Dumb Newbie Question on Warranty Issues
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Pacifica, CA
Dumb Newbie Question on Warranty Issues
I just bought an RX-8 (haven't actually even taken delivery yet -- that's Monday or Tuesday 
) and while I'm just a wussy little automatic driver, I still want my Nordic Green machine to look *good*...
What I'm worried about is warranty. If I don't touch the engine or drivetrain or any of the mechanicals, does modifying the car otherwise void the warranty? Does it depend on what was done? I can't imagine replacing the shift **** would void the warranty, for example, but bolting an after-market wing to the trunk lid seems like it might.
Anyone have any insight into what I can and can't do while keeping my 4-year, 48,000 mile warranty "safe"?
...Paul
) and while I'm just a wussy little automatic driver, I still want my Nordic Green machine to look *good*...What I'm worried about is warranty. If I don't touch the engine or drivetrain or any of the mechanicals, does modifying the car otherwise void the warranty? Does it depend on what was done? I can't imagine replacing the shift **** would void the warranty, for example, but bolting an after-market wing to the trunk lid seems like it might.
Anyone have any insight into what I can and can't do while keeping my 4-year, 48,000 mile warranty "safe"?
...Paul
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 354
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From: SW Missouri
Originally posted by IkeWRX
Legally they have to prove the mod caused the problem in order to deny a warranty claim. However they know what it entails to fight a denied warranty claim... lawyers, lots of money, and a good amount of time. Something which they know no consumer will go through with the average warranty claim, so people just give in and pay when denied rather than fight. Simply put, the dealers and manufacturers know they have us by the *****.
If you want to mod I suggest doing research on dealers in your area and finding out what dealers are more mod friendly. If people stop buying cars from dealers that are known to deny claims based on the smallest mod that has no chance of causing the problem you're having those dealers will have to rethink their methods.
Mini and Dodge are now offering mod packages for some of their cars, and the packages are fully supported under warranty. I feel this is going to become more and more common as time goes on, especially if the current HP war keeps up.
Legally they have to prove the mod caused the problem in order to deny a warranty claim. However they know what it entails to fight a denied warranty claim... lawyers, lots of money, and a good amount of time. Something which they know no consumer will go through with the average warranty claim, so people just give in and pay when denied rather than fight. Simply put, the dealers and manufacturers know they have us by the *****.
If you want to mod I suggest doing research on dealers in your area and finding out what dealers are more mod friendly. If people stop buying cars from dealers that are known to deny claims based on the smallest mod that has no chance of causing the problem you're having those dealers will have to rethink their methods.
Mini and Dodge are now offering mod packages for some of their cars, and the packages are fully supported under warranty. I feel this is going to become more and more common as time goes on, especially if the current HP war keeps up.
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