$99 reservation?

[Weaseal]

I'm trying to understand what the purpose of the $99 reservation program on the website is. Do I save some money if I do this? I'm failing to see any advantages to giving them $99 in advance.

[MikeDCop]

Because if you didn't have to pay $99 to reserve a Smart, you would have every little kid on the Internet reserving one with no intent on buying one.

Think of it as a no-interest savings account. You plop down your $99 and wait....and wait....and wait for a year and a half to two years. Then that's $99 less you have to come up with to pay for your car. Since most people have a problem with saving...it actually helps them.

[Weaseal]

You have to wait that long to get one? I can't just walk onto the lot and buy one?? What kind of business model is that? I'm buying a car in November whether or not a Smart Car is available... so if I can't get a smart, I'm not getting a smart, period...

[jwight]

Sort of depends on where you live: Is It REALLY a 12-14 months wait or not?

[KittyCanuck]

Originally Posted by Weaseal

What kind of business model is that?

The kind where the cars are in incredibly high demand, especially if you want specific features/accessories.
If you just want a Smart car and don't care what features it has, you do stand a chance on getting an "orphan" one, depending on where you live.
In Canada, as they came here first, they have some (a very few) available on the lots, but they sell quickly.

[UNTODDLY]

Originally Posted by Weaseal

You have to wait that long to get one? I can't just walk onto the lot and buy one?? What kind of business model is that? I'm buying a car in November whether or not a Smart Car is available... so if I can't get a smart, I'm not getting a smart, period...

I DON'T THINK ANYONE ON THIS FORUM REALLY GIVES A DAMN...
Good luck with whatever type of car you settle for. You sound like a 16 year old...

[Weaseal]

I sound like a 16-year-old? Weird. Actually, I'm just someone who needs a car. I wasn't being insulting or rude, simply factual. But thanks for going on the attack.

Actually, I'm just someone who doesn't have a car, and in November, I must have one for work (currently I refuse to use anything other than bicycle/public transport). I wasn't aware these machines were so popular.

I guess I'll see if I can snag one off a lot/orphan and otherwise shop elsewhere.

Thanks to those of you who aren't incredibly rude, or have issues with a stuck CAPS LOCK key *cough*UNTODDLY*cough* for the polite explanations and assistance.

[jediknight36]

I understand where you are coming from. Get on the orphan list. Put down your $99 and reserve what you really want. Then sell your orphan to someone else who needs it when yours comes in.

[Weaseal]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

I understand where you are coming from. Get on the orphan list. Put down your $99 and reserve what you really want. Then sell your orphan to someone else who needs it when yours comes in.

Good idea. I think I'll pursue that route, if I can get an orphan by November. I'm in Europe now, but it's only 2 cents/minute to call around to dealers via Skype, so I can do that.

Any success stories in the DC-metro area with getting an orphan? Really I'd be willing to go a few hundred miles as well if necessary...

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by Weaseal

Good idea. I think I'll pursue that route, if I can get an orphan by November. I'm in Europe now, but it's only 2 cents/minute to call around to dealers via Skype, so I can do that.

Any success stories in the DC-metro area with getting an orphan? Really I'd be willing to go a few hundred miles as well if necessary...

Excuse these guys. If we all were in person, I would be tared and feathered for suggesting that. To many of these people, the smart is nothing short of a divine duce ex machina and can have no fault. This is an awesome lil car that you will love, but you dont have to obsess over it (like I do sometimes).