GM Warranty Gets Better
By Brian McVeigh
General Manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations
I’m out in Las Vegas at the annual conference of the National Automobile Dealers Association — some of the most important people in our business. It’s always great to be with our dealer partners, because they aren’t shy about sharing their opinions with auto manufacturers. Plus they get direct input from car buyers. Today, General Motors North American President, Troy Clarke, was able to deliver some great news to them that will help improve car buyers’ opinions of GM vehicles.
We announced that beginning March 5, GM will offer its limited powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance for 100,000 miles or five years (whichever comes first) on all 2002-2006 Certified Used Vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile. This warranty is fully transferable, has no deductible and covers over 900 powertrain-related components. It also includes a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for 3-months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Those of you who have been following GM’s recent warranty enhancements will notice that the Certified vehicle warranty Troy announced today has many features in common with the new vehicle warranty we announced last year. That’s right… the industry’s top-selling certified used vehicle program now includes many of the same features as GM’s exceptional new vehicle coverage.
Saturn is expected to have a similar program for its Certified vehicles later this year. Cadillac, Saab and Hummer will continue to operate their existing Certified vehicle warranty programs, all of which feature a 6-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty effective from the vehicle’s in-service date.
Our customers expect quality. We hear you, and we’re delivering it. A quick look at a number of important measures — including initial quality, customer satisfaction, manufacturing quality and long-term vehicle quality — shows that GM has continued to improve over the past several years. The reliability-related awards we have been winning regularly are further proof of that.
The people of GM have great confidence in the quality of our vehicles. Extending the warranty coverage on our Certified Used Vehicles is just another statement of that confidence. And it’s another way for GM to deliver the best value to consumers throughout their vehicle ownership experience. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll see what I mean.
Take a look at this site to learn more about GM’s Certified Used Vehicles, locate the nearest GM Certified dealer or search our inventory of over 60,000 Certified vehicles.
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Good idea except its only for used cars. I have only GM vehicles, but I bought them new and they are not covered under this plan. One is a 2002 they other 2006, both with less than 100000 miles. So why are they not covered. Seems you should stand by your loyal customers who have bought new. Maybe next time I will go to Toyota or Honda for my vehicles.
Mr. McVeigh: The new warranty is a great idea that GM needs to market since many buyers are not aware of GM’s Certified Used Vehicles program let alone the new warranty. GM needs to put ads in Sunday papers and on-line used cars search sites to get the word out about this.
There are buyers out there that either cannot afford a new vehicle or need to buy more than one vehicle and need to find a reasonably priced quality alternative.
Used GM vehicles have always been good buys and the added confidence of the new warranty make them that much better.
Mr Mcveigh`
So let me get this straight. If I trade in my 2004 Pontiac GXP and it qualifies as a “Certified Used Car” it will have a 5yr/100,000 warranty upon resale, is that right? Yet while I own it, I don’t have that same warranty!?!?! Is there something wrong with this picture or am I blind? In other words, GM cares about those who buy their USED cars, but not those who owned the car before it became used and was traded in or sold to a GM dealer? WOW! Sure makes me, as a multiple GM car owner, want to reinvest my new car dollars with a company that only cares about my car after I sell/trade it back to them in the same great shape I kept it in while I was the owner. Don’t you think it would be wise to show some appreciation to those of us that currently own GM vehicles, that are not covered by this warranty, and have kept them in “Certified Used Car” condition?!? Afterall, those “Certified Used Cars” must come from somewhere!!
Mr. McVeigh,
While the warranty support is a forward step for GM, the company remains far off the right track of bringing cars to the market that are affordable, look good, and have “real” substance. For example, when GM pushes a car like the Impala as a winning model, I question if you have any clue about how to really beat the competition. The Impala is sadly lacking. Take a look at Honda’s design for its current Civic, its upcoming 2008 Accord or its Fit/Jazz model. The Fit alone is better than the majority of GM’s lineup. You push the sportiness of a Cobalt SS or the Soltice/Sky models. How is it your trucks have a full set of guages in them, but the Cobalt, Sky, and Soltice do not? (You are not alone in using cheap idiot lights.) The Original GTO was an affordable add-on option to the inexpensive LeMans. Yet, GM brings it back as an overpriced, upscale car with a GM motor, not a Pontiac one. Does GM understand how to build identity and an audience from the ground floor and grow it? From the look of things, sadly, you still don’t get it. The one GM car I would consider is the Pontiac Vibe…or should I say Pontiac Toyota.
