I have reached a bit of an impasse with a problem I encountered with my local Chevy dealer. I would appreciate some thoughts on how best to proceed - or am I just stuck with it?

I purchased my 2025 Corvette Convertible from Seminole Chevrolet in Sanford, FL as a NEW vehicle at the end of October 2025. The sales staff told me that it had been used to demonstrate the available Corvette options to other dealers as it is a fairly heavily optioned 3LT car. I subsequently discovered that the bumper-to-bumper warranty actually began on August 17th, 2025; more than two months BEFORE I took delivery.After much back-and-forth with the General Sales Manager, it eventually transpired that the car had been exhibited at the Daytona Raceway and had actually been “put into service” at that time. That date - which normally coincides with the date a new owner takes delivery - is the one General Motors uses to start the warranty period. This was absolutely NOT disclosed at the time of sale. Had this been the case, I would certainly have expected a commensurate discount on the price of the car.

As it had not been titled, it was technically still a new car, but the net effect of this is that I am now 2+ months short on the warranty that should normally accompany a new car. Despite me bringing this to the attention of Seminole Chevrolet as soon as it was discovered (in December), neither General Motors, not it seems the dealership, is willing to find a way to remedy the situation. My email attempts to continue follow-up have been ignored.

I’m pretty sure that customers should reasonably expect better treatment when spending close to $100K on a car. I would love to bring this to the attention of General Motors for their review, but finding an appropriate contact there is proving elusive

Any and all input would be appreciated

 

I guess my question is how did you discover the discrepancy?
But I would go over the paperwork with a fine tooth come to ensure you did not miss anything. If there are no dates specifying the warranty was active at the time of you taking ownership of the vehicle words mean little on either side. At that point I would not pursue any legal action as it really comes down to the final months of the warranty. If no warranty work is necessary, it is a no harm no foul kind of thing. If it does than you can fight for those two months.
From a matter of principal, which I totally get, it may be costly to litigate something that may not become an issue.
Good luck.

 

Crazy. How many miles were on it when you bought it? Did the window sticker say it was delivered to your dealer or somewhere else?

 

I think you’re running up against a situation between what should happen/what is right and the way systems are set up.

I’m not an expert but I believe your warranty commitment only starts when you purchase the vehicle but the system is designed with a simple on switch, which the dealer can flip and it’s disconnected from a purchase.

Because the system is like this most people don’t care/know how to solve the situation. I’m sure finding the right person at GM would get this fixed quick and easy but finding that person is like hitting the lottery. Consulting a lawyer or ChatGPT cosplaying as a lawyer might be the best place to get advice.

 

Thanks for responding.

I discovered it by accident on the MyChevrolet app. There are no dates on the paperwork referencing the warranty, but I think everyone expects to get the full three years when they buy a new car (which it was sold as). I first took it up with my Service Advisor who insisted the warranty started on the Build Date . . .

 

It had about 50 miles on it which prompted the salesman to tell me that they had used it briefly as a Dealer Demo. It was delivered to that dealer.

 

As I am currently finding out.

 

Here is ChatGPT response when I pasted your original message:

You’re not stuck—but you do need to shift from “asking nicely” to applying structured pressure in the right places. What happened to you is a known gray area in auto sales, but the key issue here is lack of disclosure, not just the early warranty start.

Let’s break this down and then talk strategy.



🚗 The Core Issue (Why You Have a Case)

You bought a “new” Chevrolet Corvette, but:

• It had already been “put into service” (Aug 17)
• That triggered the factory warranty clock
• This was not disclosed at sale
• You paid full new-car pricing

Even if the dealership is technically correct that the car was “new” (untitled), consumer protection norms—and in some states, laws—expect disclosure of anything materially affecting value, including:

• Prior use (demo, display, track event)
• Warranty already in progress

That missing disclosure is your leverage.



⚖️ What This Likely Falls Under

This situation typically touches on:

• Misrepresentation / omission of material facts
• Potential unfair or deceptive trade practices (varies by state law)
• Manufacturer policy violations (even if not illegal)

The key phrase: “material to the purchase decision.”
A shortened warranty absolutely qualifies.



