Check out what this dealer told me today... - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

doogster · 05-07-2008, 03:56 PM

I'm looking for a red/black cabrio orphan.... I found one at a dealership and the dealer told me today I can have it... he said its $15900 for the car, then $225 for the red paint, $850 for the comfort package... this was all good so far... then he said $660 for destination... again, all good... then he said "of course this car has the "customer satisfaction" package... for $1999!!! I asked what it was... he told me 5 year tire protections, window etching, lojack, spray painted wheels and roadside protection for 5 years... bringing the total to $20,900 + tax.

CruisingAZ · 05-07-2008, 04:02 PM

I hope you told him to pound sand.

bottlerocket · 05-07-2008, 04:03 PM

LOL

"Customer satisfaction"??????

More like dealer satisfaction

Old smart · 05-07-2008, 04:04 PM

OK; not surprising. But when these things happen you need to specifically identify the dealer to this broad forum. That is the only way the "dealer corps" and smartUSA and Penske will sense customer scrutiny and dissatisfaction.

doogster · 05-07-2008, 04:37 PM

OK... it was White Plains NY

Da and Linda · 05-07-2008, 05:00 PM

Maybe the dealer could be a little more creative and call it "our chance to really but the screws to you." Oh did you want a kiss with that?
Shame on them

blackbeagle · 05-07-2008, 05:02 PM

It's unfortunate that some dealers are using this tactic. I think it's shameful. They know the car is in high demand so they feel they can resort to these scams. Tire/roadside protection should be/can be taken off so you can ask how much that would reduce the price.

If they say it's all included, then I would make a point to talk to the GM and then go to Penske with an email as well.

That's just lame!!!

doogster · 05-07-2008, 05:07 PM

yeah... I'd like the car... but that is just too much... he told me its "all been included" and this is the way the car is for sale... no negotiation.

saronian · 05-07-2008, 05:10 PM

There has been plenty of dissatisfaction expressed about the policy regarding orphans. But so far I haven't seen any action from smart USA/PAG that would disincentivize the dealers from grabbing whatever the market will bear on abandoned reservations.

blackbeagle · 05-07-2008, 05:10 PM

Sorry...if I were you...I'd tell him what I think if his tactics and walk out. Tell them that although you are very interested, you will not be held hostage with dealer add-ons and will wait for your custom order. ...that should send a message. In time, with enough people doing the same thing, they may get the message.