Anybody have a problem with what they are calling "red metallic"?

[BossHogg]

I originally was going to order the blue over a silver tridion cell, looked beautiful, but the wife said that there will most likely be tons of cars with this combination so let's order something different. We thought the red metallic over black tridion cell also looked great, so at confirmation time we went with the red metallic over a black tridion cell. On the download page of the Smart USA website in the bottom center is a close up shot of a candy apple red metallic rear quarter panel - it looks great!

To my total dismay, I stopped into our local Smart Center to find a red metallic/black cabriolet sitting there all decked out just like the one we ordered - but these "red metallic" panels are really non-metalic opaque panels in a light red that is bordering verry close to orange - YUK

My confirmation sheet right under base price said body panels in red metallic $225.00 . Yea at the bottom of the sheet it has the normal disclaimers "smart USA reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models. Any variations in colors shown are due to variations in monitor resolution. Illustrations may include test situations."

They show you many shots in the website of Smart cars in what looks like red metallic nearing a candy apple red color. You order red metallic panels and pay another $225.00. And what do they give you? Opaque red/orange panels that look like something that should come on a Fisher-Price plastic dump truck at Toys are Us!

In Europe you can get these cars in a rainbow of nice colors - why not here - since everything that is in the pipeline for the next two years are all built to order cars?

Anybody out there have a line on how to get your hands on these Euro panels? If so, please post a link. Anybody out there want to trade these "red metallic" panels that have not yet arrived with my new car for a set of blue metallic panels, let me know?

What do all you other "red metallic" customers think of the color that has arrived in the U.S.? Any success out there in changing the color before the car arrives since we are getting something that was not discribed properly?

[CruzinSusan]

I too loved the red on the screen. When I took my test drive, though, I was really disappointed.

The gal at the desk said that in the bright sun, you can see the metallic flakes, and conceded that the color was more like persimmon. (sp?) I live in Oregon, and it seems our sunny days are fewer and fewer here on the coast.

I'm now concerned about fading. The old red VWs eventually turned into tomatoe soup red. But, they weren't plastic. Maybe plastic will fade sooner??

Since I'm hoping, begging, sniveling, and generally groveling for an Orphan, I don't care if my little darling is burturple, she will be loved.

[rgbeath]

I also am very disapponted in the "pumpkin" red. It is a far cry from what I expected. The worst part is we have to pay extra for what we really don't want. Every picture I have seen is a very different "red". I must have a very idea of what "red". To me its orange!

[rgbeath]

Sorry about spelling / gramer errors in above. Using cell phone to post while in car. ...& fat fingers.

[Smartdavis]

You say tomato and and I say tamotoe, however there is no way to call that color red with a straight face (maybe a red face) but it's still a Smartfortwo and drives like all the rest (I hope)...I am sure glad you can change the panels....and have you seen the inside "red" color?....what the heck were they thinking?....of course the French thought Jerry Lewis was hilarious too!

[saronian]

Initially the red was a big disappointment. I was eager to get a red car with silver tridion and black leather, but couldn't handle the orange tint.

However, now that I have seen a coupe & cabriolet in the showroom I think its striking. When I focus on the color I don't like it. But seeing the cars as a whole, it has a very appealing look and unique quality that suits the car.

If I were ordering now, I would get the red/silver combo

[Smartdavis]

I'm going for red/black stripe/red interior....it's hilarious but that's why I want one....to have fun and laugh while I'm driving!

[saronian]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

...of course the French thought Jerry Lewis was hilarious too!

That's it! We'll call it Jerry Lewis Red.

Like the color around this French Legion of Honor Award.

[CruzinSusan]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

You say tomato and and I say tamotoe, however there is no way to call that color red with a straight face (maybe a red face) but it's still a Smartfortwo and drives like all the rest (I hope)...I am sure glad you can change the panels....and have you seen the inside "red" color?....what the heck were they thinking?....of course the French thought Jerry Lewis was hilarious too!

I typoed, I posted, I went to dinner, I'm embarrased. Hey! Smarten up, you fingers!

There. I sure told me!

[smartune]

I thought the red interior was bad when I first saw it as well, but I think I am actually starting to like it...alot.

It really grows on you and isn't as bad when you are sitting in the car and get the catch the different shades put off when it is shadowed vs. fully lit.

-Dan