How Long will this $99 process go on

[xcrew229x]

Ya know, it's amazing. Those of us who got on the train early reached the station early. Those who didn't have to wait. Isn't that how it works?

[SmartAzz]

Originally Posted by kurt013

The reason other car dealers don't use this method is because there is no line waiting to buy one of their cars.

Well there are cases of people waiting in line with some other cars, the difference being that the buyer can call around and put deposits down and get in line for an allocation where ever they want and as many time at various dealers as they want. This allows someone who wants to do the legwork to negotiate whatever price they can and/or find earlier production allocations then what is available to them via local dealers. The refundable deposit, in my experience, is usually 500 minimum though.

[anthonype3]

As usual most of the "Smarties" have missed my point.
My point is there are cars being delivered to dealerships every day to be sold to anyone who walks through the door.
These are not so called "orphans". They were never ordered by anyone.
I think Smart should have to fill the orders from people whose money they are holding before using that money to build cars for sale to the general public.
Thats my opinion and i'm sticking to it!

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by limey

Good luck with the lawsuit.

Exactly what damages have you sustained though the process?

Reading posts here is getting to be as much fun as standing in the toy aisle at Wal-Mart. Nothing but a bunch of spoled children who want their new shiny toy and throw a public temper tantrum if they can't get it right now.

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[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by anthonype3

As usual most of the "Smarties" have missed my point.
My point is there are cars being delivered to dealerships every day to be sold to anyone who walks through the door.
These are not so called "orphans". They were never ordered by anyone.
I think Smart should have to fill the orders from people whose money they are holding before using that money to build cars for sale to the general public.
Thats my opinion and i'm sticking to it!

How did you get information on these "extra" smarts coming in? I had heard rumors last spring about future smarts coming in unreserved on top of the reserved cars but that's all until you mentioned it. That does add a different dimension to things for the reservees.

[Smartdavis]

The reservation system is very basic and if you are not in a hurry you will eventually get your car with your $99 deposit. That will work OK for many people. The dealers want to sell you a car and they want happy customers and it's nice the manufacturer is protecting the buyer by not allowing dealers to mark-up those basic reservations. It's slow but it's safe. If you are in a hurry there is ample evidence you can find a car by working the phones and camping out at dealers so you can be on the spot when a car breaks free, and then pay for all the add ons. So you've got some choices on how to get a car. That's not a bad thing.

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by Mousecat

They have already dumped the $99 program.

It was just a gimmick to create demand and allow the dealer to charge premium prices. If the program bombed they would have used that as the excuse not to bring the car over. The first 40,000 or so just created working capital for the company.

http://contracts.onecle.com/internet...07-03-01.shtml

[Smartdavis]

Originally Posted by BeSmart

http://contracts.onecle.com/internet...07-03-01.shtml

It says the deal goes till March 2010 and can be extended past that in 2 year intervals. Sounds like the reservation system will be around for awhile longer

[jayhead000]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

The reservation system is very basic and if you are not in a hurry you will eventually get your car with your $99 deposit. That will work OK for many people. The dealers want to sell you a car and they want happy customers and it's nice the manufacturer is protecting the buyer by not allowing dealers to mark-up those basic reservations. It's slow but it's safe. If you are in a hurry there is ample evidence you can find a car by working the phones and camping out at dealers so you can be on the spot when a car breaks free, and then pay for all the add ons. So you've got some choices on how to get a car. That's not a bad thing.

this is how most car dealers work ESPECIALLY with small cars. They order a bunch of autos w/add-ons and sell that to suckers. if you want to get a cheaper version, manual, or "sport" version you got to put down a $500 deposit and wait for it to come in at their leisure. What is the surprise? where is the law suit? the reason i say most car dealers is because not all will even let you order a car. they say buy a car on the lot or get the hell out.

[BeavertonScion]

Better at $99 than some of the other manufacturers charging $500 plus to take a reservation.

When Scion first started up dealers would require $500 to place an order...so $99 to me was a bargain.