Warranty Tossed by Competition...Again
 

Pretty upset with Chevy. This is somewhat of a :reposthorse: issue but it is very aggravating. A member of our Camaro community bought a 1LE based on all the advertisements about a track ready and competitive vehicle. He autocrosses once or twice a month. He has issues with his transmission and they determine he races competitively due to the damage of the issues (several internal part failures).

So

1) the car should not have issues from what he does, or the advertising is flawed.

2) Advertising the abilities of and emphasizing a track ready car then failing to disclose warranty voided for ANY competition driving.

:emoticon1:

I was debating a Stingray. Thinking I am done buying new vehicles from them unless Chevy changes this warranty. Just buy used and mod the hell away. But the social media posts, articles forums etc. all bragging about these top of the line performance cars then you do one drag, road course, or autoX, and the car brakes...easy way to hide your product isn't that good OR just another shady sales to rip off a customer IMO. Tired of corporations just taking more and more for profit.

If he is in "Competition" then yes they can,but if he is only "Tracking" his car then there is no way they can.This car is sold and marketed as a "Track car" so there are legal issues that he can pursue,but i would contact GM first,

Bad news. Tracking is racing. So voided too.

.."The New Vehicle Limited Warranty
does not cover damage caused as
the result of any of the following:
. Collision, fire, theft, freezing,
vandalism, riot, explosion,
or objects striking the vehicle
. Misuse of the vehicle such as
driving over curbs, overloading,
racing, or other competition.
Proper vehicle use is discussed
in the owner manual.
. Alteration, modification,
or tampering to the vehicle,
including, but not limited to the
body, chassis, powertrain,
driveline, software, or other
components after final assembly
by GM." .

Hmm, these two seem to be in direct contrast. Your vehicle's warranty can or will be voided upon placing it on track depending upon which document you read.

I would take it to a small town dealer. At least call one. Explain your situation straight-up, and see if they're still willing to do the work. I've had MUCH better luck taking my car to a small-town shop than in a larger city. Small guys will work for your business.

The fact this even has to be debated is what bothers me. You sell a car advertising it's superiority in track/racing but won't back it up NOR disclose it to buyers. Find out in the fine print AFTER an issue arises. Yeah. GM politics can be shady at times.

A track day isn't competition,they cant void it. Watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16nyCdbVdM8

The word "racing" or "competition" is often tossed in the mix when drivers attend open track days. The two words can be detrimental to both insurance and warranty.

At driver improvement events, with instruction and NO lap times we explicitly explain to the drivers that they are not "racing".

Unfortunately it sounds like you friend autocrosses which is considered racing and competition as it is timed. I know it is symantics, but it does change things.

My two thoughts:

This situation underlines the importance of building a relationship with your dealer as they are the link between you and GM.....IE: they can help or hurt any warranty situation.

There are always two side to every story. We do not and will never know if the owner was jamming the car into say 2nd at WOT and on occasion forced it in there and one day it broke. Autocross can be very abusive to the driveline.

-Matt

post a picture of this 1LE... if it's mostly stock and you shutup I think it would get fixed. If it's all modded up with racing mods, then yea it could be a problem.

If you want to autocross, shift to 2nd and keep it there. This should limit having transmission/clutch issues.

Should've bought a ZL1. Track day warranty is covered!

It's not my car so no pics sorry. The driver competes locally and regionally. He is an accomplished driver, he isn't shifting improperly etc. No mods. Dealers look at tracking for time as competition. Their words. He elevated to Chevy, they shot him down. Also, why should I "shop around" for a dealer who overlooks the fine print? Bottom line again, why are we having this debate? Chevy sells you on a trackable car, sells you a warranty that is voided as soon as they find an out, i.e. you track it. Go buy a Z28, track it and good luck if it has an issue. There are several threads on this topic and I find it troubling. "Should of bought a ZL1?" Really??? Did the dealer disclose this fine print then? I love my Camaros... Yes I own two. But I find this sale tactic shady and do not let my love of them blind the fact this tactic is underhanded. Frustrated and done venting but I find we should be outspoken instead of forgiving on this. I don't think I will buy new ever again. Hell I am helping the Camarocross out. I wonder if the participants know they are voiding their warranty? Should I tell them?

Man, you are getting pretty worked up over an issue that's not even yours. And I was kidding when I said they should've bought a ZL1. Didn't know it would get you all riled up! I am sorry if you took offense!

If I were you, since you are going to be at CamaroFest in 2 weeks, wait and talk to Al Oppenheiser. He was at the last few, so hopefully he will make it there again this year. Get your answer straight from the top! I know he personally helped a buddy of mine get his convertible top replaced under warranty. I have also spoken with him specifically about the warranty of the ZL1 and he told me that if the car is being used for the intended purposes (on the track) and something breaks, it will be covered under warranty. Hopefully your buddy (through you since he isn't posting about this) will find out a similar response from Al for the 1LE.

I did my research before buying my car, and my dealer didn't disclose anything to me about the warranty at the time of purchase. In fact, I knew more about the car than my dealer. I would assume anyone would do their research on the warranty before purchasing a car, especially if it was a performance car I had thought about taking to the track.

No offense taken and I hope non received. These forums can be hard to interpret messages at times. Chevy informed my friend ZL1 not covered either. So unless Al gets to answer every phone call on this, what is said and what is done are two different matters. There are other threads. This isn't a stand alone event. Since I "track and misuse" my two Camaros it stands to reason I should be concerned. As any customer should. But enough of this palaver. It is what is. I will warn people as I see fit. I will let the Fest Camarocross leader make the call on warning people. Insurance is a whole other bag of tricks...

Well Mike, you'll definitely get your opportunity to speak to the powers to be. I agree this is gray area that can bite you in the a$$. 1LE is a track capable car just like the ZL1 and warranty should be the same.

I'm betting a different dealer may have a different opinion on the subject