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Old 03-08-2018, 09:53 AM
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Hwillner
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Default GM Test Vehicle

Would any of you buy a gm test vehicle? I found a 2015 Z06 for sale with 13k miles for $54,900. The dealer bought it directly from with no damage. It does have a salvaged title, but they say that is so gm doesn’t have to warranty the car. What do you guys think?
Old 03-08-2018, 10:03 AM
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red62vette
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Tempting. See if you can negotiate a dealer warranty, if the car otherwise looks good.
Old 03-08-2018, 10:09 AM
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DWS44
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That salvage title will likely make it tricky when it comes time to trade or sell it down the road, regardless of the explanation why it has a salvage title. Something to consider!
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Old 03-08-2018, 10:13 AM
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NSC5
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I would be VERY suspicious of the salvage title. GM doesn't have to issue a salvage title just to avoid warranty, they simply do a warranty block. I suspect there is far more to the story than what the dealer is spinning and it probably wouldn't make you want to buy the car.
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Old 03-08-2018, 10:16 AM
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kenownr
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My understanding is a lot of banks and some credit unions will not finance a vehicle with a salvage title. Also, you have to remember you are getting a BIG discount on the car because of the salvage title and no warranty. When you sell it I'm sure you will take the hit the other way as it won't bring the same money as a clean title car.
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Old 03-08-2018, 10:16 AM
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Calif Vetteman
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Check with your insurance co. first.
Old 03-08-2018, 10:36 AM
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You are absolutely not being told the truth. I have bought thousands of factory cars from GM. These cars are used for anything from car shows to cars worked on for GM Tech training where they have been taken apart hundreds of times. There are literally dozens and dozens of reasons cars are used by the manufacturer. They are driven by the employees who receive cars, displayed at factory facilities, run on the test track, etc etc.

I have never seen a factory car for sale with a salvage title at a GM Auction or one directly offered to a dealer. I am not saying it is not possible but the assumption would have to be that it was a rebuild. As mentioned, they don't have to stop the warranty with a title change. A simple warranty block works instantaneously. If you can buy it for $30,000, don't care about a warranty, and it can pass an independent inspection...go for it. Otherwise, run like the wind!
Old 03-08-2018, 10:37 AM
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whitec7
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Salvage title......noooooo
Old 03-08-2018, 11:14 AM
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The below is correct, I have also bought several cars from GM. None has had a salvage title. You are being fed a line of BS from the dealer.

Originally Posted by JALLEN4
You are absolutely not being told the truth. I have bought thousands of factory cars from GM. These cars are used for anything from car shows to cars worked on for GM Tech training where they have been taken apart hundreds of times. There are literally dozens and dozens of reasons cars are used by the manufacturer. They are driven by the employees who receive cars, displayed at factory facilities, run on the test track, etc etc.

I have never seen a factory car for sale with a salvage title at a GM Auction or one directly offered to a dealer. I am not saying it is not possible but the assumption would have to be that it was a rebuild. As mentioned, they don't have to stop the warranty with a title change. A simple warranty block works instantaneously. If you can buy it for $30,000, don't care about a warranty, and it can pass an independent inspection...go for it. Otherwise, run like the wind!
Old 03-08-2018, 11:21 AM
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dbaker
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Sounds like a road/track "test mule" to me.

I would NOT touch it.

\db2
Old 03-08-2018, 11:40 AM
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The stories fishy to me, pass on the salvage title !
Old 03-08-2018, 11:42 AM
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Perhaps it's a Hurricane Harvey test mule.
Old 03-08-2018, 12:04 PM
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I'd pass. It's probably been beat on by every car magazine tester as well.
Old 03-08-2018, 12:16 PM
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z edge
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Originally Posted by whitec7
Salvage title......noooooo
Old 03-08-2018, 01:42 PM
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steve8
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Not a chance!
Old 03-08-2018, 02:33 PM
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roadbike56
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Of all the GM "test" or company program cars I've seen, none had a salvage title and all of them did have a warranty.
I thought GM destroyed cars that were test vehicles that were severely damaged such as crash tests or damaged on a test track. I thought they were sold to a scrap yard that was permitted to sell the parts from the car, but never the title. I could be wrong, but I think it's company policy. Maybe someone here can confirm that.

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Old 03-08-2018, 02:44 PM
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Skid Row Joe
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I'd be interested in this one:
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Old 03-08-2018, 02:58 PM
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Kent1999
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Originally Posted by red62vette
Tempting. See if you can negotiate a dealer warranty, if the car otherwise looks good.
Most aftermarket warranties won't pay claims if they find out the vehicle is a salvage title.

Also agree with the others here that have stated that the dealer is FOS; If GM wanted to NOT warranty the car, it is the easiest thing for them to put a warranty "block" on it -- no need whatsoever to go through the trouble of putting a 'salvage' brand on the title.
Old 03-08-2018, 03:50 PM
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Boiler_81
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You are correct, crashed vehicles are destroyed per GM policy. I know someone who was in an accident in a GM owned company car. Any insurance company would have repaired it. GM sent it to the crusher.

Originally Posted by roadbike56
Of all the GM "test" or company program cars I've seen, none had a salvage title and all of them did have a warranty.
I thought GM destroyed cars that were test vehicles that were severely damaged such as crash tests or damaged on a test track. I thought they were sold to a scrap yard that was permitted to sell the parts from the car, but never the title. I could be wrong, but I think it's company policy. Maybe someone here can confirm that.
Old 03-08-2018, 04:16 PM
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NSC5
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And here is an old case file with what happened to a GM internal employee who tried to game the system: http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/artic...t#.WqGn7Nu9eUk
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