General Motors has quietly reversed its six-month ownership requirement for the Corvette Z06 and E-Ray, easing restrictions on early resales. The change, effective immediately, means buyers can now sell these high-demand models without risking their warranty or future reservation eligibility.
Policy Shift Explained
Originally implemented in 2023 amid surging demand for the Z06 and later extended to the E-Ray, the rule aimed to deter “flipping” – the practice of buying limited-production vehicles solely to resell them at a profit. Under the previous policy, owners who sold within six months forfeited their bumper-to-bumper warranty and were barred from placing future orders for high-demand Chevrolet models. The move was a clear attempt to control the secondary market and curb excessive markups.
However, the policy shift suggests GM is adjusting its strategy. The company has confirmed through a dealership bulletin that the retention requirement is lifted for 2025 and 2026 model-year Z06 and E-Ray variants.
What Remains: ZR1 and ZR1X Restrictions
The change does not apply to all Corvettes. The upcoming ZR1 and ZR1X models will still be subject to a stricter one-year ownership requirement. Demand for these flagship trims remains exceptionally high, with many units already selling for tens of thousands of dollars over MSRP.
Under the ZR1/ZR1X policy, owners who sell within 12 months will lose their warranty and could be blocked from placing future reservations for other in-demand GM vehicles. An exception exists for the ZR1X’s EV battery warranty, which will remain valid regardless of ownership duration.
Why This Matters
The rollback suggests GM may be prioritizing market flexibility over strict control. While this benefits flippers and owners looking to cash out, it could also mean higher prices for buyers seeking to avoid dealer markups. The move raises questions about GM’s long-term approach to managing demand for its performance vehicles. The policy change also signals that the initial hype around the Z06 and E-Ray may be cooling down, making strict resale restrictions less necessary.
Ultimately, the market will decide whether this shift leads to more accessible pricing or further inflated values for these sought-after Corvettes.
