Myrtle Beach, SC -
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - General Motors announced Monday it has officially cut off ties to its Pontiac franchise, more than 80 years after rolling the first vehicle of its kind off the production line.
As the motor giant closes the doors on one of four franchises sacrificed during a major government bailout, many Pontiac owners are now left wondering if investing in the brand will cost them big in the long run.
Whisper Oliver, of Myrtle Beach, purchased a Pontiac G6 earlier this year and says her car was the perfect buy.
"I love the way [my car] drives," she said. "Since I've bought it, it's never given me any problems."
As expected in any car, there is going to be a time when Oliver's G6 will be in need of a few new bells and whistles, outside of the routine oil change and tire rotation.
When that happens, Oliver will find herself paying for parts to a car that's no longer in production.
"There were big concerns on the customer's part as to what was going to happen, as far as being able to get their car repaired, parts and service," Pat Fire, general manager of Hyatt Buick GMC, said.
To avoid widespread trouble in the future for Pontiac owners, Fire said dealerships will continue to honor service agreements with Pontiac. Those agreements, he said, will allow dealerships to service any car that remains under warranty.
Prices for parts, Fire predicts, will also remain relatively inexpensive due to a stable amount of Pontiac parts that are still being delivered to the dealership.
"There's not really a big issue with people being able to get service and parts for their car. That stuff's still in place," he said. "We've got a good supply line of parts coming in."
In the end, what could have played out as a financial hit to Fire's Pontiac customers in Myrtle Beach has turned out to be just a slight bump in the road.
"There's still a demand for the product. They're still worth top dollar."
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