I just saw “Who Killed the Electric Car”. Why don’t you guys care about the environment? Why are we still using fossil fuels?
All the people who complain about GM’s warranty, should come over to Germany and watch how it’s going here. Most European manufacturers just offer 2 lousy years of warranty and like to present themselves as generous, when they offer a 2-year extension for free as an incentive! That’s ridiculous. Sorry, but in comparison to the situation in my country, you don’t have any reason at all to complain about GM’s behaviour.
Why won’t GM do the right thing, recall and reapir the know problems the have with the intake manifolds in the following cars:
2000-2003 Buick Century
1995-1998/2000-2003 Buick LeSabre
1995-1998/2000-2003 Buick Park Avenue
1996-1999/2000-2003 Buick Regal
2002 Buick Rendezvous
1995-1997 Buick Riviera
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1996/1998-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Malibu
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1997-2003 Chevrolet Venture
1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1995-1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1995-1998 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
1996-2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
2001 -2003 Pontiac Aztec
1995-1998/2000-2003 Pontiac Bonneville
1999-2003 Pontiac Grand Am
1997-1998/2000-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
1999-2003 Pontiac Montana
1996-1999 Pontiac Trans Sport
I now have a 2000 Malibu that should be going to the junk yard and I will NOT be heading to a GM dealership to purchase a new car. I will be heading to someone that sells quality cars.
As the owner of two GM used cars, this sounds like a great idea to me. These cars have been terrific values, and this warranty will go a long way towards making sure your vehicles aren’t overlooked in the marketplace anymore.
For new car owners, how does it hurt you for GM to do something which will make the resale value of your car go up? Even if you don’t sell your car, more cars will stay on the road and parts and service should be easier to get. Some of the money for this program comes from the people buying the used cars, so I don’t really see how it should bother you.
Mr. McVeigh,
I suggest that you look into the warranty coverage of the LBZ. I have an 07 2500HD that is in the shop, for the fifth time. I have owned it 2 months. I love the truck, but I am starting to get concerned. This time, they say I have to pay for a fuel filter that isn’t covered, even though I have 3K miles on the truck, and the readout says the fuel filter is at 78% of life. It is fine and dandy to offer these warranties, but if they don’t cover everything, they don’t mean anything.
Longer warranties are a definite plus, and I understand the frustration of having gotten a GTP Coupe last year, with only the 3 year warranty. But I suppose its like everything else that gets improved on the car from year to year. If I had waited a year, I would have gotten free side impact air bags and a six speed automatic, but those weren’t available when I got my car. I’m glad I leased it, so the short warranty won’t affect me.
While I applaud the 100,000 mile warranty, I beg to see how this really stands out in the current automotive marketing trend. Most automakers have 100k warranties, the first being Hyundai.
The message Hyundai brought with such a warranty was that indeed, they made some of the worst cars ( in the 80’s and 90’s) and probably knew that their perception amoungst the general populace was probably poor in regards to trusting their brand. The 100k warranty sort of overturned this lack of trust with a warranty that removed the risk of buying what was once a somewhat inferior product. It worked for them, but in some ways I can’t help but feel that it was also a mechanism that sounded almost desperate.
Now that GM has a 100k warranty, they’ve just joined an already crowded party.
People drive much further and subsequently rack up 100k in as little as 3-4 years. Simply put, 100k is no longer the magic number. A car in many people’s experience will be with them for a minimum of 200k.
Therefore, a warranty that clearly covers modern driving habits would be more ideal and instill enough trust in consumers to switch to your brand.
So I suggest you devise a 150k warranty. Doing so would immediately elevate your brand to a level of trustworthiness that would surely jump-start sales on a massive level.
Brian,
This is great new for buyers. But for us owners, it draws wind.
