[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.

[CMC#5]

Look, I realize that there's got to be a line somewhere. However, that line is not your warranty in its entirety being voided if you attend one HPDE day. First of all, there are plenty of legitimate claims that could happen even if you race the stupid car: a/c, electrical, stereo, etc etc etc. Second of all, if they void your warranty for any reason, they should be forced to return to you the expected value of that warranty.

When you bought the vehicle, part of that sales price covers expected warranty claims. Whatever that number is, if they're going to cancel it, they should give it back. Its like calling up your insurance company and canceling your policy, they give you your money back.

The bottom line is they're screwing the consumer. They advertise cars based on performance and warranties. Then they charge you money for warranty coverage. Then they give you an SCCA membership (in Subarus case). Then they tell you the warranty is void, but they keep your money. Somebody needs to sue those bastards.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for people taking responsibility for their actions, and NO I don't think Subaru should replace your transmission if you go racing. BUT I do think they should've told you ahead of time that IF you go racing they wont replace it.