18 Responses to “About Your New Government-Owned Auto Warranty”

1. #1 |  Hannah |  April 1st, 2009 at 3:49 pm

   Oh man, flash backs to my trip to the DMV. Had to go through a line 5 times before the “receptionist” would even give me a number. Different forms and different requirements each time given just to get a title changed.

2. #2 |  UCrawford |  April 1st, 2009 at 3:58 pm

   I was hoping this was an April Fool’s joke until I saw that the government warranty program is completely legit. Apparently the government will “appoint a program administrator who, together with the U.S. Government, will identify an auto service provider to supply warranty services.” Which will apparently only cover standard repairs and may not be applicable to more “sophisticated” repairs (like rebuilding the engine).

   I’ve had my eye on the new Dodge Challenger, but there’s not a chance in hell I’m even thinking about buying an American car with the government handling warranty service.

3. #3 |  Another Matt |  April 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pm

   I can’t wait to buy another Mazda.

4. #4 |  Sean |  April 1st, 2009 at 4:16 pm

   My father in law was gushing about what great service he got at the DMV. That he only had to wait two weeks for his appointment. That it only took 25 minutes once he got there. (He was serious… he actually was happy.)

   While this is, in fact, good services as compared to DMV standards, it’s sad that this is now the level of expectation we have about our government services.

   Reminds me of when we all just accepted that our computers would crash at least once a day.

5. #5 |  Another Matt |  April 1st, 2009 at 4:25 pm

   What’s sad is that people actually expect anything good to come out of government, such that they are disappointed when they don’t get it. That organization with an enforced monopoly would treat its customers with contempt is exactly what one would expect. But we don’t give up our faith in good government, entrusting it with ever more money and power, with predictable results.

6. #6 |  Travis |  April 1st, 2009 at 4:49 pm

   #2 better the government providing it than no one.

7. #7 |  thomasblair |  April 1st, 2009 at 5:09 pm

   Travis,

   Are you 15-1/2? You’ve clearly never had to deal with the government in any meaningful way. Just wait until they start stealing 30-50% of your income.

   These auto shops will be staffed with the same people who fucked up the original build and supplied by the same people who sent the original shitty parts and operated by the same people who ran the original company into the ground.

8. #8 |  ClubMedSux |  April 1st, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   better the government providing it than no one.

   And I’m better off drinking my own urine than dying of thirst, but that won’t convince me to spend my next vacation in the middle of Death Valley instead of a pub in Scotland.

9. #9 |  thorn |  April 1st, 2009 at 5:24 pm

   better the government providing it than no one.

   No, better that if Detroit can’t provide it – then the American taxpayer doesn’t provide it. If people are worried that someday their crappy GM car won’t be covered by the crappy company that made it – buy a different car. Don’t hold us financially responsible for your own dumb mistake.

10. #10 |  Travis |  April 1st, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    I’m not trying to say that this whole thing won’t be a mess. My point is that when GM goes into bankruptcy, all those warranties are going to be meaningless, so it’s not like this is the worst case scenario. The end result of the government being in charge might be the same as not having a warranty, but it’s hardly worse.

    I’m curious why these warranties aren’t backed by a third-party, though. I know cars are different, but when Circuit City went under, all their warranties were backed by a separate organization and weren’t affected.

11. #11 |  thorn |  April 1st, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    Yes, but Circuit City’s warranties are covered by a private third-party company, or the manufacturer themselves. If someone’s plasma TV dies, the taxpayers aren’t on the hook for the repairs.

    It’s idiotic that if Delta Airlines goes under, taxpayers have to cover the pensions. If the UAW goes under – again, taxpayers cover it. Why are taxpayers constantly expected to pay for the mistakes of private industry?

    Now we’re also supposed to cover car repairs that absolutely WILL be needed? Not it – WHEN.

    If consumers don’t trust GM to stay in business, to be around to cover the repairs – don’t buy GM. Simple choice, end of story.

12. #12 |  Scott |  April 1st, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    I’m waiting for the internal training video to be leaked to YouTube. The one which encourages employees to be vigilant in looking for regulatory violations on all cars brought in for service. Won’t it be great when you bring your GM car to a state-approved garage for an oil change only to find a list of fines on the final bill for illegal exhaust system/worn tire treads/faulty turn signals/etc.?

13. #13 |  Boyd Durkin |  April 1st, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    There is a business (private) model for insuring pensions and warranties that is a lot more efficient (and fair…IMHO). Talk to Warren Buffet, who knows a thing or two about insurance but not nearly enough about economics or politics.

    IMHO this is related: NH just passed a tax on the “rich” of 5% cap gains and estate tax increase over $2 mill. NH is one of the more tax-hating states and there was piss warm discussion about actually cutting services to balance the budget.

    Marx and Keynes are in the stands grinning and hugging. No tax tea party or libertarian movement or complete economic collapse is going to stop this plane ride until it is a smoking hole in the ground. So, I guess, let’s start marking the most audacious of the moves by our beloved representatives.

14. #14 |  Frank |  April 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    #7 It could be worse, they could be staffing repair centers with TSA “officers” that aren’t needed at airports anymore due to declining passenger travel.

15. #15 |  Aresen |  April 1st, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    #4 | Sean | April 1st, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Reminds me of when we all just accepted that our computers would crash at least once a day.

    You speak of it as if it was a thing of the pa#10**s38..

16. #16 |  Marty |  April 1st, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    looks more and more like an East German thing, with those ugly, shitty little cars the govt mandated.

    Time for a new motorcycle!

17. #17 |  Pinandpuller |  April 1st, 2009 at 11:52 pm

    Is this going to be anything like dealing with fleet management services?

18. #18 |  WarHorse1961 |  April 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 am

    I bought a Pontiac G6 last year with cash. You have no idea how paranoid I was with that much cash in my pocket. Made sure I drove right at the posted speed limit so I wouldn’t get pulled over.

    It’s still under warranty, but I refuse to let the government work on my car. So, do I need to be paranoid about a “no-knock” raid because I didn’t get my car serviced? I’m thinking it’s time to find a good home for my dog.

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