Enthusiastic New Member here...

[factor9]

Mike T., Keep on checking for those orphans. If you really looking for a cab, you may want to see about getting on the southern CA dealership's orphans' lists. It appears that the've ordered a high percentage of convertibles! Good luck and be patient! Still waiting in Sacramento!(1 yr.+)

[Dunerunner]

It helps to develop a relationship, a good working relationship with the dealership. But I think this was just dumb luck. Wishing I had played the lottery instead? NO!!!!

[Springlering]

Mike, also keep an eye on the vehicles for sale section of this forum.

We picked up second cabrio last night from a local guy, for what he paid for it. He found that the Smart car just wasn't what he wanted, but it was exactly what we wanted. Only had 600 miles on it. Dispensed with orphan list, dealer markups, etc. He was happy, we were happy, lotsa smiles all around. Our posse is now complete.

Several people have listed Smarts for sale on the forum, some with markups, but several at cost, one I saw even marked his down some.

Try to put some money aside while you wait. We were told that the reason there's so many orphan is that lots of people put a deposit, but then couldn't qualify when push came to shove.

[Mike.T]

Originally Posted by Springlering

Mike, also keep an eye on the vehicles for sale section of this forum.

We picked up second cabrio last night from a local guy, for what he paid for it. He found that the Smart car just wasn't what he wanted, but it was exactly what we wanted. Only had 600 miles on it. Dispensed with orphan list, dealer markups, etc. He was happy, we were happy, lotsa smiles all around. Our posse is now complete.

Several people have listed Smarts for sale on the forum, some with markups, but several at cost, one I saw even marked his down some.

Try to put some money aside while you wait. We were told that the reason there's so many orphan is that lots of people put a deposit, but then couldn't qualify when push came to shove.

Thanks for the advice. Will definitely keep looking at that section.

You are very lucky to have found yours..

[Dunerunner]

Mike.T...Ditto to the dealer add ons to the orphans.. Mine came with the 3M clearbra ($500), Lo-Jack ($1095), and Enviroguard paint protection for my molded panels ($600). So the price of my Passion was ~2K over MSRP. I wanted the Clearbra and Lo-jack but the slick 50 on the panels was not necessary! $17,559, $50 for license, $193 for doc fees. Good hunting!