OK...you convinced me that an extended warranty is the way to go. So I've pretty much made up my mind that Warranty Direct is the way to go and I'm feelin' good.

The phone rings yesteday and it's a 'bot from Warranty Direct wanting to know if I had any questions. Well, actually I did. I wanted to know if mods would void the warranty. The 'bot gasped and said "Oh, you can't do anything to improve the performance."

So I said "I can't even change the exhaust?" He said "Wait, I'll check." He comes back and says "You mean like putting Flowmasters on it?" I said "Uh...yeah, something like that." He pronounced that to be OK.

Since it's Xmas & I didn't want the little dude to melt down I didn't pursue it. What I didn't say is that a local shop has a special on a LT header, FF cat & x tube install.

So, after all that, here's my question. Who determins if the car has mods and when? I quess a second question for the group is "If I jump on the great deal for the exhaust, will I be sorry when presented with an opportunity to file a claim on the warranty?"

 

We have an extended warranty & have had no problems as long as the mod does not directly cause the problem. It has a lot to do with the willingness of the dealer to work with you. We have had repairs under the warranty which were borderline, but the dealer worked with us. Here is a list of our mods:

· 427-C5R Racing Block
· Lunati Forged 4.00" stroke crank
· Lunati Billet 6.125" connecting rods
· Lunati custom pistons
· Lunati/Taylor moly file fit rings
· Lunati/King & GM bearings
· Modified LS6 oil pump
· Comp Cams adjustable timing set
· TPIS Throttle Body
· FAST-90 mm Intake
· 42lb Holley injectors
· CNC Stage IV cylinder, dual springs and titanium retainers
· 240-244 114 XER Cam
· Coated StainlessWorks 1¾" Long-tube headers
· Compression 11.5:1
· PCM re-program by Ed Wright at Fastchip & Mike Norris.
· Breathless Performance Vortex Ram Air
· Breathless Performance High-flow Air-bridge
· Throttle-Body Bypass
· Random Tech High-Flow Cats
· Underdrive Pulley
· Z06 3.42 Rear
· Whisper X-Pipe
· 160 Thermostat with Fan Controller
· Vigilante 3-Disk Torque Converter
· FLP Stage IV High-performance Transmission
· B&M Tranny Supercooler
· BeCool Radiator
· QA1 12-Point Adjustable Shocks
· Hotchkis Stabilizer Bars
· Caravaggio Hardtop Conversion for use at the Track
· Chrome caps for the engine
· Custom-etched Chrome Fuel Rail Cover
· Chrome Fender Wall Covers
· Custom-painted Hoodliner
· MagRed Surge/Washer Tanks & Top Shroud
· Dilusi Stage III Racing Brakes
· 18” CCW Track Wheels
· Nitto NT-555RII Extreme R Road Race Tires
· Lowered
· A&A Frame-savers
· B&B PRT Quad Oval Exhaust
· PIAA 1100X Driving/Fog Lamps

 

Warranty Direct has to do an inspection (it costs you $100) before they issue a policy. Presumably, the inspection report would list any mods that you've done at that point. And if they issue you a policy, it would also seem that they would cover the car as is. Anything you add after the policy is issued would be questionable.

I noticed the 'fine' print at the bottom of the email I got from them said no mods, but then they went on to be specific about twin turbochargers ... indicating to me that some mods (maybe even a supercharger?) would be acceptable.

I don't think I'm going to get an extended warranty. It'll cost me $2400 for four years, 100K miles, zero deductible. Plus ... almost everything you hear, including Consumer Reports, says not to get extended warranties, except perhaps on home computers. Statisticallly, the insurance company would not be in business if they didn't make a profit, which means that the consumer loses money.

 

They do Not do an inspection of your car if it still is under the factory warranty. It wont cost a thing.. If anyone needs an extended warranty, a C5 owner should seriously consider this... With seven computer modules, and so many other electrical components, it is almost a no brainer. forget just the engine rear and trans, the HVAC system alone can cost thousands... one seat adjuster is 800 dollars instaled. Oil Pressure sender done at the dealer is anywhere from 350 to 550.(quoted priced from forum members)
Door control modules are 500 each instaled
Water pump 500
alternator installed 600 dollars
Wheel bearing installed 600 dollars
I am thankful Warranty Direct even covers this car.
There are six emissions modules, anyone of them could go and your out 500.
I could go on and on.
If you think these cars dont break down consider Warranty direct has processed 144,000 claims in the last six months without one single complaint.
If you plan on keeping the car, It is a good idea to get one also it is good to have warranty coverage if you decide to sell your car..it will make the sale much more desirable to a potential buyer, and could recoupe half your money on the cost of the warranty

 

Piece of mind is everything. If your on a trip and something goes wrong your at the mercy of everyone. If your at home you can do most of the work yourself if your so inclined. Personally I like going on trips and don't pull my shop behind me so I will be getting a warranty.

 

Evil-twin, I agree that the above are excellent points. It's a great insurance policy. The only thing that scared me away was the "no mods" in the fine print. The factory warranty on my car was up so I had to get the inspection. The way I understand it is when you have a problem you take it to a shop (of your choice) and the WD rep comes out to investigate and then signs off on the repair. I haven't found a shop in my area that I trust yet (haven't needed one so far) so I don't have a history with a tech or the WD rep. It sounds like you do (correct me if I am wrong) because I've noticed that you have modified your car. If I knew then what I know now (famous last words) I would have grilled the inspector, who is also the rep for my area about mods and maybe we could work around the mods. But without knowing this I decided not to take a chance. Don't mean to carry on I am just curious how you guys with modified cars are able to get repairs made with this extended warranty.

 

I accept all these as facts. If you don't think that Warranty Direct knows these as facts as well, then you're kidding yourself. Their job is to determine the average amount they are going to spend on fixing any given car, and pricing the warranty to cover that amount PLUS a tidy profit for them. Yes, it is possible that you will save money buy buying a warranty, but the odds are highly stacked against you. No reasonable person should buy a warranty to save money. The only reason to buy a warranty is for the 'peace of mind' that comes from laying out the cash every month instead of all at once when a repair is needed. If that helps you sleep at night, then by all means, buy a warranty.

 

Knowing what I know about this car( My last active Project as a GM engineer) The potential for problems over ten years is a lot more than the 1200 Ive spent on an after market warranty. Warranty Direct manages their business very well that why the have an " A superior Rating " thats the Highest rating you can get.
Warranty Direct has alread stopped covering Z06's. Warranty Direct has already paid for 3000 dollars worth of fixes for me, and I still have three years and 50,000 miles to go.. if I sold my cAR TODAY and offered the new owner a 3 year zero deductable 50,000 mile warranty.. IT would have to add atleast 600 to 800 dollars to the value of my car, over a car with no warranty.
Most problems can be very very expensive.. e.g. one seat adjuster repair ( rocking seat syndrome) 750 dollars. Forget a blown motor 8500 dollars installed, blown Tansmission 3000 installed, blown differential inatalled 3000 dollars. Hell, a water pump installed At the dealer is 500 dollars. sevem computer modules, six emissions modules two of them over 500 each..
PCM?? suspension , HVAC, on and on..ABS system.

 

they never did and/or asked inspection....in cali, they offer a bit different policy called MBI, mechanical breakdown insurance...my agent never clearly said anything about coverages on aftermarket goodies....instead, he clearly said, most oem parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts....i figured instantly....still, i hope to use less extended warranty....