Warranty or no warranty?

[GPRocket]

Hi,
I have been thinking about getting a 1998 C5 and have a question regarding the computers in the car. I went down to the dealer to put the deposit on the car and two sales men told me about the GM warranty I should purchase. I was just scraping up enough for the down payment so I was not going to get the warranty ($1700.00). What made me nerves is that both these sales guys said that it is pretty common for one of the computers in the car to go and it could be $1100.00 to fix. Is there a computer issue with the C5 or is this a sales pitch for the insurance? I got very nerves about the whole thing after they said this and left without putting the deposit down...

 

[EHS]

The C5 is a very complicated car with many computer control modules, including PCM, BCM, etc. They control virtually all functions of the car, from engine, to braking, traction control, to windows, etc.

If one goes bad, just the retail cost (without the labor) can be over $1,000.

Not that the C5 has had a history of any one module going bad, but like all electronics, it happens.

Depending on the length and terms of the extended warranty, $1,700 is not a bad price for the GMPP.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

EHS is 100% right on target. Ask the question another way - do you have life insurance? It is only good if you die! Why do people spend 1,000's on life insurance?

I reccommend an extended warranty for your C5. The cost up front may seem high, however when & if a computer goes, you will be glad you have the warranty. There are many threads on extended warranties; I suggest that you do a search.

Good luck....

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

GPRocket,

The quality and reliabilty of the C5 (especially 1997-1999 models) has been very poor. If you don't believe me, just check the knowledge base on this forum to see many of the common problems.

I always buy the manufacturer's extended warranty and I did with my 1999 C5 coupe.

It is your decision - but just talk to other 1998 C5 owners to learn about the numerous problems (and repair costs).

Good luck.

 

[leonm47]

I totally agree with 99C5 the reliability of the C5 is horrible. I bought mine new and it's been in the shop 89 days in 3 and one half years. I went with 1 Source warranty they are great and you can take your car to any mechanic and not have to deal with the dealer. MY rt .front wheel hub went bad and my mechanic quoted me a price of $735.00 for the hub. 1 Source got the same part for $345.00 and overnighted it to my mecahnic. My cost for the repair $00.00. Contact them at www.1sourceautowarranty.com.

 

[Don&Kelly]

I guess I've been lucky, I very seldom have any problems with my C5 - if you want to buy an Extended GM Warranty, there is a dealer I bought mine from and he was several hundred $$$ less than my own dealer - I heard about him on the other corvette forum

He is:
FICHTNER CHEVROLET (ask for Ken Fichtner)
202 4TH ST SE LAUREL, MT 59044-3397
Phone: (406) 628-4618 Fax: (406) 628-2025

http://www.fichtnerchevrolet.com/bo....solutions.profileset.locale:en?mode=consumer


Hope this helps -

 

[JBsC5]

I've had excellent luck with my two C5's..yet I would strongly suggest an extended warranty for any 40 to 50 K car today..

The parts and labor on any car in this price range would knock your socks off..

Get the extended warranty for continual enjoyment of this great car.

 

[GPRocket]

Thanks to everyone for their input..... I am happy to say I picked the car up yesterday afternoon and did get the 3/36 GM PP. Thanks to everyone for helping me make this CORRECT dicision....

I opened the garage door at leat 10 times last night to see if it was really their!

 

[vettepilot]

I for one have had no real problems with my current car. This is my first C5, (had 2 C4s). So far over a year old, and over 13,000 miles. I may be the unusual one in the group, but I may also be one of thousands who have a trouble free Corvette. That being said, there are warranties that can be purchased directly by the consumer, you don't have to get it from the dealer for it to be valid. The dealer makes a profit on the sale, he's just the middle man, and naturally does not want to work for nothing.
Do a quick on-line search for automobile extended warranties, or warranty companies. You might be surprised what you can find, and purchase for less money if you do the research.
vettepilot

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Yes you can get aftermarket warranties, however you need to make sure of the following:

1) will your dealer honor it
2) read closely what it doesn't cover
3) will they be in business in 2 or 3 years

GM may cost more, but the General will still be in business, will honor at any dealership, and no hidden disclaimers.