Hello from Central FL

[parnami]

When I test drove the car, I had a mechanic, not a salesman accompany me. He had just completed SMART SCHOOL, and was quite adamant that money would be held back by Penske for any consumer rating of less than 100%. They may call it someother other than a holdback, but...there's something there. It only makes sense too, if you consider that Penske has stiven to build the best, most consumer driven dealer network possible. The only way to maintain such standards is to punish those who fall below their established and agreed upon goals. Negative feedback WILL impact the offending dealers! It has to or this entire set up will prove to be nothing but smoke and mirrors.

Cherry Hill, currently, is charging only $99 dollars for Doc fees, but I for one, intend to mark them down if I have to pay it.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by parnami

When I test drove the car, I had a mechanic, not a salesman accompany me. He had just completed SMART SCHOOL, and was quite adamant that money would be held back by Penske for any consumer rating of less than 100%. They may call it someother other than a holdback, but...there's something there. It only makes sense too, if you consider that Penske has stiven to build the best, most consumer driven dealer network possible. The only way to maintain such standards is to punish those who fall below their established and agreed upon goals. Negative feedback WILL impact the offending dealers! It has to or this entire set up will prove to be nothing but smoke and mirrors.

Cherry Hill, currently, is charging only $99 dollars for Doc fees, but I for one, intend to mark them down if I have to pay it.

here's the clause from the internal document that deals with "holdback", AKA, "CSI bonus". i'll take what the official Smart document says over what a service rep says any day.

[Fredvon4]

Maybe the Smart maintenance guy above was thinking of this Dealer FAQ:

7. Has a final determination been made on Dealer margins?
-Dealer trading Margins will remain at 7%
-The dealer bonus program will provide an additional 2% for each
smart retailed and delivered within the defined dealer market
area

would be easy to misunderstand a bonus program... and I think that the old Dealers FAQ- that was leaked to us- is probably not the entire agreement contract with the final list of dealers... these FAQ were written back in Sept~Oct 07

[parnami]

Well, it bears watching if nothing else. If satisfaction surveys aren't received by buyers, obviously, my info is wrong. If they are, that, at least, is an indication there may be some substance. MARK THEM DOWN...if you get one! If not, enjoy your car and remember THAT (THOSE) dealers as not deserving of your future business, or that of your friends!

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by parnami

Well, it bears watching if nothing else. If satisfaction surveys aren't received by buyers, obviously, my info is wrong. If they are, that, at least, is an indication there may be some substance. MARK THEM DOWN...if you get one! If not, enjoy your car and remember THAT (THOSE) dealers as not deserving of your future business, or that of your friends!

funny thing about that. was just thinking about that yesterday. i realized that this is the first car i've purchased in the last 15 years where i have had zero communication from the dealer since the purchase. granted most of my other cars are much higher end and mostly German, but i always get at least a follow-up phone call to ask if everything is OK. some even send me a new live plant

for the audi i picked up on Jan 2, i've had at least 3 calls from the dealer (all the way from TX), a phone survey from Audi USA and just yesterday i received the JD Power survey in the mail. clearly apples and oranges...

[parnami]

That doesn't bode well..but it's early with a lot of bugs still to shake out...including at least one thieving dealer in Orlando!

[TheDon]

I meant I emailed for a reservation for a test drive.Which I have not gotten a reply for. I really like my 300D but am willing to try something new..

but those stupid "Doc Fees" and PAG's crappy handiling of everything is really turning me off..


I am really attracted to these cars and would like one. I'm a college kid, working 30-35 hours a week for Publix Super Markets, doing school work and such.. I just don't think I could finance one now. I really want to test one before I Take the plunge..

I could put a hefty down payment on one if I sold my Benz... Like.. 50% of the price down.. but... I'm hesitant since my 300D gives me 29 mpg Highway, can seat five, carry a ton of stuff in the trunk.. and looks awesome

the smart... only looks awesome and gets 40 mpg ish.

I still want to test one... ^_^ and then decide



Also, my 300D.. doesn't smoke like others. I have the injection pump timed properly and adjust the valves every 3 months(usual is 12 months)... Plus I'm running higher boose ( normal is 9, I'm running 13 psi).. so I have a little more power and such. She sure can haul butt from 55-80