Would it be possible to have the original dealer in Utah fax you a copy of the bill of sale or something showing the car was purchased there as a new legally imported auto and not a gray market car?
I can't believe they are insisting the car is a gray market car when you have the info right there.
perhaps the 2008 vehicle is listed under "Mercedes" in their internal databases and listings, while the graymarket is listed under "smart".
i've heard of this same graymarket/legitimate confusion popping up in insurance circles as well - insurers having only the graymarket listings and not the US-legal production listings.
these things are typically ALOT easier to work out in person at the DMV than over a phone in my experience.
I called the Chandler AZ dealer again, and this time spoke to Daphne (she was great!) who gave me the name and number of the person who handles registrations for the dealership. I'll call him as soon as they open at 9.
And I called the dealer in Bloomfield Hills, MI to see if they had a contact at headquarters there who could help me (I couldn't find a number for SmartUSA). She had someone from SmartUSA call me for my information and they are going to have their legal team contact the Arizona DMV to get this straightened out. The woman I talked to said she would get back to me no later than this afternoon to let me know exactly what was going on.
So I'm sure this is going to get straightened out today. Thanks everybody for your help! And SmartUSA and the dealers I've talked to today (three so far!) have been very supportive.
Keep us posted. I would think a CarFax report might help or worst case enjoy a drive to Tucson.
Anyone got a personalized plate before there real plates arrived? I know you can't do it online. Wondering if it is possible if you go to a local DMV office.
Another thing - when you talk to someone at a Government agency or similar - GET THEIR NAME. It's amazing how much better information you get when the provider is aware that they may be personally called to task for providing bad information. If they say that they aren't allowed to do that - ask for a supervisor - but GET A NAME.
Congrats, I can see the little smart getting arround the tight steep and narrow streets of Bisbee.
Went to school in Cochise and remember people from Bisbee being pretty laid back, I'm surprised your getting such a stiff treatment.
Whew! I got the car registered today. The legal office at SmartUSA sent me all kinds of letters from NHTSA, EPA, CARB, etc. and talked to the state DMV who also suggested going to a bigger office - I think the key was driving that extra 60 miles. Anyway, my oriole is legal now. Thanks for everyone's help and support. - sheureka
The Chandler dealer uses a third party company title company in Chandler to do their title work. Perhaps you can just use them. Unfortunately I did not keeep their name.
The Chandler dealer did give me the name and number of the guy who does their title work - but he couldn't help me much other than to tell me he hadn't had any problems. But anyway, the car is registered now. And the legal department at SmartUSA was very, very helpful. Thanks again everybody.
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