View Full Version : Sticky subject - insurance/warranty
If I buy a new Leon Cupra and change the ECU does that
mean i've lost the seat warranty? And can an insurer tell in the
event of stacking it? :)
What about COC for import cars?
Mumble mumble... just poking your brains...
I take it that by "change the ECU" you mean get it remapped?
Seat: Void at least engine warranty - if they spot it.
Insurance: Defo void.....if they spot it.
COC for imported car.....not sure what you're askin?
Re. warranties, as far as I know Seat UK would have to prove that the modded ECU had specifically caused whatever damage you were claiming for, they couldn't just completely refuse to pay for your warranty claim just because you had a mod. This is of course if they spot the mod in the first place.
Re. insurance, really not worth trying to hide the mod IMO. In the case of a serious accident, there is every chance the assessor would find the mods and would then void the policy. As long as you don't give the insurance co. too much info. such as telling them that the car had a 10% power increase rather than giving over exact power figures, they don't seem to be adding too much to the premiums.
Mark
What chips do not show up on the SEAT Dealers diagnostic equipment?
I mean how would they be able to tell? What are the tell-tale signs???
turbo northener
28-02-2002, 12:37
Originally posted by ab3
What chips do not show up on the SEAT Dealers diagnostic equipment?
I mean how would they be able to tell? What are the tell-tale signs???
the jabbasport chip was not detected after a load of diagnostics, but the dealer also told me i have a sensor that i have since been told doesn't exist...
Dangel,
Regarding the COC (Certificate Of Conformity) on an import, unless you modify the car before you register it in the UK (unlikely) then this is not a problem.
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 12:44
Has anyone had any problems after getting chipped/tuned etc?
I'm after one, but not b4 I am reasonable comfortable that there is somewhere I can take it afterwards!
Originally posted by ab3
What chips do not show up on the SEAT Dealers diagnostic equipment?
I mean how would they be able to tell? What are the tell-tale signs???
AFAIK none of the chips currently on offer will show up on dealer diagnostic machines. The only way they could tell would be to open the ecu itself and see the new chip, which I'm told they can't do without getting permission from the owner first.
The other way is just by driving the car, it would be obvious by driving a 1.8T car that it had been chipped from the siginificant torque increase that gives you a kick in the back when you put your foot down.
I personally have an AmD remap and have had the car serviced and some warranty items replaced a few times and at more than one dealer and neither of them has ever questioned me on whether the car is chipped.
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 12:47
Thanks dreamer, thats what I needed to hear!!
I take it you would recommend getting a chip then?
I would definitely recommend getting the car chipped, it definitely puts a smile on your face the first time you boot it after it being done.
There are lots of chip options out there though so take you time when deciding on which chip to go for.
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 12:55
Tell me about it!!
To be honest, the one looking favourite at the moment is the APR with the Cruise Control, cos that will help me a load on the Motorway (hopefully get some better fuel economy!) and with that I can take the sport program out for servicing and when the little lady steals it (and I do mean steal, cos i never say she can!!!)
APR does look like they offer a good product and I know that several members of this forum have now had their cars APR'd and have been happy with the results.
I think I prefer the chips that are custom mapped for each individual car such as AmD and Jabbasport as no two engines are ever exactly the same when they come from the factory (IMO). That's just my own personal choice though and in no way means that products from Upsolute, APR etc. aren't any good.
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 13:05
I know what you mean, and if I am correct, the jabbersport ship is a lot cheaper too (£330 instead of £595)
Argh! I hate decisions!
Not forgettnig that the APR one can be easily locked to prevent the chip working - like when your delaer has it.
or valet mode at 0psi boost and a rev limit of 4k - for when ur missus wants a drive :D
I'm sure you'll be pleased with whatever chip you go for.
Scoobster
28-02-2002, 13:23
Mmmmmmmmm Valet Mode.. !! sounds a good one..
