waiting in manhattan

[dennyrex]

This is my first post here, I reserved in june, #1264, & confirmed a month ago. Looking to get a black on black Pure. I wished only that they had the micro-hybrid system option here.
I haven't owned a car in 20 years. Since I moved here (NYC-Manhattan), I can walk everywhere (hate taxi rides), but also there hasn't been anything available in US in the past 20 years that suits my needs; I am a member in car sharing Zipcar, and when I travel I can rent.
I've followed smart since 1998 in France, and am very much looking forward to getting mine. Cars I've owned in the past include Subaru 360 (2 cylinder microcar), Crosley Hotshot, Sunbeam Alpine, Renault 5 & 11. Always wanted an Isetta, since I was a kid, and this strikes me as a 21st century Isetta. Got tired of waiting for Renault to send me a Twingo ;-)
Took a test drive in East Hampton last summer and watched as rich kids there, in their enormous SUV fought with the smart folks over a parking space that smart had reserved as a staging area for the smarts, (caught it on video)...
Manhattan dealership seems a bit slow on the draw so far, but a nice enough brand manager there. Nice to be walking distance to the dealer ;-)
Very difficult to get an idea on who or how many in the city are in on this. Thinking maybe NYC reservists who take delivery by then can stick together and maybe show up en masse on French Car Day, around July 14th and parade through town with the Citroens and Renaults and Peugeots; made in France after all. Also we should lobby together on parking allowances.
Thinking I'll go the Credit Union route to finance, but only insurance quote so far is from Geico, and it seems an OK rate, but never insured in NYC before.
Being patient and hoping for Spring delivery.

[vanslam]

Sunbeam Alpine is an awesome car. I had a friend who had two. The brakes weren't that great nor the electronics (wiring) and the body always needed to be check for rust but with the big ford engine (mustang 289) it was a monster.

[dennyrex]

mine was a 4-cylinder, 1960 MK1 not the V8 Tiger (so I didn't have to pull the engine just to replace the spark plugs;-).
yes a very fun car. only problem was one period, whenever I stepped on the brakes the headlights went out. very dicey at night...

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by dennyrex

mine was a 4-cylinder, 1960 MK1 not the V8 Tiger (so I didn't have to pull the engine just to replace the spark plugs;-).
yes a very fun car. only problem was one period, whenever I stepped on the brakes the headlights went out. very dicey at night...

Ditto to the electrical system....2 fuses for the whole car!! I had a Tiger for 22 years with a 289 in it. Changing plugs didn't mean an engine removal but you had to have a good supply of universals and extensions and not mind spending some time under the drivers side dash taking out #8 plug thru the firewall access hole....;)
Go like hell in a straight line!!

John

[rrrucke]

Hi Denny,
My name is Regina and I work on 55th & Park (next to the MB dealership). Glad to see you onboard SCOA. I'm getting my car from the Edison dealership because I live close to that area. I'm going to have to take the time and walk down to the W 41st smart center and check it out. I'm all for a NYC Meet & Greet. Hope to have my car on Tuesday. Regina

[dennyrex]

Hi Regina,
I just got back from smartcentermanhattan, and they're just about ready. With three cars in the showroom, things are looking good there. Derek is a great guy and there's a new brand specialist I met, named Katie. Be done probably next week, we're hoping.
I'm over by the UN, easy to get together! Thought maybe they'd put a smart on Park Ave next to the Maybach, but guess not. How many of us do you think there are? My car's a few months off still. Time to start pestering the parking garages;-)

[rrrucke]

Hi Denny, You're the first Purest I've met online. I can't wait to see your baby in the city. Black/Black is a nice combo too!

Anyway, I think we should also bug the Mayor for discounted tolls and prime meter locations. I would love to drive into the city everyday by 5am. I know that's early but I like getting to work by 5:30 am when no one is around so I can wind down. Anyway, is the NYC dealership open on Saturday? Maybe that is when I can head over there. Three smarts is a great start too! With regard to that overpriced Maybach, I would love for it to share the showroom with some smarts but the snobs in my area would definitely not go for it. Remember, I also work across the street from Ferrari and they would probably just laugh at our smarties. Well, I wish I also knew how many folks have smarts reserved in Jersey and NYC. I have yet to see one on the road (officially outside the dealership in Jersey). Let's take our NYC talk over to the North-East Chapter forum so we don't upset the natives. Talk with you soon, Regina

[dennyrex]

> NYC talk moved over to the North-East Chapter forum

gotcha!

see new thread, "NYC members, who's out there?" in North-East Region.