cost me about $900 for 7 years. $100+ per year is an acceptable amount for me. You have to decide.