The least you could do is offer a trade in bonus for vehicles that can be resold as GM Certified.
Why won’t GM do the right thing, recall and reapir the know problems the have with the intake manifolds in the following cars:
Alan MacInnes on February 5, 2007 10:53 AM
I hear you! I have a ‘99 LeSabre. However, being mechanically inclined, I repaired mine myself and saved a lot of money!
I’m usually not negative on these boards, and thank you GM for building such a solid engine like the 3800. But, why did you try to save a few dollars with plastic manifolds, leaving thousands of customers with high repair bills?
Why did it continue for so many years?
Was the money saved by using a plastic intake worth the lost customers? Yes, I’m sure GM lost customers due to this. Imagine spending $800 to repair the upper intake, only to have it happen again.
Mr. MacInnes,
I never had any problems (or recall) with the intake manifold of my 2001 Olds Alero and my brother didn’t have it, neither, formerly driving a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am (today a G6). I really wonder where your information comes from…
When we are talking about quality: Why do have all the Mercedes-, Volkswagen- (and whatever) drivers around me more repairs with their cars than I do?
What I did read today: Toyota Germany rejects the warranty if you install a LPG-System, in contrast Chevrolet Germany even promotes LPG, which is perfect for those people over here, who don’t like to pay 6.50$ per Gallon.
Yeah, we have 2004 and 2006 Silverados and we feel a bit left out too.
edvard (last comment) is totally bunk. A 150,000 mile warranty is overkill. If a 100,000 mile warranty won’t make the sale then the buyer does not want a GM car. I’m glad to hear about the 100,000 mi warranty on the new cars, now that it’s on the certified used my resale value will go up. Good job GM. Also, great job at the Detroit Auto Show, great vehicles. (Malibu and CTS).
Some media hurried again for pointing to the sales decline (-17%) of GM in January. BTW, there wasn’t mentioned that this was also a result from cutting low-margin sales. Well, I also can release some figures today, which you probably won’t read about at the US-Magazines. These are the changes Jan. 2006 – Jan. 2007, regarding the German market:
Audi: -26.5%
VW: -22.3%
BMW/Mini: -10%
Ford: -13%
Jaguar: -43.9%
Seat: -36.4%
Smart: -45.4%
Skoda: +15.4%
Porsche: +14.2%
Mercedes: +5.3%
Chevrolet (GM DAT): +26%
Chrysler/Dodge: +26%
GM Europe: +11%
Mitsubishi: +20%
Daihatsu: +20%
Source: T-Online Germany (Auto). For Toyota they mentioned no figure, but told about a little decline, (probably) meaning nearly unchanged.
So Edvard how is the field of warranties crowded in the 100,000 mile timeframe. You are incorrect in your statement that “MOST” car companies offer a 100,000 mile warranty. There are 2 that offer it.
Aaron I suspect you might have a calibration problem with your vehicle. If you want to leave your email on the forum I’ll contact you and let’s make sure that your dealer is actually handling to issues you’re having correctly. Most people don’t realize that dealers are independent businesses and many don’t do a good job of keeping up to date on new software releases required for engines/transmission – especially when it comes to the HD trucks.
All of you whiners need to get a clue. You have to start somewhere when implementing a new policy. If it were up to you GM should include all cars ant trucks you ever owned for 1000000000 miles or until you die!whichener comes last! come…on, get real.
the new policy is a great step in the right direction and proves they stand behind their product but you have to be logical. my 05 wont have the 5/100k and who cares,its still a great vehicle and i know it.If it were up to me (which its not and i know it) i would like to see all 2007 and beyond have a 5/100k bumper to bumper.but i wouldnt cry about it if they did and i already bought mine without it.I guess by some of your logic all people who bought a 2007 malibu should be able to get a free upgrade to an 08 malibu because they changed it after you bought, no?
Mr. Vallone:
As a current owner of a 2006 Impala I find your comments insulting. I don’t know what you mean by “sadly lacking”. It’s obvious to me that either:
a) You’ve never driven one
or
b) You haven’t a clue about cars
Either way, it’s obvious you have an affection for Honda (maybe its their feminine styling that appeals to you).
