Considering, seriously (Re: buying) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

RIderInTX · 05-25-2009, 07:37 PM

Hi;

I'm finally at the "serious consideration" level for buying a Smart Car. I'm glad I found this sight. It is loaded with good information and it also tells me I'm not the only one crazy about this car.

I'm considering one of the original G&K conversions but I'm also considering the new ones. I posted a bunch of questions in the "Original Smart Car" forum, asking about the good and bad of buying a 2005 conversion that is practically new vs waiting for a new one. If anyone would like to go to that forum and help answer my questions, or maybe say a word or two about it here, I would certainly be grateful.

Regardless of which way I go I would like to say "thanks for having me."

Bill
Corpus Christi, TX

forestacademy · 05-25-2009, 07:41 PM

You don't realy have to wait for a 451 (new 08's and 09's) Most dealers have them on the lots with warantees and no extras. Just pay MSRP

**jimvw57** · 05-25-2009, 07:49 PM

I think there is better support fir the 451's I'd go with one of them but thats my opinion.

SubSlr88 · 05-26-2009, 02:13 PM

Agree with both above posts - lots of 451s now available at the dealers and much better support for them. Four year old grey market import with mods by a dealer "way over there" . . . seems like a no-brainer to me.
You've got lots of dealers there in TX - go for it~!

Z06-LITE · 05-26-2009, 05:03 PM

As others have said. I would go with a new 451. Most dealers have a supply of orphans and even if you order something not on the lot, the wait should not be too long now. I ordered my Brabus coupe on April 6th and picked it up on May 20th. Six weeks, start to finish. Go for new and have the warranty, just my two pennies!!

WhiteNBlack08 · 05-26-2009, 07:12 PM

I agree with all the above. A 450 is unique, but getting parts, service or insurance can be a nightmare. There are threads on here that go into greater detail. Find your local dealer, I'm sure they have brand new 451's they would love to sell. I know the dealer in Indy has about 40 right now. I'm sure other dealers are the same.

smcnally · 05-26-2009, 07:24 PM

My local dealer had a fair amount of '09s on the lot for sale. They didn't have exactly what I wanted but got me my car in 1 week.

padi176715 · 05-26-2009, 08:53 PM

Welcome aboard. I agree with the idea of going with the new car. If you do not want to wait for what you want I think a few phone calls to other dealers will find something close. Then you can always get service at your "local" dealership. There are a few orphans in Ft Worth and last I heard Dallas had some also. It would be worth making a trip to pick up an orphan. You would not be the first to buy away from home. Once you get your car you will really see what the rest of us already know about the Smart. Let the fun begin, and good luck

RIderInTX · 05-28-2009, 11:05 PM

I want to thank everyone for their advice on which car to buy. Though many in this forum recommended the 451 over the 450, just as many in the original forum had the opposite opinion. The common thread between both forums is this: A bunch of folks who love the model they have and are also very helpful to others. For that I am very appreciative. I made my final decision today and ended up buying a 450. I could have gone either way but I am not looking back on the decision now but I am looking forward to meeting or at least communicating with all the "Smart" people here. I pick up my car next week. Thanks again.

Bill
Corpus Christi, TX

forestacademy · 05-29-2009, 06:00 AM

I feel so used

Enjoy your new used car.