So I called to get information and I didnt get any! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

NoelTheMole · 06-30-2008, 03:52 PM

I called the local Smart Car dealership here to get information about the car ask about financing and the wait and about the orphan list.

The lady didnt tell me much. I was expecting to say "Hello I'd like to learn more" and then have someone try to sell me something and give me a bunch of information.

She said there is a 22 month wait, the orphan list has 250 people on it and she cant tell me when I'd get my car.

Then asking if I can be sent any information she said she could send me a brochure.

Is this the norm? I just want to be put on the Orphan list and find out about financing.

SubSlr88 · 06-30-2008, 04:01 PM

First, get yourself on the reservation list - then when you call you can tell them that you have a reservation but would like to be placed on their 'orphan' list. It doesn't matter how many are on it. . . you may still get the call.
Secondly, try the dealer again and ask to speak to the 'sales manager' and explain that you'd like a brochure to look thru, that you have a reservation but want something to show your ____________________ (girlfriend/wife/boyfriend - you fill in the blank.) I asked for one right off the bat and got it about a week later.
If they're still rude, I KNOW that I'd do my best to find another dealer close by. I have 4 within 150 miles and don't need any attitude from a surly sales rep. . . and I've had some. Fortunately for me the closest smartcenter is also the nicest to talk to . . .
Good luck.

kwagar · 06-30-2008, 04:02 PM

There is no excuse for being rude regardless of the situation.
On the other hand if they have 250 people on their orphan list they are unlikely to have a car to sell you for close to two years which makes discussing financing a challenge since much can happen to rates and financing availablility over a two year period.

You don't indicate where you live but if I were you I would contact other dealers both to see if you get a more reasonable response and to see if their orphan list is shorter.

burtandnancy · 06-30-2008, 04:21 PM

You should get off the forum and get to the smartcar sales site where you'll get all the sales/tech/spec info you need. This forum will give you more real life experiences with the smart and answer more questions that you could ever think of.

martek@wcnet.org · 06-30-2008, 04:23 PM

I first did research on the internet, then called and requested any info. I was sent a packet with a nice little catalog brochure selling the car and an additional sheet with extras and costs. I then emailed my closest dealer and asked for a test drive an! set up an appointment. When I got there I got the nice long talk, test drive, and bought my orphan that very day. Put down a nice $ hold and drove away with it 3 days later after paying the balance in cash. quick and easy! I know I was very lucky and in the right place at the right time.

angel · 06-30-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoelTheMole

I called the local Smart Car dealership here to get information about the car ask about financing and the wait and about the orphan list.

The lady was kind of rude and didnt tell me anything. I was expecting to say "Hello I'd like to learn more" and then have someone try to sell me something and give me a bunch of information.

She said there is a 22 month wait, the orphan list has 250 people on it and she cant tell me when I'd get my car.

Then asking if I can be sent any information she said she could send me a brochure.

Is this the norm? I just want to be put on the Orphan list and find out about financing.

I can only guess she was probably not having a great day. She no doubt gets multiple calls of the same nature quite often. More than likely financing is a moot point because what is relevant now won't be in a few months or 22 months down the road.

If you're serious about getting a smart and if the dealership is within a reasonable driving distance, then it's probably best to visit in person. And as someone else already mentioned, go ahead and make your reservation. It will make you seem more sincere when they do speak with you.

Carl242 · 06-30-2008, 05:39 PM

or . . . you could go there at 9am when they open and try your luck at getting an orphan then . . . . worked for me

ck_az · 06-30-2008, 06:34 PM

What do you need to know about financing? Go to your local bank, credit union, etc. Go to Bankrate.com and use the free calculator to see what your payment might be. Not sure why you need the dealers help for this. Only thing the dealer can help you with is what your taxes might be on the car, registration fees, doc fee, etc. Just add $1500-$1700 to the price of the car plus the $645 destination charge and you will probably be in the right ballpark. I am not trying to be a pr$ck but the dealer is the last person I would talk to about financing. Secure it elsewhere and then ask if they have a better deal. Besides you are a long ways away from that.

My car in AZ:
$400 doc fee (Complete ripoff in this state)
$228 for license (Pretty much a ripoff in this state)
$1200 in Taxes
$645 delivery charge

Pay the $99 bucks and get on the list. Then go visit the dealer in person and get added to the orphan list.