Warranty

[weingartca]

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

[Old smart]

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).

[jonnysan]

Hopefully in the next month or two we'll find out for sure about that.. Yes, a 2 year warranty would definitely suck for a 1 st year model especially.

Sends a very bad message.

[dbwill]

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.

[Old smart]

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.

[SmartBob]

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.

[propes]

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).

[Carnut]

Fits right in with my plan to lease for 36 months, then purchase if I like it. A three year test dirve beats the 10 minute one I took today!

P.S. Power steering would be a waste of money.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

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.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

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?