The Impala is a fine car and excellent value (30+ MPG). Quiet ride, nice features and tasteful styling. You really shouldn’t bash it without trying it first.
I did look at Camry, Accord BTW. They were overpriced and extremely bland appliances IMO.
Gereon Langlitz,
As usual, thank you for posting here with such insightful comments.
Regarding the intake manifolds, it has been a common issue with many (otherwise quite good) GM vehicles starting in 1995.
I can’t say enough good things about my ‘99 LeSabre other than the plastic intake manifold.
My LeSabre slowly started using water, and knowing that upper manifold failure was common with that engine, I replaced that and the lower manifold gasket.
Now, it doesn’t use water anymore.
I’m mechanically inclined, so it’s no big deal to me. However, those who are not, many times had repair bills of $700, $800 or more.
Chuck, you hit the nail on the head.
Kia provides the longest warranty (7 years for drive-train, 5 years for the vehicle in general) in Germany. But this doesn’t help, neither, since Kia performed horribly at the T√úV-Report 2007. Warranty isn’t everything.
100,000,000+ persons have been born after 1980. This is one of the biggest segments of the market that GM should have its grandest marketing plan of all. GM should inundate this segment with all marketing techniques known and unknown to man. It is imperative for the future of GM’s existence.
I know this isnt the exact space to write to Bob, as this is on warranties, but thought I would write.
Bob, I am a lifelong Pontiac man, and a frequent poster here. I just saw the G8 and am disappointed in the looks. Like the GTO, I am sure its a screamer of a car, well-engineered. But it has the same boy-toy looks that a 99 Grand Am GT did, sans the plastic cladding. I think you guys are trying to appeal to buyers of Audi A8s and Dodge Chargers both, and the result is a muddled look that doesnt appeal to either. If your going to keep this uber-aggressive styling, may I recommend making a version similar in thought to the old 6000 STE of 1984-1985? I have mentioned this car in the past, and readers probably think what a whacko. But, read the Car & Driver 10 best review for that car in 1984. It was so well received as a true Euro-fighter. I think making a version that is subtle, like the current A8, or Infiniti M class, would go really far.
Encouraging news for Cadillac: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119499
As far as mentioning the myriads of other carmakers with 100k warranties, That would be all of the Korean brands. So GM is at the same level with their warranties as the cheapest competitor? Is that who GM wants to be compared to?
The point I was trying to make above but obviously failed to communicate is that if GM wants to get some attention, then don’t play catch-up, and especially not to the cheapest brands out there.
As far as being “whiners”, well put it this way: My toyota has 211,000 miles. My brother’s camry: 203,000 miles. My dad’s Tundra: 178,000 miles. Grandma’s 97 Buick: 164,000 miles. My wife’s civic: 162,000 miles.
That represents the norm of what people do as far as racking up the miles on their vehicles.This isn’t 1987.
Now I for one want to see GM succeed because I believe in their current strategy. But in order to do it right, you have to be honest. Toyota doesn’t have to offer a large warranty because they have decades of trust rolled into their brand- even if some of their models aren’t as great as they used to be. I would even say that some of their more recent products are sub-par compared to GM’s lineup. But in all honesty, You can just about assume that anything they build will last at least 200k.
So what does GM need to do? They need to do something that really stands out. If they truly believe their cars are as good as Toyota, then they should be able to say that their cars will last as long. If that be the case, then 150k should be no problem.
But in retrospect, I cannot say enough good things about the current warranty. Hats off to GM.
There’s a bit of a problem here. Toyota and Honda offer 7 year, 100K powertrain warranties on their certified used cars. With GM’s program, the oldest cars that qualify will have a year (or maybe even less) of the powertrain warranty left. GM should try to match this, especially with the CPO programs they offer for Saab, HUMMER, and Cadillac. Until GM makes any changes to this new program, I guess it makes sense to buy a year or two old model that has already lost a third to half its value. Then at least you’ll still have 3 or 4 years of powertrain coverage left.
Buick Diesel,
first of all, thank you very much for informing me, since this issue wasn’t transmitted to European GMNA-Owners.
