$99 reservation?

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Weaseal

[...]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...

scAlexandria (check with Gary: +1-703-944-8267), I've read yesterday, doesn't take any more name for its already too long orphan seekers' list.
But a member got an orphan within a month at Tysons.
I don't know about Germantown.

[PassionforPassionCT]

This is what happens when you have one factory and 30+ countries that the car is sold in. They simply just cant build them fast enough. And because it was only introduced this year, there is a LONG backlog of reservations before any can be put on dealer lots. Plus Smart uses just in time production which means the overwhelming majority of cars produced for any market is customized for a specific customer. So instead of the "we will build it and (hopefully) they will come mentality of other automakers, no car languishes for 6 months on the lot. Once automakers loose the idea that cars should be built the same way as toasters and microwaves, they will realize that its entirely possible to return to profit making.

[UNTODDLY]

Originally Posted by 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.

Sorry dude, but when you dis the process and paying $99, then make some threat that you will go buy a different car you just make yourself look pathetic. I was pointing out that most of us could care less if you didn't buy a smart. BTW, you don't sound like the typical "smart" owner.

[Springlering]

Reserving the car means you do steel yourself for a long wait, but you get to choose the options and colors you specifically want.

And, of course, if you go the orphan route, you do end up potentially paying thousands over MSRP.

Patience has its virtues.

[PerryA]

Originally Posted by Weaseal

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...

Why don't you try contacting a Smart dealer there in Europe and asking if you could take delivery of your USA Smart while you're there and then export it (used) to the US when you relocate? It might not work, but it's easy enough to ask.

[jediknight36]

Delivery is so much cheaper than importing it yourself. But, if you have the money... GO FOR IT!

[UNTODDLY]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

Delivery is so much cheaper than importing it yourself. But, if you have the money... GO FOR IT!

the dude that started this thread doesn't even have $99 to reserve a car. that's the whole reason this thread was posted. "why do i have to pay $99 to reserve a smart". I'm sure he isn't going to be importing anything.

[gotta have a SMART]

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...

Contact Danny Wong at the Edison, NJ smart center. I was told they are the largest smart center in the US and therefore, FREQUENTLY have orphans. We live outside DC, took the train up to get mine and drove it home with smiles all the way! Yes- they put add-ons on their smarts but I decided it was better paying the extra money to get SOMETHING rather than getting ripped off on EBay or spending the extra cash on gas for my SUV for months or a year... It all depends on how badly you want one. I'm happy with my decision. And that's all that matters.

[jacobzcool1]

I was just told the wait is 14-15 months from the Winston-Salem, NC. dealership!