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I'm interested in purchasing a 2009 ZO6, but found out is was a GM 'buy-back'. The VIS doesn't show any repetitive dealer repairs, and my understanding is that if the same 'defect' shows up 3 times without remedy, GM is obligated to buy it back under state (MA) lemon laws. Is that correct? VIN 1G1YZ26E295112315. How can I find out the buy-back reason? GM Customer Service 800 222-1020 couldn't help.
Might be someone wrangled a buy back for the valve train issue but it’s going to be like pulling teeth to get them to tell you the truth, especially if there are no entries in the car's file. If you’re in love with it make them throw an extended warranty in the deal and forget about it.
It's possible it was a "goodwill" buyback that didn't necessarily meet Lemon Law requirements, but GM felt obligated to take it back anyway. Both cases are rare (at least with GM), but they happen.
Where is this car priced compared to similar cars? It would have to be significantly less for me to be even the slightest bit interested. Damaged goods for sure.
Other than tracking down the original owner, which isn't going to happen, I can't see any way to find out the reason for the buyback. Certainly not thru GM, they were done with this car years ago.
It's possible it was a "goodwill" buyback that didn't necessarily meet Lemon Law requirements, but GM felt obligated to take it back anyway. Both cases are rare (at least with GM), but they happen.
Where is this car priced compared to similar cars? It would have to be significantly less for me to be even the slightest bit interested. Damaged goods for sure.
Other than tracking down the original owner, which isn't going to happen, I can't see any way to find out the reason for the buyback. Certainly not thru GM, they were done with this car years ago.
Maybe not the orig. owner, but how about the dealer that had to take it back for GM? I'd think that wouldn't be hard to determine fr. Carfax, ViS, etc. No?
GMC once bought back an Envoy from me because it had radio whine that varied with the RPM (kind of like an old 74 Duster I had). They tried the 3 times to fix it, broke a window and dented the door in the process. It took months and actually a phone call from GMC asking me what I thought about the vehicle got the ball rolling as I was able to pick the vehicle I want from within about 500 miles and they would send me there to pick it up. 2nd one was flawless until we sold it with around 50k miles.
So the big question is why did they buy it back? Is it something annoying like my issue or something that affects drivability? I would definitely want an extended warranty and maybe a 30 day test drive. It should be priced beyond great. It could be the heads but that should be documented somewhere. If they did attempt to fix it 3 times the dealer would want to get paid.
Generally, at least in TX, when you purchase the buy back the dealer has to provide you with all the documentation on why it was a buy-back. I had to sign several documents verifying they provided this info. They also usually come with an added warranty. Back in 2008 I purchased a 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT8 from one of my clients who owns a dealership. The car was a buy-back from CA with 20k miles on it & it was bought back for sunroof squeaking & brake squeaking. The dealership showed me the warranty repairs to replace the seal around the sunroof & replaced the brake pads on the Brembo brakes. Other than that the previous owner had ripped off the the lower front splitter on a curb & along with the undermount brake cooling ducts. The dealership replaced the entire front end with a 2007 (integrated splitter) and new brake cooling ducts, plus I got a killer deal on the car.
If the dealership provides documentation on why it was a buy-back & offers an additional warranty, I wouldn’t worry too much.
Maybe not the orig. owner, but how about the dealer that had to take it back for GM? I'd think that wouldn't be hard to determine fr. Carfax, ViS, etc. No?
They may be able to give the info, but I can tell you the dealership I used to work at wouldn't have.
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If they won't disclose the reason(s) for the buy back, you should walk away. I would walk anyway. Tough to sell down the road. Odd the VIS has no negative history.
I had purchased an early 05 in 2004 that GM bought back from me. That car had so many issues it was a nightmare. Not easy to get them to buy back a car.
I wish to thank all my C6 friends for taking the time to respond. This is an '09Z, 2LZ, black on black with 26k miles. The seller is an individual, not a dealer, although he did purchase it from a dealer. Not realizing at the time it was a buy-back, and the dealer not being forthright, he went ahead and signed a 'bunch' of papers, so he said. This is his first Vette, and bought it because his buddy has a similar one. He paid $40k to the dealer a year ago, and is asking $32k after what he discovered. However, there's still no indication of what the issue was/is.
I'm not buying sellers "story" for a minute. First, dealer had to disclose buyback, it's the law. Buyback "branded" title, which sometimes says Lemon Law is a problem. Lots of banks won't finance, buyers are just like you, skeptical.
I'm not buying sellers "story" for a minute. First, dealer had to disclose buyback, it's the law. Buyback "branded" title, which sometimes says Lemon Law is a problem. Lots of banks won't finance, buyers are just like you, skeptical.
Depends on the state unfortunately. Sometimes dealers transfer the car to a different state that does not "brand" the title as "lemon" or "manufacturer buy-back". But I am with you with regards to the seller's story. If it wasn't disclosed to him at the time of sale & neither Carfax or VIS show anything, how did he suddenly find out this information?
Thanks VERY MUCH for the AutoCheck! It confirms the buy back, and also points to the fact the vehicle didn't stay in the hands of the original owner very long. The fact it was auctioned twice, also speaks to a Z with a questionable history. The real question is whether the defect was mechanical or electrical, simple or complex, and is it related to the heads? The seller claims he's run up against myriad dead ends in his quest for the 'truth'...so, it may not be a reasonable acquisition for that reason alone. Again, I REALLY APPRECIATE all your responses! ~ Buzz
11-12-2018, 05:25 PM
Reason For A Corvette Buy-Back?
