GM Officially Starts 60-Day Test Drive to Lure Buyers
After a weekend of hyping it's new 60-day, money back guarantee, the new GM program officially launches today. The no-questions-asked refund will run through November 30.
The guarantee, which is nearly unprecedented (Oldsmobile and Saturn tried similar return programs) applies to nearly all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Clearly, this is GM's bid to demonstrate confidence in its product and also entice buyers who might be on the fence about making a big purchase in a down economy.
To qualify for the refund, a consumer has to return the car between 30 and 60 days after having driven it for less than 4,000 miles and must be up to date on the payments. Be sure to check the limitations before buying.
The offer is part of a new "May the Best Car Win" marketing campaign GM is rolling out as a way to re-engage buyers after the frenzy of the government's Cash for Clunkers program. The automaker is hoping the bold return policy and its earlier introduced 100,000 mile/5-year powertrain warranty, will draw new buyers to the newly restructured company.
Currently, cars are sold with no "cooling off period" meaning that if someone decides they don't like the car they can't return it. Most products sold through other retailers can be returned for refund or exchange. Car dealers have strong lobbying power though and have resisted consumer protections.
This program will help buyers who don't do a thorough job of evaluating a vehicle during the often too-brief test drive. Some aspects of vehicles, such as seat comfort or ergonomics, take time to assess. If, after living with the vehicle for over a month, the buyer discovers something they don't like about the vehicle, they can return the vehicle to the dealer.
Furthermore, many buyers are pressured into purchasing a car which puts undue pressure on their family budget. Now, for GM vehicles at least, buyer's remorse is a thing of the past.
- Posted by
- Philip Reed September 14, 2009, 12:00 PM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Car Buying, Car Warranty
Here's the REAL beauty of this promotion:
Let's say you want a new, I dunno, fully decked-out Silverado. A new one is out of the question, but you could probably afford a slightly-used one (anyone see where this is going yet?)
So, let's say you have a trusted friend or relative go "buy" this new decked-out Silverado, and turn it back in before the 60-day period. Now, GM has to sell this as a used car, with the 10-15% depreciation factored in. Now YOU, who wanted this new decked-out Silverado in the first place, can now get it - at a majorly reduced price (hey, no questions asked, right?)
Bottom line - if GM is so confident in their cars, why don't they just lower the prices of their cars in the first place instead of resorting to these types of gimmicks?
This promotion could be a real scheister's dream come true.
"Bottom line - if GM is so confident in their cars, why don't they just lower the prices of their cars in the first place instead of resorting to these types of gimmicks? "
they did that about 2-3 years back. Lower prices are not enough to grab attention. Besides, GM vehicles arent known for being too expensive. Value isnt their problem.
So, I have NO desire for a GM vehicle. But a free 60 day, 4,000 mile test ride sounds inviting.
It looks like I could go "buy" a Camaro or Corvette for cash. Then before time and mileage expire, return it for a refund of purchase price plus sales tax. Then I am only out the cost of title & license, plus auto insurance.
Is this correct??