I just received my July 5th issue of Autoweek magazine. On page six is an article with a beautiful yellow 996TT tearing up a launch. Anyway, the article goes on to say that many manufacturers are now voiding factory warranties if the car has been modified (engine, clutch, transmission etc.). The article also states some manufacturers may be cross matching names from their owner databases with SCCA autocross results and voiding the warranties. Heres a quote from Bob Carlson, Porsche cars of North America spokesman: "When it hits the track, all bets are off." Say it aint so!
If anyone wants to read the article and is not a subscriber, let met know and i'll try and scan the article.
What do you guys think? Lets talk about it.

 

I have heard of this SCCA thing. Subaru and Mitsu owners complain about it. Spotted on the track, and when he goes in "nah, you were racing it!".
With the increased success of closed course "races", I'm curious to see what manufacturers will step it up.

When it comes to mods, of course, they void the warranty. That's obvious. If you put a chip, exhaust and larger turbos, don't expect Porsche to replace your clutch free of charge! lol

 

You dooz the mods, you takes your chances. In the long run, it all boils down to your relationship with your dealer and what you're willing to sacrifice. For me, I'm willing to take my chances and self-insure, if necessary, for that extra pleasure in modding a car that's begging for it. In for a penny, in for a pound. Now back to my single malt.

 

Technically, they can ONLY void the warranty if they can prove that the mods you put on are the cause of it.


And, as stated above, mitsu is canceling warranties w/ cars that are autox'd etc. GM has been known to do the same w/ the vette. It's a shame, they give you a performance car but don't let it perform.



As far as I know though, I haven't heard of Subaru doing this, and if so I'd be suprised as an SCCA membership comes w/ the package of buying a WRX

 

Subaru does pay for a one year SCCA membership for WRX owner. The article states the SCCA "looks forward to helping you fully experience the benefits of owning this car." The application fom apparantly also has the following disclaimer that the warranty excludes "damage or failure resulting from participation in competition or racing events." So why provide the membership...because it sounds cool? Of course, I can understand the manufacturers point of view, but dont think they shoud tempt people with the idea of competition driving.

 

Yes, Subaru does give the 1 year membership. There was not that long ago a link to a thread on Evo Boards and Subaru guys chimed in, really steaming, that when they entered the race (with the provided by Subaru memebership), their dealer would not repair ... I think it was a tranny. And Subaru encouraged him to race ... but denied warranty claims. Weird.

Agreed, it comes down to your local dealer.

 

I've heard that this is happening in Toronto as well. Insurance companies heading out and taking pictures of cars at auto-x events. A lot of people are now taking the plates off their cars when they go to the auto-x or track.

Aaron