Time from placing reservation to picking up "orphan" - 8 days!
I got freakishly lucky and got a call from my dealer (location withheld at request of sales manager) 7 days after I had first placed the reservation online, 5 days after I had done my first test drive and had asked to be put on the "orphan" list (open color), then picked it up the next day! I had wanted black/black exterior cabriolet with red interior, got black/silver ext. cabriolet with red interior. Only extras I would have ordered were dashboard tach & clock plus heated seats, and it came with both. People at the dealership wanted to know if I was related to or friends of the manager (I'm not), as they couldn't believe how fast I got my Smart. And I didn't have to pay any deposit to get on the orphan list. Just my initial $99.
hajiii - A fed bear is a ... Never Mind! Congratulations!! Got my Orphan in 18 days, you are a record breaker!! Now, tell the truth, the GM is your uncle, right?
I probably hold the orphan record. I went into the dealer and asked to be put on the list. He said we have two cabriolets available right now. I said, "I'll take that one." About an hour later I was driving home. Sorry to all the masses waiting. Sometimes you just get lucky.
I probably hold the orphan record. I went into the dealer and asked to be put on the list. He said we have two cabriolets available right now. I said, "I'll take that one." About an hour later I was driving home. Sorry to all the masses waiting. Sometimes you just get lucky.
So, from the time you reserved, I assume you had a reserved smart; until the day you walked into the dealer and drove home in your Cabriolet was how long?
good point that "reserved" and "orphan list" are separate entities and not really related, except that I didn't know that and didn't think to ask to be on orphan list until after I reserved. And I can totally believe that a walk-in could end up driving out with a car. On the day I went in for mine, they had 3 other orphans with people coming to look at them. If one didn't show, I bet first come-first served. The sales manager gave me the impression that every second after the 30 days are up that he still had the car was costing him money.
I reserved in late April and got on the orphan list early May.
On May 30, While I was at the San Antonio Smart dealership waiting for a test drive, I overheard a sales person on the phone trying to sell an orphan. After she hung up the phone unsuccessful in selling it, I yelled out "I'll take it!" To my surprise she OK. I went for a test drive and I walked out with a Smart. It is a Cabriolet, Black in and out with silver tridion. Not the color I was hoping for but good enough. I can always sell it when my reservation car comes in in a little over a year. I feel sorry for the next person on the orphan list that I stole this car from. I was just in the right place at the right time. I need to go buy a lotto ticket. I'm sure my name was way down on the orphan list.
OK, I have to sweep in to take the prize. I went to the dealer out of curiousity and drove my Orphan Annie home a couple of hours later. No reservation, no list, nothing but pure luck to be in the right place at the right time.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Sorry to all the masses waiting. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Today
Linear Mode
