It seems unlikely Chevrolet will grant a similar reprieve to Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X owners
1 hour ago
- Chevy alters a Corvette policy that once limited ownership terms.
- Owners can now sell Z06 and E-Ray cars without losing warranty.
- However, some models remain under stricter ownership limits.
Some carmakers have tried to rein in buyers who snap up high-demand models only to flip them for profit. Others seem far less concerned (looking at you, Dodge and Porsche). GM, for its part, has been especially active on this front, enforcing a six-month retention policy on the C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray to discourage early resales.
Read: Corvette Z06 Flippers Are Learning The Hard Way What Happens When The Hype Fades
Now, in a move that caught some by surprise, Chevrolet has announced it will scrap that rule, at least for some models. Going forward, only the upcoming Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X will be subject to a longer one-year ownership requirement.
Policy Pulled Back
The six-month rule was originally put in place in 2023, prompted by intense demand for the high-revving, high-performance Z06 version of Chevrolet’s mid-engined sports car.
Under that policy, first owners were required to hold onto the vehicle for at least half a year. If they sold earlier, they’d lose the car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty and be barred from placing future reservations for in-demand Chevy models. The same stipulations were later extended to the hybrid E-Ray.
But that’s no longer the case. In a dealership bulletin shared on the MidEngineCorvetteForum, Chevrolet confirmed the retention requirement has now been dropped for 2025 and 2026 model year Z06 and E-Ray variants. The change takes effect immediately.
The same note added that the policy remains applicable to all vehicles delivered “on or before November 5th, 2026,” but we suspect that’s a typo, and it should read “November 5th, 2025.”
What About the ZR1 and ZR1X?
Ditching the retention policy is certainly good news for original Corvette Z06 and E-Ray owners looking to sell without penalty, and just as appealing for flippers hoping to turn a quick profit. For buyers trying to avoid paying over MSRP, not so much.
Unsurprisingly, the extended one-year retention policy still applies to the 2025 Corvette ZR1, as well as the 2026 ZR1 and ZR1X. Demand for these models remains exceptionally strong, with many units already commanding markups well into the tens of thousands over MSRP.
In the case of those two models, if an original owner sells the car within 12 months, they’ll be ineligible to place a reservation or order for certain high-demand vehicles at GM’s discretion, and the bumper-to-bumper limited warranty will be voided.
One exception does remain. The EV battery warranty, which only applies to the hybrid, all-wheel drive ZR1X, will still be honored regardless of how soon the car changes hands.
