Sadness

[TinyCarGirl]

I'm seeing that people who reserved in the beginning of 2007 are just now getting confirmations. I reserved in Oct 0f 2007, so is it not likely that I will even be able to get a Smart in 2008? I see some word about they're only bringing 16,00 units, but then I see other things that say there are more units coming. What do you think?

[Harleyduo]

Just so you know, I just got a post card from smart USA this very day that thanked me for test driving the smart and encouraged me to put down my $99 deposit if I had not done so already. I'm telling you this so you know that they are still encouraging people to place orders here in the third week of November, so they must feel that they can crank out the cars if the orders are received.

Of course, I don't have any inside information, but it does seem encouraging that they are still seeking ORDERS with all the deposits they KNOW they have on hand.

[Fredvon4]

TinyCarGirl

Get onto the smartusa web site and drop the $99 ASAP

we think 20~22 thousand will be imported (Pensky said he would get more then the original 16,000 sent over)

we think 35+/- thousand have "reserved" a place in line

we know there is a 8~9% drop out rate (Pensky said so)

we think the 2/24 warranty will have a higher drop out rate impact

we think many more will drop out because they could not wait that long to replace a car

we think others will drop out because of reliability issues

Your chances of getting a first year 2008 are not hopeless... yes--- a long shot--- but very possible-- still

BUT--- if you do not send your 100% refundable $99 and get in line the fact is you are NOT going to get a new 2008 Smart

[spdickey]

And we think a few more will drop out after they see the car since they dropped the $99 sight unseen (as I did back in March but I WILL be taking delivery.

[Smart_ABQ]

I too reserved very late, 11/12 with number #1411. I plunked my $99 down also sight unseen. The road show came through Albuquerque but I did not make it to test drive the vehicle. Not too concerned though - I just want a commuter vehicle that is simply enough for that purpose.

[jwight]

There may be a way to speed this up by contacting some of the folks in your area (on the forum) to see if they plan on dropping an early order. If so, you could ask to have them go ahead with the order and then take the car off their hands at delivery. Not sure about all the details but it seems like a win-win for both parties.

[SmartBob]

TCG: All good advice. Plop that $99 down, hide and watch. Meantime, hang with us and read up. Lots of good stuff here and great people.

[TinyCarGirl]

I've already plopped down the $99, did that in October...So, I'm in line....I'm just wondering if I'll have to wait until 2009 to even get the car..

[Fredvon4]

I bet you get a 2008 version positive thinking

[AuntieM]

I agree, positive thinking!! I would hope that they do not continue taking reservations if they know for certain they will be unable to fulfill the orders.