I am a recent college graduate and have an upcoming full-time job. I want to trade in my 13 year old volvo for something more fuel efficient and smaller that fits my life style. And I figure to trade it in while it still has some value toward a downpayment for a smart car.
Right now I am unsure to commit on a 2012 and save several hundred dollars (since dealers want them off their lot) or pay for the 2013 that has some small improvements. I plan on keeping this car for at least for five years. Any advice? Is there no sense in waiting for the 2013?
Right now I am unsure to commit on a 2012 and save several hundred dollars (since dealers want them off their lot) or pay for the 2013 that has some small improvements. Any advice? Is there no sense in waiting for the 2013?
Alex109, welcome to SCoA and congratulations on your recent graduation from college!
Unless the dealer gets more agressive with his stale 2012 inventory, wait for the 2013 "facelift" as year over year we have seen improvements in the smart that are worth more than just "several hundred dollars."
Go for the best deal.
Unless there are significan't improvements, the 2012 should be a good choice.
What wonderful things could they possible add? This is to justify the extra cost-- you should ask yourself. This is my thought.
I don't particularly care for the "catfish / Hoover vacuum" look of the new front end.
On the other hand, from lurking / reading SCOA and other fora, there have indeed been subtle to major improvements year to year.
And then there is this from a recent post:
"I got a chance to talk with Smart USA's Engineer about this question on what causes the crazing:
Quote:
It is UV exposure. As of March 2012 production a new roof material has been introduced. It addresses the tendency to craze/crack as the old roof did from UV exposure.As for spare part availability this is still an open question. The main supply is going directly to production so spare part stock does not get filled as quick.It will be available in spare part supply, but I do not have an exact date at this point in time."
As the 2013s are due out this month, this would appear to be a 2013 only "improvement".
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keep the volvo & wait until 2014. it's my understanding that in 2014 there will be a radical change to the smart. im keeping my 08 cabrio until then. good luck.
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Thanks for the feedback so far everyone. I am really keen on entering the smart world soon. My volvo is aging fast and I feel like its not in the best mechanical condition to serve my needs for the next two years until the next smart fortwo design. Plus, I like the notion of having a new car under warranty for the next several years as a peace of mind. I think I will snoop around some smart dealership ins the mid-atlantic area to see any good deals on '12 models and try to see any new '13 models as well. If the design in person really "wows" me, then I'll be keen on favoring the '13.
keep the volvo & wait until 2014. it's my understanding that in 2014 there will be a radical change to the smart. im keeping my 08 cabrio until then. good luck.
We won't see that car until 2015.
I would wait a few more weeks and get the 2013 personally. Going to be the latest and greatest. AND its one more year that he will be able to trade in 10-15 years from now. Could be that extra $$$ that you pay today.
My opinion, having just traded in a 2009 on a 2012: Pull the trigger. Trade in the old car now before the value drops more. Your new smart will keep value pretty well if you decide, when they come out, that the improvements are significant enough that you want to trade... but the chances are just as well that you'll be happy enough with the one you have.
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to SCoA and congratulations on your recent graduation from college!
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