I left my car outside the Queens hotel in Leeds the other week to be parked by the valet, and mysteriously there were over 10 miles on the clock when it came back the next day.. :rolleyes:
I know the one way system is bad in Leeds, bue the car park for the hotel is under the bloody hotel.. lol
Valet guy probably gave it a good caining and a few traffic light races before he parked it.. but I checked the car over on its return and there are no knocks.. so nor harm done..
Would be nice to be able to change programs though, and depending on the traffic and weather and stuff.. I SO want to get it done, but personally don't have a grand to throw at my car right this moment.. might have to wait until summer time.. :(
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 13:25
Thats the problem for me, I only just bought the car, and I am already considering spending another £1000!!
Then there is the insurance question as well!!
Seat should just supply them all chipped!
turbo northener
28-02-2002, 13:40
i think all chips are pretty much the same apart from the options, so just decide if you want to go quick and do other stuff aswell or if you just want to go quick.
IMO even with a mapped to your engine car, if there are no other mods you are unlikely to notice a great deal of difference to another non-specific-mapped chip, especially when you take into account, tyres, suspension, how many doughnuts you eat etc.
if you are intending to do other mods than the specific map will be beneficial in the future.
whatever you go for you will have a quicker car and a bigger grin.
davemcgo
28-02-2002, 14:08
And here was me thinking that after years of driving slower cars (Scirocco's) that the Cupra-R would be plenty of fun...
Who was I trying to kid? I need more, and now after reading all this, I think me wants a chip, and cruise control....:D
NewCupra
28-02-2002, 14:26
I'm in the same boat, got rid of my 98Bhp Suzuki Baleno pile of CR*P to get my new little beastie, and I need more power already!!!!
what are we all like??!?!?!?
davemcgo
28-02-2002, 15:10
I wouldn't say my Scirocco's were 'crap'. But they were slower than the R!
Ideally, I'd like to have enough money to get about 230-240bhp out of the bad boy, and then get a 50bhp nitrous kit installed :D :D
Donations welcome....
Gadge20vt
28-02-2002, 16:19
Dave, that would make our next 1/4 mile run even more interesting!!!
And theree was me thinking i would have the upper hand if i got it chipped.
;)
hopkinsgm
01-03-2002, 14:03
Originally posted by dreamer
Re. warranties, as far as I know Seat UK would have to prove that the modded ECU had specifically caused whatever damage you were claiming for, they couldn't just completely refuse to pay for your warranty claim just because you had a mod. This is of course if they spot the mod in the first place.
I should have a little chat with Seat UK if I were you - I did when I was considering lowering my 8v. Their response was that if you have a problem with any related system then they invalidate the warranty on that item. So lowering a car invalidates warranties on all suspension components, a number of brake items, steering, driveshafts, etc...
I shudder to think how many warranted items they could duck out of with a chipped ECU! Fortunately, most that are available for the 20vT are non-detectable by diagnostic equipment.
G
davemcgo
01-03-2002, 14:28
Dave, that would make our next 1/4 mile run even more interesting!!!
Bloody right it would. I reckon it would make trying to drive at the speed limit pretty interesting too :p :p
It'll be a long way off if I ever set about going for it.
You made a decision yet? Chip or Wheels & suspension???
Originally posted by hopkinsgm
I should have a little chat with Seat UK if I were you - I did when I was considering lowering my 8v. Their response was that if you have a problem with any related system then they invalidate the warranty on that item. So lowering a car invalidates warranties on all suspension components, a number of brake items, steering, driveshafts, etc...
I shudder to think how many warranted items they could duck out of with a chipped ECU! Fortunately, most that are available for the 20vT are non-detectable by diagnostic equipment.
G
I can't remember where I read it (I'll have a dig around at home) but I'm sure that according to some EU/UK law/directive that the car companies can't refuse to honour a warranty claim unless they can prove without doubt that the modification was directly responsible for the failure that is being claimed for.
Regarding the suspension query you mentioned, many car manufacturers (inc. Seat) offer lowered suspension as an option when buying the car yet they will still pay for warranty items. As long as you haven't lowered the car more than their optional sports suspension (60mm for example) kits then I don't see that they would have much argument. Obviously they couldn't be liable for the actual shocks/springs themselves if they weren't Seat items though.