toddhale010

Hi all, I'm still researching everything I can as we're getting ready to purchase a new or nearly new Vette. It appears that the best deals on new Vettes are found farther away from me and I have no issue driving or flying somewhere to pick one up but I'm concerned about getting warranty repairs done locally if I purchase one elsewhere. I see that many forum members on here have gone away from their local dealers to save money on a new Vette, have any of you had issues taking that car to your local dealer for warranty work to be done? The reason I'm concerned is from buying new boats, jet ski's, and motorcycles in the past when I've shopped around for the best pricing I've always heard the local dealers say "Well if you don't buy it from us don't bring it to us when it's broke expecting us to do the warranty work". That has always been a very irritating thing to me but I can understand that they're frustrated when they miss out on sales because someone down the road is selling cheaper. I unfortunately don't have a local dealer that stocks more than 1 corvette so unless I order new from them I'm most likely going to be buying away from home.

frankb

I bought mine in Iowa and I live in KC,MO. and have it serviced in Kansas at Hendrick Chevy

z28lt1

Most dealers are good at servicing cars that were not bought at their place...after all they do get paid for warranty work. However, from reports on this forum, there are definitely a few that have taken that attitude if you didn't buy with them, they don't want to help you afterwards. I think you can't generalize based upon experience here what will happen to you, it is dealer specific. It seems much less of a problem than with other things (i've seen people get put on a 2 month waiting list to get their snow blowers fixed under warranty in winter since they will prioritize the ones that were bought there first).

It may be worth a call to your favorite dealer's service manager and have a polite chat.

Mike Campbell

The reality is that the dealership actually make more money on service than they made on selling cars. It's a constant cash flow and they're held to honor the Corporation's product everywhere you go. I've never had a problem, but, a wise thing to do is take off any other dealer's logo or name on your car. Just saying!

defaria

The warranty is with GM, not a specific dealer.

Zjoe6

speed4tu

Warranty is good everywhere. I've never had any issues with motorcycles or anything. Only downside is theres a better chance you won't get a loaner car while yours is in for service if it's not the purchasing dealer.

1SG_Ret

Generally, any dealer will service a car under warranty without an issue. If you think about it, when you roll up to the service center, you are greeted as the guy takes your key and puts the ticket on the mirror. He has no clue/nor does the mechanic whether you bought the car there or not. Just what's on the work order. I've not found that I've ever received preferential treatment for buying a car at the dealership. Just another one of the "herd".

That being said, if your local dealer is small, you may find that the tech servicing your car may not be the most adept when working on a Corvette. Bigger dealership that sell more Corvettes, usually have a specialist or two that understand the car better than a general service guy. So there is that.

449er

There are a minority of dealers that may give you the cold shoulder, but I wouldn't let that stop you from chasing after the best deal that you can make. Your warranty is good through any dealership. What ever local dealership that you choose will get paid for warranty work through GM, most dealerships make their money through service more so than selling cars

23/C8Z

Best advice I received regarding this subject from the most knowledgeable Corvette guy I know was

go to your local dealer and talk to the service manager, introduce yourself. Tell him her about the car and your expectations vs what they can deliver if you bring it there.

you'll know early on if it's the place for you.

I, and we in my area, are very lucky to have one of the better Corvette techs at a dealer only 25 miles away (seacoast Chevrolet) I went in and spoke with the service manager after a few email exchanges only to find out that he also owns a Corvette.

nothing makes you feel warmer than leaving your car in the hands of a caring tech / service manager. I tip them both well. Because to me? The 50 to 100 bucks spent on a visit is peace of mind and it never fails. How much is your peace of mind worth? A few extra bucks to some people that aren't expecting it goes a long way in service industry at least imo and experiences.

to anyone who thinks that's absurd? Mayne it is. But I also believe in karma. It makes ME feel good knowing i didnt set myself up for disappointment. It's not always going to go right. But if it doesn't? Rest assured those you took care of will take care of you in end (and if they don't? Find a new place because they're out there).

good luck and only thing you need to do is give your local dealer (or where you plan to service the car after possibly purchasing elsewhere) the opportunity to match or beat the deal. If they don't come close? They can't say boo to you.

orca1946

All Chevy dealers will honor it. Try to make nice when returning to them for service as that is where they make most of their money.

rogergcam

I live in a small town in North Florida. I am reluctant to go out of town to purchase items, for several reasons. I try to buy local when I can!
I don't see the big Vette sellers paying property taxes to MY school district. I don't see them hiring my neighbor! I don't see them doing anything for my hood, except taking money out of it. We often wonder what happened to main street merchants, well this is part of the problem. Shop locally, even if it costs more!

hope2

Yes, a little grease goes a long way.

Rebel Yell

That's the ticket. If you need warranty work, just pull 'er into the bay, and tell them what you need. There's no need to mention where you bought the car. I have 2 local dealers in my country, and both send me notices that they would like to have my business when the car needs service. I didn't buy from either. They just want the business.

Corgidog1

The dealer has to service your car under warranty whether or not you bought it from them-I thought everyone knew that.

Getting a loaner car is another story.

6spdC6

Years back many dealers had the mantra if you did not buy your new car here, take it back where you got it to get it fixed.

Now at most dealerships the company is split into a few different things, New car/truck sales, used car/ truck sales, body shop, parts and service. They all have to make money or the boss of that sub division gets his walking papers. I have bought a couple new Vettes from other dealers. Went and talked with the service manger and was told the above.

OP if in doubt have a little talk with tha manager, not service adviser ahead of time and most time they will welcome you .

dbirdhouse1

As stated by 16/C7Z, begin with the service dept. I, therefore found my dealer/mechanic early on (Mark @ Titus-Will in Olympia, WA). Over the years I have owned a total of 6 Vettes, only two were purchased from them and both were/are used. It's an hour south of me but well worth the trip (especially since they added oil changes for life on a used Vette).

Avanti

How can it be a legitimate issue (not what some yoyo dealer might suggest or claim) when people buy vehicles and pack-up and move around the country every day?

KenHorse

I thought the Dealer Agreements require them to do warranty work?

toddhale010

I fully understand that they are required to do warranty work regardless of where it's purchased but having some prior experiences just made me wonder if this will be the same way. I also would definitely prefer to buy locally if possible but without ordering that's not going to be an option. I have connections with a couple of chevy dealerships that aren't to far away from me so worst case is I'd have to make a little drive or haul if it was something serious. I've owned a few Harleys over the years and that's the one brand that I never had an issue no matter where I pulled in it was taken care of with excellent service just as it should be.