[6th element]

As posted on Ferrari forum by user Davidenzo:

10-26-2011:
I have owned 3 different 458s (two 2010, one 2011). On two of them, I had to replace the gearbox after 6,000 and 8,000 miles, respectively. I track my cars on a regular basis, and I drive them almost every day (it would be a crime not to do so), in a particularly hot weather. The warranty was denied on both of them, with no explanation from the dealership, who told me the instruction came from FNA directly. I replaced the gearboxes at my own cost, for $21,000 each. I sent a letter to FNA 6 weeks ago in order to get my money back, and an explanation. I am still waiting for an answer. No meeting, no answer to my calls. Ferrari specialists in racing or at various dealerships (even in Europe) will all admit – off the record - that the Getrag gearbox had issues in the first place. Please refer to other threads related to the 458 Challenge car issues. It seems to be a pretty serious issue - at least for me it is – that Ferrari has been reluctant communicating about. I own several other exotic cars that I drive the exact same way, including other Ferrari’s (Scuderia and F430), and I never experienced such issues. If anyone has experienced the same issue, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are hesitant to discuss this issue on the forum please PM me and I will keep your identity confidential.

02-10-2012:
After a couple of letters from my attorney to FNA, I am still waiting for an answer from them. I tried to contact them through my dealer, still nothing. They know they are wrong, and they are hiding. At least I would like to know why they are declining the warranty: if they had a good reason, I would be happy to hear it. Yes, I track my cars on a regular basis, so? What should I do with a 570hp 200mph+ car? I am becoming really really upset. I was travelling for a while and could not work on the issue, but I am back on it. I got a lot of information from other owners, in particular of Challenge cars. I will keep you posted, but at the end of the day I might be not be on this chat, as it is dedicated to Ferrari owners. Cannot wait to test this new McLaren in March.

McLaren, don't even think about denying warranty for track use, or I'll never buy another, guaranteed, and I'll make much more of a fuss than this guy!!

 

[zippycar]

Good spot 6E.

Question is, if denied warranty on first car, why did he buy two more?

 

[Senna]

I don't think they will
My dealer told me (and i confirmed with one from another state) that as long as the car is not used in "competition or time trials" then all is well.
Of course if it is abuse that causes a fault that is s different case.
I hope people will use them on the track, they where born there after all

 

[MP4ME]

i think it depends on the dealers. Mclaren rely on the dealers being honest, and in my experience dealers are honest with neither the client or the owner.
I had a problem with an F car a couple of years ago where the dealer told me because i tracked the car that a certain repair could not be covered under warranty. I thought that was reasonable so laid out many thousands of $$ for the repair, only to find when i ran a car fax report for a potential buyer that they had charged the factory for the warranty claim as well !
I think drive it on the track and take your chances. I believe McLaren will take care of the client i have less faith in the dealer.

 

[MoBeanz]

In my experience, track use is a grey area. Many warranties differentiate between a 'club day' with track time, an open pit track day and competition use. Some also require inspections before and after track use to ensure everything is as is should be... which is pretty sensible really.

Whether you're spending £50,000 or £500,000 on a sports car, I would recommend clarifying the terms of the warranty before tracking the car. Email your dealer and get a response in writing so that there is no confusion.

At least then you can enjoy your track time without that nagging 'what if' feeling.

... and don’t forget insurance. :-D

 

[MoBeanz]

By the way guys, I spoke to a friend that has already taken delivery and the Warranty Book has all the info we need.

It looks like wear and tear items are not covered but everything else is as long as certain conditions are met. These are generally that the track activity is non-competitive and that you have your car checked before and after the event by the dealer.

So, good to see that McLaren knows that there will be a demand to see what the car can do on-track... hard not to really when there is a ‘Track’ mode.

 

[6th element]

So, good to see that McLaren knows that there will be a demand to see what the car can do on-track... hard not to really when there is a ‘Track’ mode.

Well, the 458's dial has a mode called 'RACE', so what does that really say about their warranty?

 

[HyperMac954]

Since the MacSF dealer will be inspecting my car before the track day, and then joining me (and several other owners) out on on track for the event, I feel fairly confident that they'll take care of me...

 

[andy c]

Since the MacSF dealer will be inspecting my car before the track day, and then joining me (and several other owners) out on on track for the event, I feel fairly confident that they'll take care of me...

Looking forward to the pictures Hyper