I can give a "worst case" scenario because we just helped a customer who went through one less than 3 weeks ago. It was a Hot Spot 'Rhythm' model, the tub was exactly 2.5 years old (2 year component warranty) and he called us with some issues, ended up being a Pump, Topside control/Motherboard, Temp Sensor, and a few other misc. repairs to the tune of about $1,900 in total. Is this scenario very common? No not really, and I'm not trying to scare you off but I just wanted to give you a real world example of what can happen right after warranty is up or right after purchasing one where warranty does not transfer.