GM Discreetly Altered Its Corvette Retention Policy | Carscoops

      It appears improbable that Chevrolet will offer a similar leniency to owners of the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X.

       18 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Brad Anderson

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Chevy modifies a Corvette policy that previously restricted ownership duration.

      Owners can now sell Z06 and E-Ray models without forfeiting their warranty.

      However, certain models still face stricter ownership restrictions.

      

      Some automotive manufacturers have attempted to limit buyers who acquire high-demand models only to resell them for profit. Conversely, others seem less bothered (looking at you, Dodge and Porsche). GM has notably been active in this regard, enforcing a six-month holding policy on the C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray to discourage early sales.

      

      

      Read: Corvette Z06 Flippers Are Discovering the Hard Way What Happens When the Hype Fades

      Recently, in a move that surprised some, Chevrolet announced it would eliminate that rule for certain models. Going forward, only the forthcoming Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X will be subject to an extended one-year ownership requirement.

      Policy Reversed

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The six-month rule was implemented in 2023 due to significant demand for the high-performance Z06 variant of Chevrolet's mid-engine sports car.

      Under this policy, original owners were required to keep the car for a minimum of six months. If they sold before that period, they would lose the vehicle's bumper-to-bumper warranty and be prohibited from making future reservations for in-demand Chevrolet models. These stipulations were later applied to the hybrid E-Ray as well.

      However, that is no longer the case. In a dealership bulletin shared on the MidEngineCorvetteForum, Chevrolet confirmed that the retention requirement has been lifted for the 2025 and 2026 model year Z06 and E-Ray variants. This change is effective immediately.

      The bulletin also noted that the policy still applies to all vehicles delivered “on or before November 5th, 2026,” but it is likely a typo, and it should have stated “November 5th, 2025.”

      

      

      What About the ZR1 and ZR1X?

      

      

      

      The removal of the retention policy is certainly positive news for original Corvette Z06 and E-Ray owners wanting to sell without penalties, and it is equally enticing for resellers looking for a quick profit. However, it is less favorable for buyers hoping to avoid paying above MSRP.

      Unsurprisingly, the extended one-year retention policy continues to apply to the 2025 Corvette ZR1, along with the 2026 ZR1 and ZR1X. Demand for these models remains exceptionally high, with many units already incurring markups well into the tens of thousands above MSRP.

      For these two models, if an original owner sells within 12 months, they will be ineligible to place a reservation or order for certain high-demand vehicles at GM’s discretion, and the bumper-to-bumper limited warranty will be rendered void.

      

      

      One exception remains. The EV battery warranty, applicable exclusively to the hybrid, all-wheel drive ZR1X, will still be honored regardless of how soon the car is sold.