Break factory warranty to customize my '02 GT???!!!

[J-Tran]

Hello,

I was wondering if any of you have opinions about breaking the factory warranty.

I just purchased a 2002 Celica GT. Being an import car enthusiast, I can't wait to begin customizing my new car.

However, to do so would most likely break the factory warranty.

On the other hand, my friend said that the factory warranty really was NOT a big deal, as Toyota automobiles have proven to be very reliable.

Also, I've heard that if TRD parts are installed by approved mechanics, the warranty will still be valid. Is this true??

For example, I've got my eye on the Greddy EVO cat-back exhaust system. However, my assumption is that if I had this installed, I would void my warranty -- possibly the warranty on the engine itself.

Is voiding the factory warranty a big deal, in your opinion, or should I go ahead and customize?!!!!!!!!!

-- Jason

[Oo DaRk StAr oO]

Anything Aftermarket. Now something like the TRD exhaust has a warranty ONLY if the Toyota Mech's install it. Now thats not warranty the car only the exhaust. Toyota will still give you a load of poop over it. Face it.. you mod... no warranty.

[Oo DaRk StAr oO]

Sorry to sound blunt... its late :chuckles:

[CeliRacer]

This is the thing about warranties. You can put whatever aftermarket product on your car as you please. It would not void your warranty ONLY if the aftermarket part was the cause of it. Here is some more info about it. http://www.sema.org/content/?ID=22238&criteria=warranty

From what I can remember of TRD products installed by the dealership, If you get the part installed by the dealership, the part and the installation is warrantied for 3yrs/36000 miles or the balance of your warranty. If it is installed by a shop, ONLY the part itself is warrantied for 1yr/12000 miles.

Oh, and the GReddy Evo is a nice exhaust. If you like that nice big canister, without all the noise it is the way to go.

[XYRCNCP]

Originally posted by J-Tran
Hello,

I was wondering if any of you have opinions about breaking the factory warranty.

I just purchased a 2002 Celica GT. Being an import car enthusiast, I can't wait to begin customizing my new car.

However, to do so would most likely break the factory warranty.

On the other hand, my friend said that the factory warranty really was NOT a big deal, as Toyota automobiles have proven to be very reliable.

Also, I've heard that if TRD parts are installed by approved mechanics, the warranty will still be valid. Is this true??

For example, I've got my eye on the Greddy EVO cat-back exhaust system. However, my assumption is that if I had this installed, I would void my warranty -- possibly the warranty on the engine itself.

Is voiding the factory warranty a big deal, in your opinion, or should I go ahead and customize?!!!!!!!!!

-- Jason

1. You WANT the warranty for this car, not that the car is bad, but eventually you will need it.
2. CeliRacer is right, unless they prove your mod caused the fault, they cannot deny you warranty. They cannot say, "hey because you have that exhaust, we cannot replace your headlight"..
3. I lease, do I give a damn?, nope cuz I'm keeping this sucker or paying it off.

So, with that said.....HAPPY MODDING!!! :D

[SilverRide]

Here`s a copy& paste concerning TRD warranties:

00602-XXXXX-XXX Most TRD parts begin with this prefix, and TRD's warranty on these parts is as follows: "If parts are installed by the customer, TRD Level 1 Sport Parts (those with a 00602 prefix) are warranted for defects in material and workmanship for 12 months from date of purchase. If they are installed by a Toyota dealer on a brand-new Toyota, Level 1 Sport Parts enjoy the same warranty as your vehicle--3 years or 36,000 miles. If your Toyota is less than new but still has some warranty remaining, your Level 1 Sport Parts will be warranted for the remainder of your new vehicle warranty if they are installed by a Toyota dealer."

00642-XXXXX-XXX TRD's warranty on Level 2 Sport parts is as follows: "Level 2 Sport Parts (those with a 00642 prefix) are warranted for 12 months from date of purchase for defects in material and workmanship only."

00643-XXXXX-XXX TRD's warranty on Level 3 Race/Off Road parts is as follows: "TRD Race/Off-Road parts (those with a 00643 prefix) are sold "as is" without any warranty. They are for racing or off-road purposes only and are not legal for street use. Vehicle warranty may be void if Race/Off-Road parts are installed."

[2002GT_Celica]

Yeah, unless the parts you put on are PROVEN to cause your car's problems (hopefully you won't have any), then they cannot deny you warranty. You may have a hard time getting the dealership to honor that warranty since a lot of them are really picky about mods. :(

[J-Tran]

Originally posted by CeliRacer
Oh, and the GReddy Evo is a nice exhaust. If you like that nice big canister, without all the noise it is the way to go.

Just loud enough to sound cool, but not so loud as to be too obnoxious, right?

In terms of looks, I like the Greddy the best; the TRD system does not look much different from the stock exhaust.

Anybody know where to find the performance figures for the handful of exhuast systems for the Celica?

Anyway, thanks for all of your opinions so far. I appreciate any info you can give me.

- Jason

[CeliRacer]

The GReddy on the celica doesn't make any noise. It is just as quiet as the stock one.

Here the link for the exhaust systems. Most of the exhausts there have intakes too. www.newcelica.org/other/dyno/index.htm