New Member with Questions - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

In2Caps · 05-20-2008, 02:47 PM

I attempted to use the search function so as not to add to the list, but gave up after a few minutes.

My reservation number is 1291. I was patiently waiting (since I have a car payment until the end of the year on another car, it was fine). First, I was given a 90 day window from July-September. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I was told it was beginning production (in France!) and it should arrive in June or July. (This came from the dealer assigned to my order, Lindsay Smart Center in Alexandria, VA.) Today, I get a message that it has arrived in Port of Baltimore and they'll contact me for delivery within a week. Isn't this early for a 1291 reservation? Do you think it is actually "my" car?

First, I'm THRILLED. I'm not complaining that it's earlier than expected. I'll save enough on gas to cover the car payment. But, now I'm hearing all of these things about "orphans." What is that? A car that someone ordered but now has backed out of purchasing it? Are they matching the orphan to the type of car people actually "configured"? If this car is an orphan, that's just fine, but I really want the color and options I ordered . . .

Sorry for what must be Smart 101 questions . . .

K

**JPaul** · 05-20-2008, 03:37 PM

In2Caps, you reserved your car July 15, 2007, and it's YOUR car that was rolled-off in Dundalk Md. and that Gary and Mark will deliver to you shortly. It'll wait for you in the showroom, with your name on the dashboard. Not another one, but your personal "made-to-order" car, to the "T" like you configured it... Enjoy, you'll have many smiling miles.

In2Caps · 05-20-2008, 06:14 PM

You have made my day. I can't wait!

Dave Van · 05-20-2008, 06:42 PM

My res was 6/5/07 so mine should be ahead of yours....by the numbers...but that does not mean much. I am driving a orphan right now so I was in no hurry for my ordered car....a family member will get it. Now due 6-15 7-15.

bull8042 · 05-21-2008, 05:22 AM

JPaul is correct, that is your baby on it's way. CONGRATS!

angel · 05-21-2008, 02:28 PM

Sounds like you're lucky and it's really yours. Congrats.

In2Caps · 05-23-2008, 06:29 PM

Just out of curiosity: How are people getting orphans? I assume that it's a car reserved, configured, shipped**and then the person backs out**but how do you get an orphan and still keep your regular reservation? (Thus getting two Smarts**I know you have to PAY for two.)

I want to say, I don't want two, so that's not why I'm asking. My enthusiasm for my Smart (and I don't even have it yet) is apparently infectious. I've been talking to people about it and how you can reserve one. So, if you could possibly get an "orphan" without having to wait so long, I just want to understand the process.

K

Broken Kid · 05-23-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In2Caps

Just out of curiosity: How are people getting orphans? I assume that it's a car reserved, configured, shipped**and then the person backs out**but how do you get an orphan and still keep your regular reservation? (Thus getting two Smarts**I know you have to PAY for two.)

Yep, orphans are cars that someone ordered but didn't buy when it came in. So if you put in a reservation now and have a year's wait, you can get on the orphan list and buy one as soon as your name comes up. You still have your reservation, though, so eventually that one will come up too. You can either buy it or let it go, thus creating a new orphan.

ultrajim49 · 05-23-2008, 06:52 PM

I made my $99 reservation/order on 3/1/2008. my dealer said i should get my smart around 11-12/2008. now that they have the DDE on their website smart USA - open your mind to the car that challenges the status quo it says i won't get my smart until 3-4/2009.
I went online to every smart dealer in Florida and emailed them to add my name to their orphan list...including my own dealer. I also talked to my salesperson at least once a week or stop by asking about any orphans and remind them that I want one while i'm waiting for my smart to come in. My dealer gets at least one orphan a month...and I just got one last week (Blue Passion with leather comfort package). I will drive it (saving money on gas) until mine comes in.

People are selling them for almost $5000 over list price...not me if I can sell it for my cost or maybe $500 more that's fine with me.

rwjrn · 05-26-2008, 09:04 PM

It seems like many dealers are taking the orphans and adding loads of options to them so they can get more money. That's what mine did anyway, but I was happy to take them.