Considering Buying - Questions in Wisconsin

[KeeganOB]

I just drove from Appleton to Milwaukee (about an hour and 45 minute drive both ways) to test drive a smart car today.

I noticed the transmission right away, but I got pretty used to it as I continued my test drive. I was really amazed at how big it felt inside.

I am looking for a new car and the smart really has my interest. I am 28 and single so I think the fact that it is smaller is okay for me.

But some questions:

1. If something goes wrong with your smart car, do you have to bring it back to the dealership to get it fixed or if you need an oil change do you need to bring it back to the dealership? I know nothing about fixing cars or doing oil changes and I wouldn't want to have to drive to Milwaukee every time something went wrong.

2. How do the smart cars drive in snow/wintry conditions? Winters in Wisconsin are pretty brutal.

3. The warranty is only 2 years or 24,000 miles. Any ideas on how much they charge for their extended warranties and do you think they are worth it?

4. The dealership had some stock cars on the lot, but the sales associate recommended ordering custom and he said I could get it pretty quickly. He didn't actually give me a time frame though. How long do you think fairly quickly actually is?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Keegan

[JPaul]

1. if something's wrong, the car goes back to the Dealership (they should come, take it, and bring it back). Oil change can be DIY, keep the receipt(s) for warranty purpose.
2. see and/or ask fellow members in your neck of the woods for their experience(s).
Wisconsin Chapter - Smart Car of America Forums
3. extended warranties are actually third parties contracts not warranties. Read the fine print carefully, lots of exclusions.
4. ask your dealer how long it did take for current deliveries. Prices are the same, except if those cars on the floor have dealer added options. For me, I loved the idea and luxury to have MY car custom built.
Hope it helps.
All of this IMHO, of course.

[GiantKiller]

Originally Posted by JPaul

1. if something's wrong, the car goes back to the Dealership (they should come, take it, and bring it back). Oil change can be DIY, keep the receipt(s) for warranty purpose.
2. see and/or ask fellow members in your neck of the woods for their experience(s).
Wisconsin Chapter - Smart Car of America Forums
3. extended warranties are actually third parties contracts not warranties. Read the fine print carefully, lots of exclusions.
4. ask your dealer how long it did take for current deliveries. Prices are the same, except if those cars on the floor have dealer added options. For me, I loved the idea and luxury to have MY car custom built.
Hope it helps.
All of this IMHO, of course.

Every thing he said is true. Eric (service) is really easy to work with. And truely cares.
2. I've had mine since early feb. 08. so pretty much 2 winters. I've still got the stock tires for winter. And my smart really suprised me how good it is in the snow and ice. I've even gone out of my way to go through the worst stuff I could find. The car has traction control, anti loc brakes and electronic stability programing. Witch all work exceptionally well. I've met others that said snow tires make a huge difference. So if you got a set of snows for winter you would be fine

[bradkins]

Hi..Bill here from Oconto. 1/ I have my oil changed by the Chrysler dealer. I provide the Mobil 1 oil and pay for the oil change including filter..about $20.00. That is good for 10,000 miles. 2/ We paid extra for the warranty good for 75,000 miles. 3/ The car uses ethyl gas and will give you about 40mpg. We didn't drive it in snowy conditions, but if we did, we would have snow tires installed. We understand that it drives just fine as long as you are a good driver. 4/ We bought a Passion with Tach, Clock, Fog Lights, Heated seats[ you'll love them], Auto headlights, Auto windshield wipers. We love the car and trust that you ill also....Bill

[forestacademy]

We made it through the winter on stock tires but as Giantkiller said, many have claimed once the snow tires go on its darn near unstopable. Just use your head and don't try and jump the plow dumps.

We picked our up in October and im going in tomorrow for the first time for service. I could have ordered a filter and has just about anybody, or myself change the oil, but I felt for warrantie reasons (other than oil change) I wanted Eric to look it over at the same time. Also since I have an 08 I will be getting the upgrades on my battery and software done at the same time. I figure I can give my car 1 day every 6 months or so.

As far as being 28 and single, as long as you are comfortable with who you are and don't mind attention (mostly good and some bad) you should realy enjoy the car.

[forestacademy]

One more thing
If they have a car on the lot you like, and your ready to buy, go for it. If your not in a big rush you can wait for exactly what you want.

Adding items that can be put on at the factory can cost a lot more to add at the dealer. Keep that in mind.

If your driving an SUV and are worrying about gas prices this summer then jump on it while you can.

[kwajman]

I'm from Franklin, just south of Milwaukee. I ordered mine in May of 2008, configured it in Dec of 2008, finally got the overwhelming 'itch' and bought an orphan identical to what I wanted off the lot in March 2009. Still looking at every little thing and still thrilled with it after a month.

[padi176715]

Don't drive in the snow myself but as far as getting the car goes I could not recommend this car more strongly. Great car. Waited a year and finally got an orphan. Let the fun begin

[forestacademy]

Don't be fooled

While it may look like they have plenty of cars on the lot, I asked while in the Milwaukee smart center today how many of these were orphans. Only about 6 are orphans, almost all of these are ordered smarts. However I did here them explaining to a customer on the phone how to orphan they smart since they are so happy with the orphan they had already picked up.

So, Figure out what you want, Let them know what it is, and be ready to jump just in case it shows up.