Hey everyone I'm "TheDon" you might recognize me from other mercedes based forums. You can call me Don.. or Joe.. or smart alec
Anyways. I first saw a smart in a magazine in my chemistry class(in High School) three years ago and was like" hmm that is pretty cool I'll google that later".. I researched and researched for like a week until I knew everything about them. Sadly no diesel option for the USA(yet) as I am a diesel owner( 1985 300D Turbo) But can live with its posted mileage and bet.. I bet you it can get more than 30 mpg with some slight aero mods or driving habbits
I signed up for a test drive at the Orlando dealership and am awaiting a date ot what ever it is they do. If I like it I'll reserve one and with the current waiting lists.. probably have it next year. Which is ok with me since it will give me time to save up for a hefty down payment
other things about me.. I'm a college kid, starting out at community college since its free(scholarships), My major is Mechanical Engineering but it might change to aerospace. I work for Publix... I collect stuff... I want a smart DieCast now! Member of MBCA(Mercedes Benz Club of America).. and tend to learn everything about something I know and then some more.
Welcome, Don. I'm also in the Central Florida Area, awaiting a call from the same Orlando dealership to tell me that the ink is dry on their state license (part of the holdup right now, supposedly), and that my reservation has been shipped down from Jacksonville, which I guess is the regional distribution point. I used to own an 85 MB 300D Turbo also. Loved that car. It couldn't get out of its own way, yet could cruise the interstate at an impressive clip, provided you were patient (and the people behind you didn't mind all the black smoke...). I miss that car.
Another Central FL person with a reservation #1286. Haven't heard from that dealership in Orlando yet.... are they now open? called last week, and they weren't yet...
Don, hi to you bro. i am in jacksonville beach and just bought a smart car on ebay last night. will arirve as soon as i can get it on a truck. my mother-in-law, aside from serving coleslaw from an ice-cream scoop (ok i love her), lives in port orange/daytona. we are down there every few months, perhaps we can all connect to say hi in person.
Don, congrats on placing the order, but be weary of smart center Orlando's business practices. According to what has been posted on this forum, they have the highest documentation fees ($799) of all smart dealers, plus they will probably try and stick it to you with optional items that were not in your reservation ($399 for tinted glass).
No way around the documentation fee for now, but if the additional up-sell on the tinted glass is true, that's an issue many of us will be battling next week when they receive their second shipment. Mine is due to arrive on Monday or Tuesday, but I'm traveling; I'll probably pick it up on Saturday.
From what I understand, dealers rely on great customer service ratings in order to receive their full "dealer holdback" from Penske. Make certain, if you are ripped off..to mark them down! I was told..even a 98% rating costs them money. So, while these creeps may have you over a barrel now..you CAN get them in the end!!! The goal should be to have their dealership yanked and reassigned by Penske to someone with ethics! GO FOR IT!
From what I understand, dealers rely on great customer service ratings in order to receive their full "dealer holdback" from Penske. Make certain, if you are ripped off..to mark them down! I was told..even a 98% rating costs them money. So, while these creeps may have you over a barrel now..you CAN get them in the end!!! The goal should be to have their dealership yanked and reassigned by Penske to someone with ethics! GO FOR IT!
on some cars yes, however from the doc posted here last month i believe it said that there was no dealer holdback for the Smart brand.
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2008 Smart Passion
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