🎯 What You Should Do Next (In Order)

1. Go Directly to GM—But the Right Way

You don’t want generic customer service—you want escalation.

Start here:

• General Motors Customer Assistance Center
• Then request escalation to:
  • District Service Manager (DSM) or
  • Regional Sales Manager

Tip: Use language like:

“Undisclosed prior in-service date materially reduced the value of the vehicle at time of purchase.”

That signals you understand the issue.



2. File a Formal Complaint (This Gets Attention Fast)

These channels create real pressure:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB Auto Line if available)
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (they regulate dealers)
• Florida Attorney General’s Office (consumer protection division)

Dealers tend to respond quickly once complaints are logged here.



3. Send a Final Written Demand (Important Step)

Before escalating further, send a clear, firm letter/email to the dealership:

• Address it to:
  • General Manager
  • Dealer Principal (not just sales manager)

Include:

• Purchase date vs. warranty start date
• Statement that prior in-service use was not disclosed
• The impact (loss of ~2+ months warranty)
• A specific remedy request (choose one):

Reasonable remedies:

• Warranty extension of 2–3 months
• Equivalent value in service credit
• Partial refund (pro-rated warranty value)

End with:

“If we cannot resolve this directly, I will proceed with formal complaints through GM corporate and Florida consumer protection agencies.”



4. Consider Public—but Controlled—Pressure

If they’re ignoring you:

• Leave factual reviews on:
  • Google
  • DealerRater
• Keep it calm, specific, and documented

Avoid emotional language—credibility matters more than outrage.



💡 Important Reality Check

You’re unlikely to get:

• A full refund
• A major payout

But you absolutely have a realistic shot at:

• Warranty extension (most common outcome)
• Service credits ($1K–$2K range equivalent)

Dealers and GM often resolve these quietly once escalated properly.



🧠 Why They’re Ignoring You Right Now

From their perspective:

• The car was legally “new”
• Warranty start date is tied to GM internal systems
• You haven’t (yet) created external pressure

Once you do, the cost of ignoring you increases.



✍️ If You Want, I Can Help

I can draft:

• A tight escalation email to GM
• A formal demand letter to the dealer
• A BBB complaint write-up

Just tell me the tone you want (firm, neutral, or more aggressive), and I’ll shape it accordingly.



Bottom line:
You’re not stuck—you just haven’t pulled the levers that make this someone’s problem to fix yet.

 

Let help put it into perspective for you. I purchased the Chevrolet Platinum Protection Plan shortly before my B2B expired. I bought 84 months/56,000 miles for $1429. I'll never hit the mileage limit, so I chose the longest # of months and fewest miles. That comes out to $17 per month of coverage. So, just what value do you place on your 2 months of coverage?

 

Love it. Great information. Much appreciated.

 

I see the point but if a major component was to fail in the last two months the math would no longer math. Of course, I can buy that extended warranty myself before the (shortened) B2B expires, but to be honest, I’m just more pissed at the duplicitous way I have been treated by them.

 

One of the key messages I'm making is: Is less than $50 bucks worth getting that upset about? It certainly is not to me. Elevating your blood pressure, etc. is just not worth it IMO.

 

Tell them to give you a gmpp for free. Not the correct name these days but you get the idea.

 

Ugh. That's not technically a lie. But kind of shitty imo. If you thought you were buying "new"

I wouldn't have an issue with this whole story except for to me? Seems like they sold that car and then unwound the deal.

The in service date shouldn't start that way.

Shady.

If they just brought the car to an event for show? I get it.

Not the in service starting way early.

 

mary.barra@gm.com

 

it was probably driven to Daytona and back. It’s about the right mileage. But yeah, it’s a shitty way of doing business and that pisses me off way more than the lost warranty period.

 

Thanks man. What is her position/department?

 

I like the way you think

 

LOL. Mary Barra is the CEO of GM.

 

CEO of GM
Send her an email and the executive assistants addresses it.