[KeithO]

There was an article in the printed version (I didn't see it on the website) reporting on people having their warranties voided when they go in for service and the dealer finds out that the owner has been autocrossing. The case-in-point was an Evo owner that ran the car in the local SCCA region. When he took the car in for repairs (admittedly significant), they told him that they knew he was autocrossing it (they wouldn't tell him how they knew) and that he was going to have to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs - $7k.

They also discussed the situation with Subaru where you get a year's SCCA membership with the purchase of a WRX so that you can "experience the full potential of your car".

In the grand scheme of things, I suppose this is fair, but it is something to keep in mind.

[trackbird]

You know, I feel bad for the car companies. Yep, I do. I feel bad for them, but that doesn't mean I think they're right. Hey, it sucks to have to pay out money for shit you didn't think you'd have to. Warranties and insurance are nothing other than legalized gambling. Now, the gambler (the car owner) has changed the odds and the house doesn't like it so they're escorting the gambler out of the casino. Its complete bullshit.

I have bought five new cars and two motorcycles over the years, and not once has someone sat down and explained the warranty, what's covered, and what voids it PRIOR to the sale. Car companies use the warranty as a selling point, and performance as a selling point. They, IMHO, should not be allowed to walk away clean just because someone is making claims they don't like. Either pay up, or stop showing your cars in four wheel drifts in all your ads, and explain the warranty situation prior to the sale and get it in writing that you did so.

I see both sides of this (I used to sell cars).

Side 1.

Performance cars should be bulletproof. Then it would not be an issue. Of course they'd weigh 7200 lbs....

Side 2.

I buy a car and decide I don't like it. I decide to "break something" (6k clutch drops will break stuff many times). The third time I take it in, I try to "lemon law" it. Now, in this case, there was nothing wrong with the car, "I" (figuratively) destroyed 3 sets of driveline components and now want the dealer to buy it back. However, if they void my warranty on the second "clutch explosion" (driveshaft failure, etc), they are protected from my stupidity.

Practical example.

If I decide to come buy a car from you (anyone, not picking on Al). Show up, hand you cash, get the title. Pull out, stand it on the rev limiter, dump the clutch, and something breaks. Will you fix it or give me my money back on the spot?

Should the dealer?

Now back to our regularly scheduled discussion......