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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| I found out today that the 5 year warranty is NOT what I was told it is.
I am very disappointed and not exactly sure what my next move will be.
It is a ONE year factory-warranty, and a complimentary 4 year Polaristar extended warranty.
--Far from what I was told when I was shopping and buying-- I could not have made it more clear as I questioned the warranty details... I was told that it is clearly a 5 year full factory warranty.--same exact warranty on day one as the last day.
Did you guys know that this is what the "5 year warranty" is?
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Well, if I had done my homework I would have seen the fine print on Victory's website. I unfortunately believed the dealer when they told me it was NOT exactly what it IS....
Lesson learned....
Still love the bike! just bummed on the bait-n-switch
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Nothing wrong with the Polaristar warrenty. With the exception of cosmetics; it offers the same coverage as the factory |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I guess a lesson learn is "show me in writing". You can't get coverage on warranty by what comes out of the mouth...hold that paper up and you got facts... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| The problem with the warranty offered by Victory is that for a touring bike like the Vision, or for that matter the new Cross bikes, a one year full "bumper to bumper" warranty is a joke by industry standards, even H-D gives a two year full warranty on their touring series, BMW give a 3 year 36000 mile (the milage is a joke) warranty on the K1200LT, Star (formerly known as Yamaha) gives a FIVE year full warranty on the Venture, and Honda gives a 3 year full warranty and if you get the 4 additional years (total of 7) of Hondacare warranty everything that was factory original to the bike is covered (this leaves out the CB, CD changer and other dealer installed options). From what I've gathered, the 4 year extended Polaristar warranty basically only covers the engine and transmission and not much else, I paid $900 for this coverage before reading the fine print when I ordered my Vision in February of '08, had I known then what I know now I would have passed on the Polaristar warranty and spent the money on a warranty from a different aftermarket warranty provider.
Live and Learn........... |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Alright, heres a quickie note. I am currently serving under the Polaristar warranty. I'm into the second year, of the "3 year warranty", meaning it ends this year. I just had replaced under warranty, with a $50 deductible: heated seat, front speakers, and the left side lighted badge. Over a $1000 bucks under warranty. So far, I'm out the $600 I paid for the extra two years and $50 for the deductible. Still a little less than the repair bill. No issues, dealer handled it. And, it didn't have anything to do with the tranny or engine.
So, let the naysayers begin, but I can fax or have you talk to the dealership for proof. One good dealership "FRS Powersports Memphis, TN" |
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Cruiser
Posts: 96
Oswego,, Illinois,USA | I was told by my dealer.....after your 1 year is up,Same coverage but with 50 dollar deductable. |
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Tourer
Posts: 319
| Well dont think that you should have to pay $50.00 if its a warranty.....I made it a point to ride the heck out of it for the first year to shake out the bugs. except for recalls....the only thing replaced under warranty was the windshield. 2 years 18,700 miles no problems. I think a 1 year warranty nowadays is a joke..even the Motor Company has 2 years standard on thier machines
Edited by Banjo 2009-11-20 10:00 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 354
20 miles west of Chicago. | The amber plastic front turn signal housings on my Vision have been getting a substantial amount of water in them the last few times I rode in rain and the water stays in them for a long time unless I pull the bulbs out and use a hair dryer to evaporate the moisture. The extended "warranty" people refused to cover this. I think that if this occurrs enough times the sockets and/or bulb bases will corrode, leaving me without turn signals. Guess what I think about the extended warranty I paid, if I remember correctly, $600 for. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | warranties in my opinion is a gamble or a shame, like insurance. It is only useful if you need it. Over the years I've paid more insurance out than my cars have ever been worth. However, I was glad that the other guys had insurance when they damaged my stuff, it paid off. On warranties I have never got my money out of them ever, but the 1 year warranties have paid off on a few occasions.
I did have to use my insurance about 6 months ago when my wife opened the door as a big wind came and her door hit a new corvette. She left a note and the folks responded. Our insurance paid for the nick repair and then jacked up our insurance. That is life, but the beef I have is that is our only claim and my wive's driving record is PERFECT, never has been in an accident or even gotten a ticket. But at the moment it was there to pay for whatever the damage was.
I really don't know what my real point is other than I paid 600 for an extended warranty that I hope I'll never use and probably won't and wish I spent that on something else.
Edited by varyder 2009-11-20 10:45 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I bought the 5 year - "Don't Use It and you get ALL your money back" warrantee. In effect - I loaned them $900 interest free for 5 years. But if I use it for a $100 repair - ZIP - it just really cost me $900. Any subsequent repairs reduce that, of course. I'm thinking that I would only use the warrantee for major engine/trans work - and never for 'cosmetics'. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | The 5 year warranty that is offered on the new Victory 2009 and earlier bikes is a 1 yr. factory and a 4 yr. Polaristar ESC with $50 deductable...unlimited miles, oh and you guys in Canada...sorry.
