I just sent an email to Smart USA telling them that a 2yr/24,000 mile warranty isn't long enough. They need to show confidence in the car by offering a longer warranty. If everybody would email them, maybe they would get the message.
Cliff
A phone call to smartUSA this morning indicated that the issue is "under discussion." They are aware of consternation over pre-mature information about 24/24,000, and that M-B Canada is going for 48/80kiloclicks (probably from previous phone-ins).
I don't know if that is a bad deal or not. A shorter warranty keeps the initial price down. One of the selling points of the cars low price. In addition it seems like most US buyer only keep a car a year or two, so the original buyer is protected.
If there are plans to make them available for lease, I would think that the warranty would have to be about 3 years.
For someone like me that drives a car for over 5 years I would be willing to spend more for the security, as long as it is a reasonable amount.
It really allows for customization of the purchase.
Everything about the smart is a whole different paradigm - the car, the manufacture, the distribution, the custom ordering, the display towers. So, a different, customizable warranty program sort of fits too. After listening to Schembri's explanation I'm not adverse to giving it a chance. I could probably do with the 24/24k, as I will use the car as it is intended -- an easy-going urban runner. If I had it in mind to flog it out on Richmond Road hauling Fords in the stoplight grand prix I might have to opt for 36/36k or better.
OK, right from the horses mouth (Mr. Schembri I believe) on a You Tube video. Their logic behind the short warranty is another personalization feature. If you're the guy who gets a new car every two years or so that's it. If you want 3/36 or 4/48 you can buy that too. It's a real Smartcar warranty not a fly by night group for later repairs.
I have a feeling that's not how it's going to be perceived; I hope the increase rates are reasonable (although I'm going to have a very tough time getting past my aversion to extended warranties).
OK, right from the horses mouth (Mr. Schembri I believe) on a You Tube video. Their logic behind the short warranty is another personalization feature. If you're the guy who gets a new car every two years or so that's it. If you want 3/36 or 4/48 you can buy that too. It's a real Smartcar warranty not a fly by night group for later repairs.
Wow; can't believe they really intend to do that. Every Chevrolet comes with a 5 yr/50K warranty, including the Aveo. No extra cost involved. I'm not sure the word logic applies to their thinking. If I'm not mistaken, you can buy a Hyundai for less money than a smart and get a 10 yr/100K mile warranty. With that, I don't care how much better a smart may be, someone can drive the Hyundai for 10 years at virtually no cost other than gas, oil and normal replacement items.
This "expandable" warranty is a non-starter for me.
OK, right from the horses mouth (Mr. Schembri I believe) on a You Tube video. Their logic behind the short warranty is another personalization feature. If you're the guy who gets a new car every two years or so that's it. If you want 3/36 or 4/48 you can buy that too. It's a real Smartcar warranty not a fly by night group for later repairs.
So this is where the nickel and diming starts. Do we have to pay extra for the steering wheel and brake pads too?
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