Can we have an Alabama Chapter?

[MikeDCop]

Being that our dealership is opening on Saturday and there are already a couple of folks that have their Smarts. Now all we need is our own chapter.

....and if they behave themselves, we could even allow the folks from the Florida Panhandle to hang out with us.

Mike

[Bum-bling-B]

Originally Posted by MikeDCop

Being that our dealership is opening on Saturday and there are already a couple of folks that have their Smarts. Now all we need is our own chapter.

....and if they behave themselves, we could even allow the folks from the Florida Panhandle to hang out with us.

Mike

You took the words right out of my mouth - actually the words were going to be, "What? The people from LA (lower Alabama) aren't good enough for you?"

I live a whole 8 miles from the border, this is through the woods on dirt roads. Normally it's 15 miles. Excuse me, I have to stop for a moment - stupid Ft.Rucker helicopters flying low over my house AGAIN! Can't think.....

[MikeDCop]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

You took the words right out of my mouth - actually the words were going to be, "What? The people from LA (lower Alabama) aren't good enough for you?"

I live a whole 8 miles from the border, this is through the woods on dirt roads. Normally it's 15 miles. Excuse me, I have to stop for a moment - stupid Ft.Rucker helicopters flying low over my house AGAIN! Can't think.....

I like to refer to the folks from the panhandle as Alabama Annex South, and I love to visit them as often as I can....or the gasoline budget allows.

[Jeffrey White]

I say we need a chapter.

Sure wish I was in Bham at the grand opening instead of sitting down here at work. I want to meet all of you. Hope it goes well.

[ARTSMART]

Hi Mike, I didn't get to the opening today. How was it? What did they have?

[Bum-bling-B]

I drove the 200 miles each way to check it out. Brand specialist said they delivered 12 cars today! I got there a little later and missed out on the cake and cookies (just kidding, I did get a bottled water though). When we got there I could of sworn I heard crickets.

No pictures as I forgot my camera. Oddly enough the dealer is around back of the Mercedes side of the house almost hidden. I made a stop right around the corner at a store and received MUCH more attention than I normally get around here in my area. I mentioned there is a dealer about 1/4 mile up the road and it was news to all. A lot of people hadn't a clue they were there in town.

Parts dept was closed....so one of the reasons I headed up was for a new charcoal filter made it a bit of a waste, but not a complete waste. Had to listen to the wife whine about how it was a wasted trip because she rode along.

I did get some info on their orphan program. $500 deposit UP FRONT! That is scaring away some of those people that beg for orphans from 10 different dealerships so they can resell them. Talked to the brand specialist for a while and did get some decent info AND there was a yellow w/red interior Passion out front. I almost dropped a brick thinking it was mine but this lacked the alarm, radio 10, and fog lights mine has.

In the end I enjoyed it as I got to take back roads of Alabama up and back which made it a load of fun - a true blast! I love doing stuff like that. The day and $40 worth of gas I used up made it a worthwhile day. Mileage for the whole trip averaged out to around 44.5mpg! AND I broke 85mph in some spots just to stretch out the little cars legs for a while (and keep with the traffic flow) - then I slowed back down.

[MikeDCop]

Originally Posted by ARTSMART

Hi Mike, I didn't get to the opening today. How was it? What did they have?

The DW and I got there about 4:30 and I forgot my camera also. But there were about 9 Smarts waiting for their new owners.

They did have a demo, which was a white Pure. The DW went for a test drive and to my shock, she enjoyed it. She said it had more power than she thought it would have, but she also said her Mustang GT would smoke the Smart. Apples to Oranges Dear.

I talked with Pam Layton who is one of the sales staff. In one of the other Smart forums her screen name is PJL4UAB. She offered to put me on the orphan list. Their orphan list is a $500 deposit up front AND you have to already have a confirmation number. Pam was very nice to deal with, and I think I want to buy mine from her.

The dealership lacked severely in the swag department. The only thing we got for free was a 6oz. bottle of water with the Crown Mercedes logo on it. No cake, no ice cream (and it's hot in Alabama in August), no t-shirts or hats either.

I enjoyed my visit with the Smart folks and I think the dealership will do well.

[Bum-bling-B]

How about those valve stem caps and license frames they put on the cars. NICE SWAG once you take delivery of your car. I might just leave that frame on there and I love to have my own personalized frames normally (tomorrow is the install of my "message board" frame) Those valve stem caps said something but I couldn't read it.

I've been dealing with Brad and been an absolute nuisance to him for a few weeks so now he can at least put a face with the guy that calls him at least once a week.

OH, and Mike - I didn't do 85mph in your part of town.

[MikeDCop]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

How about those valve stem caps and license frames they put on the cars. NICE SWAG once you take delivery of your car. I might just leave that frame on there and I love to have my own personalized frames normally (tomorrow is the install of my "message board" frame) Those valve stem caps said something but I couldn't read it.

I've been dealing with Brad and been an absolute nuisance to him for a few weeks so now he can at least put a face with the guy that calls him at least once a week.

OH, and Mike - I didn't do 85mph in your part of town.

I was expecting atleast something to eat....you know, BBQ or hotdogs? That little tiny bottle of water sure was cute....didn't last long.

lol, that's ok...I didn't have a radar out yesterday.

[ARTSMART]

It's hard to be happy for those 12 when you are in the upper 1500s on your confirmation number! It will be fun to start seeing a few more around our area.