Those of us that have the Polaristar coverage should read of the contract closely. There is some very interesting information on what is NOT covered and what you do to your motorcycle that will void the coverage. Having a good dealer that helps you in the claim is a big step towards using this coverage succesfully. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| You guys know I have had to use mine so this is what I know. The Polaristar warranty kicks in at the end of the 12 month factory. The factory is bumper to bumper and the Polaristar is "BREAKDOWN" coverage. So what exactly does breakdown mean? Well if in a case like mine your radio packs in it is covered. Power windshield motor quits working it is covered. In other words if it breaks its covered. Now there are exceptions like cracked windshields or paint peeling, etc... These items wouldn't be considered breakdown items. Th warranty paper spells this out in the exclusion list.
Now if you barter you are much further ahead as my 5 year only ran me $600 and it is 100% or rather ZERO deductible on all claims.
The bottom line is the warranty already paid for itself with the radio and a few other items since the factory warranty expired. It is called the Polaristar warranty but it is actually administered by GE so there is a complete disconnect between Victory and this warranty company. Still they do a fair job but you may need to fight some to get the coverage you paid for. For example Polaristar refused my claim on the headlite assy but after some arguing they agreed to supply another headlite in "good faith" since it had been replaced just 30 days before. The catch was I would need to pay for the install. Ain't happening until a new headlite comes out that fixes the current problem with cracking and separation. Then I'll get the warranty replacement and install it myself.
What I don't understand is why MC manufacturers seem to operate under different rules than auto. If say Ford replaces a part on your car under warranty that part is warrantied starting from the day installed, not so with bikes.
Anyhow the warranty works but it definitely works better under the factory portion. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| A little advice to take with you for the rest of your life. Read EVERYTHING before you sign for it. I bet if you read it, something would have raised a red flag and you would have asked the terms of the warranty. Assuming the salesperson is telling you what you want to hear only hurts you.
My extended warranty was a choice between a zero deductible or $50 deductible for less money. I assume dealers can pick which one(s) they want to sell?
Another important thing for you to learn is to make a copy of your extended warranty and keep it with your registration. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 803
Perry Hall, MD | RedRider - 2009-11-23 10:50 AM
Another important thing for you to learn is to make a copy of your extended warranty and keep it with your registration.
Great suggestion RedRider.
Guess that we should also keep the receipts to demonstrate following the maintenance schedule. I'm not so sure that I would want to carry all of those with me. Items purchased from a Victory dealer should be on file and retrievable if necessary (not sure about dealers that are no longer in business). For the other items (particularly when traveling) it might be a good idea to scan them (preferably to PDF files) and either carry them on a thumb drive or e-mail them to yourself so they can be retrieved from any computer while on the road.
Several of us received the 5yr warranty (mine has a $50 deductible) as a promotion from Victory. It pushed me into picking up an 08 on the final day of the offer. While I hope that I never have to use it, there are a few incidents discussed here that validate it's value to those owners. I'm guessing that the report on here several weeks ago where there was a delay in authorizing repairs until it was inspected was in response to the warranty requirements (it's pretty specific about some engine conditions that are not covered).
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| What exactly did you guys "sign"... after you read it? I had nothing to sign at all regarding a warranty. I have bought countless cars also, and I have no recall of signing a factory warranty?
I guess the lesson really is: get it in writing. Although, I do not recall ever receiving an actual dealer (bumper to bumper) warranty in writing ever either. Have you?
I was told this was a 5 year warranty... period. I was mislead, no doubt about it. And I had no reason to get it in writing, because I had no experience in doing that, and vast experience in the opposite.
In fact-- the fact that I did not sign anything indicates the message conveyed to me that this was a full factory warranty...one that you do not sign and accept. Had they said it was an extended warranty, I would have asked more questions and read what was NOT covered...
Do you have your 1 year warranty in writing?
I dont either. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Cabot Arkansas | ""Do you have your 1 year warranty in writing? ""
"I dont either."
Sure you do it's right there in your owners manual  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| It is no surprise to me that that was never clarified either. The dealer would have had to explain the limits and one-year duration. Thank you for showing me where that is. I will go look it up.
My disappointment is with being mislead. There was nothing to sign or clarify for the owners manual and warranty, or the 5 year warranty. However, it is in the fine print of the current marketing for Victory.
Certainly learned my lesson, and will never let this happen again. If they had just told me the truth (1 + 4 years = 5) I would have still been good with it, but this was clearly a well-phrased sales pitch. I could have solved it by asking for it in writing, and I did. They told me there is nothing to give me, and that it is all in the computer via my VIN#. ..... My experience in cars validated that---but never tested it.
Now I know.... and the next guy will too.
Thanks
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | UMMMM just to clarify.......The warranty is a contract that had to be signed by you in closing. If you failed to notice it....That would be on you |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| No Kevin. Wrong. Nothing signed by me at all for any warranty. That is the problem. And I do have the warranty, just not the one I was told I had.
Thanks for your help. What did you sign? Anybody have a pic of a signed waranty? What did I miss?
Thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Mfoster - 2009-11-24 4:35 PM
No Kevin. Wrong. Nothing signed by me at all for any warranty. That is the problem. And I do have the warranty, just not the one I was told I had.
Thanks for your help. What did you sign? Anybody have a pic of a signed waranty? What did I miss?
Thanks
I work at a dealer, and see copies of the warrenty all the time. I also have a signed copy of my own warrenty that outlines all the specifics of coverage. Go through your original paperwork, and you will find yours. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Well now here is a twist......
I just spoke to the F&I guy, and he told me this. The warranty that is given to you as a promo by Vic is NOT a signed contract by the customer. The customer however is mailed a copy a couple of months later. A warranty generated as a SOLD item is a contract signed by the customer. So basically I was wrong if you did not pay for it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | UMM - Anyone need a lawyer????
One thing I got with my exteded warranty - a nice credit card size plastic 'Warranty Card' to present to anyone doing work on my bike. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Hey Thanks Kevin for looking into it like that! I was just mailed a two page simple thing from Polaristar that triggered all of this... Sounds like what you found out is what is happening here. My "original paperwork" is literally one piece of paper.. I paid cash, and that was it. The paper is a dealer-made receipt. And he told me flat-out it was a 5yr warranty, same on the first day as it is on the last day... Trust me, I asked over and over, and was also told there is nothing in writing it is all done electronically by the vin#....
My lesson is: somehow someway..somebody is putting in writing next time. Even if they put in writing that "this does not come in writing."
Lesson learned... As far as a lawyer--- I will ask around, I am fortunate to have access to a few tricks of the trade; however, I am not sure of recourse available, and want to remain on good terms with my local dealer... But they certainly are not reciprocal. I will no longer recommend them.
Thanks for the tip about the warranty in the owners manual! Everyone should read that. Looks like a lot of things are covered for 5 yrs or 18,000+ miles.... interesting... (emission issues) |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| you don't need a warranty card or the paperwork. The extended warranty is loaded via the VIN on the bike not the purchaser. When the dealer sells you the bike under the promo the VIN gets loaded with the additional 4 years. For those who purchase after the initial sale or not under the promo pay for the additional coverage and as such must sign the contract. The warranty is still loaded to the VIN so you don't need anything as far as a warranty card, contract to get warranty work done.
I don't understand the "inspection" requirement mentioned UNLESS the warranty company was having it inspected to make sure the OWNER had not made some unauthorized mod or was looking for a way out of repairing. Regardless that is a violation of the contract and I would be pissed at being delayed. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | My Polaristar contract states in making a claim, on line #3, if requested the admistrator will do an inspection of the vehicle before repairs are performed. Doesn't seem to be a volation there of the contract. The administrator on my Polaristar contract is GE Capital Management Corporation, not Victory or Polaris. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| VT, you need to ask why they would request to inspect before repairs. Why not ALL failures must be inspected? There is only one reason and it was decided in the courts some years ago (against HD).
The bottom line is the warranty covers MOST breakage, but the administrator will TRY to avoid paying by asserting the item claimed is something OTHER THAN breakage. For example my headlite. They attempted to say it was cosmetic and my reply back was it is a sealed headlite with cracks and separation which allows water to get inside. That by any definition is BROKEN. I then asked them if they were denying my claim and as such breeching their contract. It all of the sudden became a "good faith" covered repair. They simply need encouraged to do the RIGHT thing. Advise them that while the bike is down awaiting repair you WILL be claiming the "rental vehicle" fee that the warranty covers. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Teach, I'm just stating what is on the contract...the most important thing here is your dealer. If he is a prick, your going to get an inspection...that is what he says. Here is something, how do you know the dealer is up front with you on not honoring a repair on the contract. He could say the repair was denied and here is the reason...you can't produce all the service records, you did some service yourself. Then he charges you and then submit the claim to Polaristar...do you think that could happen in this economy? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| VT, what I know is that the warranty administrator must prove that the lack of servicing resulted in said warranty claim. The burden of proof isn't on the owner contrary to what might be implied. For example; everytime I change my oil, tires, etc.. I document the repair/servicing in my owners manual with date, parts and mileage. If say my rings cracked, it would not be on me to provide proof the oil was changed every 2500 UNLESS the broken rings could be positively linked to improper service. At said point the owners manual log and a reciept from the most recent oil purchase would suffice to enforce warranty.
As far as knowing if the dealer is up front? They submit a claim BEFORE work begins and it is approved or disapproved via a claim number sent via the net. All you need to do is ask to see the warranty claim paperwork.
As for denial of claim based on YOU servicing the bike yourself? Unless the manufacturer provides free servicing for the life of the vehicle warranty PERIOD they cannot make said servicing a requirement for warranty claim. Harley lost in court on this very same issue. Same is true for oil used. A claim cannot be denied based on use of say Amsoil verses Victory oil UNLESS the manufacturer provides free oil for the duration of the warranty period. |
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New owners: Is your 5yr warranty real? You may be surprised--like I am