Referring to your response to Mr. MacInnes I’d like to say that (in my opinion) there’s not a single car-maker, which absolutely could exclude that there ever might be any faulty detail at a certain vehicle. For example: Think of VW some years ago. You had to replace the door-locks just after a few years. Today the power-windows are a permanent issue. At least, that’s what I hear from diverse VW-Owners. Or look at the “old” Mercedes E-Class. My uncle always had problems with unequal abrasion at the left front-tire, not to mention the multiple malfunctions at the electrical system. My brother’s Nissan (mid 80s) always had frozen door-locks in winter. I can’t remember how often he climbed into the car through the hatch. Ford (Germany) did a mistake in the mid 70s. They used bakelite for the drive of the camshaft. Of course those toothed wheels didn’t last very long. If you drive a Renault Clio, in the average your exhaust-system is gone after just 30.000 miles. And so on, and so on, and so on…
As I believe there hardly will be a car, which eternally prevents you from encountering any major problem one day. I can’t imagine that Toyota and Honda are an exception to the rule. Of course they deliver top quality, but there are also just human beings, building and designing those cars. And so it is at every company, which produces goods, regardless the branch.
Both Honda and Toyota’s 7 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on certified used begin to clock on the first day the vehicles are sold as NEW.
Just a response to all the Japanese car lovers. I have an 02 Silverado 1500 with 100K on it. It has earned every mile being beaten up off road, in farm fields, and pulling trailers for at least 60K. The truck has been in the shop twice over its life, new u joints on the drive shaft and new cats and EGR valve. The EGR valve issue was at 75K and was covered under warranty no questions asked. (emissions wararanty) By comparison by brother inlaws dad owns an 2003 Tundra which nevers sees gravel, much less mud or a trailer. It has been in the shop 7 times with well under 60K. Toyota can’t fix his steering. Maybe instead of holding grudges over the vehicles GM produced in the 80s, go out with an open mind and chose the correct vehicle for you.
I think GM should make it mandatory that for every GM vehicle sold, it’s owner is told about the GM Owner Center.
This GM Service is an excellent! way to stay on top of your personal vehicle. And I really do not think it is known by the GM community. I stumbled over it, and such a valuable tool for personal information for one to look at about one’s vehicle, is priceless.
I have been waiting for a while to buy an American electric vehicle and the volt seems to fit the description of my ideal vehicle. Congratulations to GM on this car, but they gotta hurry up and put it on the market–this is the perfect time for it. It would revolutionize the car industry and put GM back in the first place!! If they wait too long, Toyota will remain the leader in this area.
I need to know how/when and how much!!
Also a question I have is what if I don’t have the capacity to charge it at my home as I live in a high-rise condo. Will there be facilities I can charge it at? Or how about adding a solar panel on the top which would charge the battery while driving or when I am at work or home?
Right on Chuck. I guess the people whining about cars they have already bought not being covered by the certified warranty are the same people who think they should get a refund if they buy a gallon of milk today and then the price drops the next day. Grow up people, if you have a GM car that you may eventually trade on a new GM product not only will the new or used certified vehicle you purchase have the new warranty but if the car you trade in will qualify for the certified used program it will add to the value. Meaning your car will be worth more when you trade.
“John” said:
“If I trade in my 2004 Pontiac GXP and it qualifies as a “Certified Used Car” it will have a 5yr/100,000 warranty upon resale, is that right? Yet while I own it, I don’t have that same warranty!?!?!”
If I were John, I would approach a GM dealer about buying my (that is, John’s) ‘04, then buying it back with the “Certified” warranty in place (please don’t bother to try to tell me this isn’t going to happen many, many times anyway). John gets his warranty, and the dealer makes a quick profit on a “sale…”
Since it’s going to happen anyway, maybe some bright GM junior executive could dream up a program whereby owners of older GM vehicles could purchase the “Certified” warranty outright- after having their vehicles pass the Certification process at a qualified dealership, of course.
I was a long time buyer of GM cars and recently switched to Ford. Nice to see they are making an effort to attract more used car buyers. Now if they would improve quality of new cars to compete with Japanese cars.