Mods and Warranty

[Richard]

Hey guys,

I have a 2001 SL1. I can't wait to start modifying this thing, but
i'm concerned about my warranty. Right now I just want to drop the
suspension 1.5-2" with new springs and struts, and I want 17" rims w/
lo-pro tires. I have heard two conflicting views about this. One
says that my warranty will still exist, but will not cover the
aftermarket parts. The other side says that the warranty will be
voided for the entire car (which I hope isn't the case). Could
someone here help me out before I go mod-happy!

Thanks,
-Richard

[SpeedPlayer 97sl2]

As far as I'm concerned, by law, they can only void your warranty in areas concerning the suspension. For example, if your power window fails, they can't say, "you modified your suspension, so the power window regulator will not be covered by your warranty." It just doesn't make sense. So anything that is not related to your suspension will still be covered by warranty. I'm not absolutely sure, so check around. Better yet, check your retailer.

[Fat Whacker]

I consulted my Saturn dealership with the exact samed question when i wanted to start modin my 97sc1. There responce (and this was from the service manager) is that basically any mods that you do, your warrenty will still be in effect. Of course if somthing goes wrong because of one of the aftermaeket parts, that part will not be covered, but the damage to anything else will be. So to my understanding, mod away! here to the best warrenty program this side of Pluto!

[Richard]

Thanks guys, that was all I needed to know. Now how to I convince the parents to let me do it?!!!

[Diggs]

Ummmm, getting a job and offering to pay for it always helps...

<img src="http://www.saturnfans.com/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/Images/Wilk.gif" border="0" align="middle">

Diggs

[Richard]

Hey! I have a job. Two jobs as a matter of fact! Its just I don't own 100% of the car, more like 40%. I'm in college so I need (well, WANT) a sweet ride.

[Diggs]

Ease up there, tiger.

It was just humor. Trust me, I know how it is. I was always trying to get my folks to let me do some mods when I was younger. 'Course, that was in 1973 on a '64 Comet. Straight 6, 3 on the tree. Couldn't get out of it's own way. I was pretty tickled when Dad let me put in a mono AM-FM radio (I wanted at least stereo, but didn't get it) to replace the AM radio it came with. And man, those Gabriel Red Ryder shocks and Goodyear 6.75 x 14's (damn it - I wanted the Wide O ovals!!) all the way around really made a big difference.


You could always try what I do now - mod it then play innocent.

<i>Wife: Where did that come from?
Me: Geepers, sweetie. I told you I was going to do that. Don't you remember?</i>

My motto - 'Tis far easier to request forgiveness than it is to get permission'

Diggs

[100KSW2]

Richard

If a part unconnected to your mods fails they can not fail to honor your warranty.
See also:

&lt;http://www.sema.org/consumer/warranty/&gt;

There are instructions here as to what to do if the dealer refuses to cover a repair under warranty.

You should look at the pictures in the Wagon thread of Diggs' son's Saturn, which they modded together. If your dad isn't a car guy like Diggs, maybe you could convince him to adopt you. (Look at the pictures and you'll know what I mean.)

Enjoy your Saturn and modding!

Jim

[Tenchi Masaki]

I know with SPS parts they will not void your warranty because they are all Saturn approved. At least that is what I was told by my retailer who hooked me up with some SPS mods....